How to improve your BUSINESS COMMUNICATION?

Summary

This video offers five essential business communication rules to improve clarity and effectiveness. Key tips include pinpointing the purpose of communication, choosing the right medium, simplifying language, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and being mindful of when to use specific communication methods. The emphasis is on adapting communication strategies to the audience and the message, ensuring that the decision-maker is not overwhelmed and the message is easily understood. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your business communication and improve decision-making.

Takeaways

• 😀 Clarify the purpose of your communication before initiating it by asking key questions like: What decision am I seeking? Who should make it? Is this the right time to ask?
• 😀 Choose the right medium based on the needs of the decision-maker, not your comfort. Use email for quick exchanges, and face-to-face for sensitive discussions.
• 😀 Simplify your language to avoid unnecessary complexity. The business world is already complicated enough, so keep your message clear and direct.
• 😀 Avoid using business clichés and buzzwords. Phrases like 'cutting edge' and 'next generation' can seem insincere and unoriginal.
• 😀 Replace jargon with plain language unless you're communicating with industry experts. Clear, universally understood terms make your message more accessible.
• 😀 The medium is part of the message. Select the communication method that demands the least emotional or mental effort from the recipient.
• 😀 Overuse of complex jargon or technical terms can confuse your audience, making it harder for them to keep up with your message.
• 😀 Business jargon should be used sparingly and only when necessary. Overuse can mark you as an unoriginal thinker or as unclear in your communication.
• 😀 Face-to-face interactions are best for decisions requiring a personal touch, while emails or texts are sufficient for simpler exchanges.
• 😀 Business communication is more effective when the medium, timing, and language are chosen with the decision-maker's ease in mind.

Q & A

What is the first rule for effective business communication mentioned in the video?

The first rule is to pinpoint the purpose behind the communication. It's crucial to be clear about the purpose before initiating any communication.

What are the three key questions you should ask yourself before starting a communication in business?

1) What decision am I seeking? 2) To whom do I want to make this decision with? 3) Is this the right time to ask that person?

Why is it important to have clarity in the answers to these questions?

Clarity in your answers ensures that the communication is focused and is more likely to be well-received by the decision-maker.

What does the phrase 'the medium is the message' mean in the context of business communication?

It means that the choice of medium for communication impacts how the message is received. The medium should be chosen based on what demands the least mental and emotional effort from the decision-maker.

How should you choose the medium for business communication?

Choose a medium that is convenient for the decision-maker. For example, use email for quick exchanges and face-to-face meetings for decisions requiring personal interaction.

What is the mistake people make when using email in business communication?

A common mistake is using email to avoid uncomfortable situations, such as delivering bad news. This approach prioritizes the sender's comfort over the needs of the recipient.

Why should you simplify words and sentences in business communication?

Simplifying language makes the communication clearer and more effective. The business world is complicated enough, so using simpler words helps avoid confusion.

What is the myth about using complicated jargon in business communication?

The myth is that using complicated jargon makes the communication seem more professional or profound. In reality, it can confuse the listener and make the communicator seem unoriginal or unprofessional.

What is the problem with using business clichés in communication?

Business clichés, such as 'cutting-edge' or 'next generation,' often lack meaning and make the communicator seem unoriginal or insincere. They can also detract from the clarity of the message.

When is it appropriate to use jargon in business communication?

Jargon is appropriate when communicating with others in the same field or industry who understand the terminology. However, it should be avoided when speaking to non-experts or laymen to ensure clear communication.