Business communication is any communication that helps those in a professional capacity to give, understand and respond appropriately to information in the workplace.
Good business communication skills will lead to successful interactions with co-workers and management that initiate activity and achieve results.
Any communication requires a good understanding of the language being spoken. If you are working in an environment where you are speaking a second language daily, it can be challenging.
Fine-tuning your Business Communication skills can be done around work and family commitments, and eventually in the workplace itself.
Taking online language learning classes with a qualified and experienced tutor is a great way to go. Business Communication classes can help you fine-tune your skills in a fun, flexible, and convenient way. Online language learning platforms like Preply offer Business English courses to suit your individual needs and work commitments.
Once you have identified any areas of improvement with a tutor, you can practise these at home and then at work.
Increase conversations, both written and verbal, that you have with your colleagues at work. Volunteer input in collaborative tasks and give feedback to colleagues. Ask for feedback if you are unsure if what you have said or written is correct.
Some examples of Business Communication skills that may be required in the workplace are:
Negotiation Skills. In business, negotiating could be an essential element of your position. It is also an essential skill to use with co-workers. It requires an ability to deploy persuasive language to help others see things your way.
Collaboration Skills. These are essential when working alongside colleagues and supporting your company or business goals. In collaboration, certain phrases and expressions need to be used to allow the task to run smoothly. This involves things like active listening, acknowledgment of others’ ideas, feedback and input. Using collaboration tools like Excel isnot only great for storing team data, but also serve as great collaboration tools.
Diplomacy skills. These help you to build relationships with colleagues, and other business associates. Diplomatic situations require assertive, persuasive language to be used. As well as active listening and conflict resolution skills.
Written communication. Common business tasks will require strong writing tasks. Writing emails, drafting reports, or editing documents will require a good understanding of grammar, spelling, and appropriate tone.
Presentation skills. Depending on your role at work, presentations may be a frequent or rare occurrence. These require a good understanding and the ability to use persuasive language. Identifying relevant facts and information for your audience. And a good understanding of appropriate body language and tone.
Public speaking skills. The need for these skills will again depend on your role at work. These are slightly different skills needed when giving a presentation. Depending on the topic, the use of persuasive language may be key. Using an appropriate tone and pace is also vital.
Feedback and input. Being able to deliver feedback in an appropriate way is essential to building relationships at work. Feedback should be given in a constructive way, using positive language. Being able to provide valuable input at work requires confidence, and this is directly linked to your confidence in speaking the language.
Non-verbal communication techniques. These include things like maintaining eye contact, nodding in agreement, body language and using appropriate language when acknowledging others’ ideas. Non-verbal communication techniques are usually closely tied in with the culture. What is appropriate within one culture may not be in another.
Demonstrating Your Skills At Work
Once you have perfected the art of Business Communication you can show off these skills in your workplace. Increase your conversations, both written and verbal, with your colleagues, supervisors, and clients. Increase your input in collaborative tasks and written reports. Or demonstrate your understanding of culturally appropriate references and body language to impress international clients.
Conclusion
Business Communication skills are essential to building relationships with colleagues and clients. These skills will allow you to negotiate, collaborate and present information in a persuasive way. Being able to give valuable feedback and input and observe appropriate non-verbal communication techniques are vital to the smooth running of collaborative tasks. In short, Business Communication skills will help you get ahead at work, and who doesn’t want that?
