Business Communication

Study Notes

In a workplace, people write different types of communications, such as memos, business letters, instructions, project proposals, and progress reports.
Each type of communication has its own conventions.

In a workplace, ownership of a writer's work belongs partly to the employer.
What you write at work represents not only you but also your department or employer.
Examples of ownership include:
- A letter or report to a customer is viewed as an official communication from the employer.
- A proposal submitted to a client may result in the employer getting or losing the contract.

In a workplace, employees often work on committees that write reports, proposals, and other documents collaboratively.
The final version of a collaborative document cannot be attributed to only one individual.
Departmental reports are often signed by the Head of Department, even though they are written by staff members.

To succeed on the job, you need to learn to write with the understanding that your employer claims ownership of your communications.
It is essential to think constantly about your readers, including:
- What they want from you
- Why they want it
- How they will react to what you have to say
- How you want to affect them

The main objective of the course is to equip students with skills to communicate clearly and concisely in diverse business situations.
The course covers two sections: written communication and oral communication.
Written communication topics include:
- Planning and structure
- Stylistic issues
- Writing memos, letters, proposals, and reports
- Editing and revising complex information
Oral communication topics include:
- Planning and executing effective presentations
- Group behavior
- Planning and conducting effective meetings

As an employee, you communicate for instrumental purposes to help your employer achieve practical business objectives.
Your communications should only include the information your readers need, avoiding extra information that can decrease efficiency and increase frustration.

In a workplace, you will often create communications that address a wide variety of people with different backgrounds, including:
- Different levels of familiarity with your subject
- Different uses of your information
- Different professional and personal concerns
Example: A report on improving a hospital kitchen's recommendations may be read by various stakeholders, including supervisors, finance, purchasing, and personnel directors, and kitchen staff.