In today’s modern world there are two main aspects to any communication. The first is the method (or HOW) communication is sent and received. This is the realm of communication systems. The second is the purpose (WHAT is being communicated and WHY). This involves the use of effective communication skills.
Slightly different communication skills are needed when using different communication systems. In a face to face interaction we have at our disposal all levels of communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Interestingly, the actual words we use in conversation account for only 5% of our interpretation of any communication. This is where even more skill is required in other methods of communication.
Consider for a moment all the methods of communicating that are part of day to day business communications: face-to-face, office memo, telephone and voice messaging, fax, e-mail, brochures, articles, and newsletters. Business communication can involve in-house communications, and external communication both from and to any particular business.
In today’s business world any successful company is going to pay attention to ensuring that their communication systems are up to date and effective. It is vital that data communications are reliable, a break down in this area for however short a time can often result in a substantial loss of service and income.
Even a single person, home based business will probably ensure that they have both email and mobile communication available. If you can’t be reached, people will take their business elsewhere! From the smallest to the largest businesses, someone will ultimately have responsibility for ensuring that corporate communications are running smoothly.
Employing the right staff is another aspect of making sure communication runs well. A company needs to know the person they employ understands the ‘how’ of any communication device they need to use, and just as importantly that they have effective skills in the ‘why and what’ areas. Most efficient businesses know the value of spending money on ensuring their staff has highly effective communication skills. There is little point in having the latest state of the art communications technology if what is being communicated is not of value! Effective communication needs both good equipment and good people skills.
