Every institution has got vital areas to pay attention to, if growth must be attained and progress maximized. This truth is very essential to a company that seeks an ever-rising capacity both in revenue and in efficiency. Communication skill is an undeniable tool that every company must leverage.
In this article I will share with you:
- What communication is
- What business communication is
- Types of communication In business
- Tips for effective business communication
Communication will simply mean a connection allowing access between persons or places.
The art and act of communicating (talking, sharing ideas, events) between two or more people.
Business communication is an extension of general communication, it is that informative link between a company, her employees and her consumers, both within the company and outside.
While a good communication must point to the end goal of clarity, and both parties understanding themselves well enough, business communication has got a key drive,
It seeks to inform, persuade and entertain.
And this rudiments are essential keys to actualizing a scalable profit oriented business.
Types of communication
It is first important to note as afore mentioned that the foundation to a successful business is hinged upon how effective their communication skill is. This is because nothing works outside first communication.
A customer’s need will not even be known if there is a communication barrier or gap. It therefore mean that communication is a need in the world of business today.
They are different types of communication based on their significance to business.
Types of business communication; based on structure
- Formal communication : formal communication is a hierarchal flow of information in an organization or company through already spelt out channels. It could come in oral or written form, it is many times channeled via the managers of organizations, it is always superior and subordinate based,and it also aids flexibility of responsibilities for better efficiency.
- Informal communication: informal communication could be said to be unstructured, unofficial unplanned, it buys into the personal relationship within both parties, unlike formal information, no hierarchy is followed, it flows between friends therefore it is not positioned confined, but personal relationships based, in essence there isn’t any formal rule given.
Based on medium
- Non verbal communication: it’s a form of communication other than words, rather through gestures, and expression. In this, body movement, facial expressions, and voice tone are forms in which communication is being done. It conveys feelings and emotions in a judicious way,
- Verbal communication: A direct opposite of non verbal communication, here information is passed through words either writing or oral forms. It uses the aid of reading, speaking, writing and listening, it is the most used and preferred style of communication.
Based on flow of direction
- Upward communication: In this flow of direction information is passed from subordinate to senior, basically their ideas, suggestions, and even problems.
- Downward communication: it’s a reverse chain, here orders, instructions, rules and all forms of information is passed from top managers to subordinate of organizations.
- Horizontal communication: communication is not just passed from seniors to subordinate, it can be passed between two colleagues occupying similar positions in an organization, this is known as horizontal communication, for instance a finance Manger communicating with a sales manager in an organization.
- Diagonal communication: communication between a senior of a particular department with a subordinate of same department in an organization, and vice versa, for instance a supervisor correcting an IT staff in same department in an organization.
Based on response
- One way : in this communication, information is passed from the sender without an expectation of a reply or a feed back from the receiver. A detailed example is a television advert whose aim Is to enlighten the viewers.
- Two way : in this communication, information is passed from the sender to the receiver, and in return, the receiver sends a feed back, for instance a company organization shares the problem of a low sake with the sales rep and then the sales representative gives positive response to that effect.
Tips for effective business communication
This might just be certain things you are missing, to gain a good communication base:
- Use the right medium to pass your message.
- Be audience minded and driven
- Use relatable words, instead of unfamiliar words, when communicating.
- Be proactive; anticipate questions and get answers ready
90% communication is verbal and the 10% is non verbal, therefore pay attention to your gestures and expressions and facial tone, they must be in sync with your verbal communication.
In other to communicate effectively, every business must master good communication skills, they are about five major good communication skills
Listening: every well tailored communication that will enhance results will adapt a good culture of listening, especially from the end of business owners, a company whose ultimate drive is to meet the needs of her client must develop an habit of listening to them.
Others include : emotions control, straight talking, persuasion, awareness of communication style.
