THE POWER OF OPERATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Connecting people in the workplace and helping teams work together more efficiently is at the core of RIVALE Consulting Operation. Working with our professional consulting firm (RCL) can have a significant impact on the success of your business. Professional consultants can help you meet your business goals in a variety of different ways. For example, can provide specialized skills needed to complete a project that aren’t available to you in-house or they can evaluate and help improve business processes or Information Technology infrastructure.

Effective business communication is how employees and management interact with each other to reach organizational goals and be more aligned with the core company values. Its main purpose is to improve organizational practices, eliminate silos, keep employees informed and reduce errors.

Business communication comes in a few different forms and isn’t limited to speech. Companies work with a wide range of people and other businesses, prompting them to communicate in a variety of mediums. To be effective, care is given to the tone and clarity of the message regardless of the communication method.

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HERE ARE WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FORMS OR TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

There are several different ways we share information with one another. For example, you might use verbal communication when sharing a presentation with a group. You might use written communication when applying for a job or sending an email. Here’s a more in-depth look at the four main categories of communication:

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1. Verbal

Verbal communication is the use of language to transfer information through speaking or sign language. It is one of the most common types, often used during presentations, video conferences and phone calls, meetings and one-on-one conversations. Verbal communication is important because it is efficient. It can be helpful to support verbal communication with both nonverbal and written communication.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your verbal communication skills:

Use a strong, confident speaking voice. Especially when presenting information to a few or a group of people, be sure to use a strong voice so that everyone can easily hear you. Be confident when speaking so that your ideas are clear and easy for others to understand.

Use active listening. The other side of using verbal communication is intently listening to and hearing others. Active listening skills are key when conducting a meeting, presentation or even when participating in a one-on-one conversation. Doing so will help you grow as a communicator.

Avoid filler words. It can be tempting, especially during a presentation, to use filler words such as “um,” “like,” “so” or “yeah.” While it might feel natural after completing a sentence or pausing to collect your thoughts, it can also be distracting for your audience. Try presenting to a trusted friend or colleague who can call attention to the times you use filler words. Try to replace them by taking a breath when you are tempted to use them.

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2. Nonverbal

Nonverbal communication is the use of body language, gestures and facial expressions to convey information to others. It can be used both intentionally and unintentionally. For example, you might smile unintentionally when you hear a pleasing or enjoyable idea or piece of information. Nonverbal communication is helpful when trying to understand others’ thoughts and feelings.

If they are displaying “closed” body language, such as crossed arms or hunched shoulders, they might be feeling anxious, angry or nervous. If they are displaying “open” body language with both feet on the floor and arms by their side or on the table, they are likely feeling positive and open to information.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your nonverbal communication skills:

Notice how your emotions feel physically. Throughout the day, as you experience a range of emotions (anything from energized, bored, happy or frustrated), try to identify where you feel that emotion within your body. For example, if you’re feeling anxious, you might notice that your stomach feels tight. Developing self-awareness around how your emotions affect your body can give you greater mastery over your external presentation.

Be intentional about your nonverbal communications. Make an effort to display positive body language when you feel alert, open and positive about your surroundings. You can also use body language to support your verbal communication if you feel confused or anxious about information, like using a furrowed brow. Use body language alongside verbal communication such as asking follow-up questions or pulling the presenter aside to give feedback.

Mimic nonverbal communications you find effective. If you find certain facial expressions or body language beneficial to a certain setting, use it as a guide when improving your own nonverbal communications. For example, if you see that when someone nods their head it communicates approval and positive feedback efficiently, use it in your next meeting when you have the same feelings.

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3. Visual

Visual communication is the act of using photographs, art, drawings, sketches, charts and graphs to convey information. Visuals are often used as an aid during presentations to provide helpful context alongside written and/or verbal communication. Because people have different learning styles, visual communication might be more helpful for some to consume ideas and information.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your visual communication skills:

Ask others before including visuals. If you are considering sharing a visual aid in your presentation or email, consider asking others for feedback. Adding visuals can sometimes make concepts confusing or muddled. Getting a third-party perspective can help you decide whether the visual adds value to your communications.

Consider your audience. Be sure to include visuals that are easily understood by your audience. For example, if you are displaying a chart with unfamiliar data, be sure to take time and explain what is happening in the visual and how it relates to what you are saying. You should never use sensitive, offensive, violent or graphic visuals in any form.

To make improvements to your communication skills, set personal goals to work through the things you want to accomplish step by step. It might be helpful to consult with trusted colleagues, managers or mentors to identify which areas would be best to focus on first.

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4. Written

Written communication is the act of writing, typing or printing symbols like letters and numbers to convey information. It is helpful because it provides a record of information for reference. Writing is commonly used to share information through books, pamphlets, blogs, letters, memos and more. Emails and chats are common forms of written communication in the workplace.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your written communication skills:

Strive for simplicity. Written communications should be as simple and clear as possible. While it might be helpful to include lots of detail in instructional communications, for example, you should look for areas where you can write as clearly as possible for your audience to understand.

Don’t rely on tone. Because you do not have the nuance of verbal and nonverbal communication, be careful when you are trying to communicate a certain tone when writing. For example, attempting to communicate a joke, sarcasm or excitement might be translated differently depending on the audience. Instead, try to keep your writing as simple and plain as possible and follow up with verbal communications where you can add more personality.

Take time to review your written communications. Setting time aside to re-read your emails, letters or memos can help you identify mistakes or opportunities to say something differently. For important communications or those that will be sent to a large number of people, it might be helpful to have a trusted colleague review it as well.

Keep a file of writing you find effective or enjoyable. If you receive a certain pamphlet, email or memo that you find particularly helpful or interesting, save it for reference when writing your own communications. Incorporating methods or styles you like can help you to improve over time.

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WHY IS COMMUNICATION IMPORTANT IN ANY ORGANIZATION OR COMPANY OPERATION?

Communication in business is important to convey clear, strong messages about strategy, customer service and branding. A business building a brand reflects a consistent message tailored to its audience. Internal communication builds rapport among employees and managers and encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Good communicators are vital to a business’s profit margin and reputation. Employees who communicate well and understand the company’s vision help make the company successful. Using effective communication skills can benefit a business and its employees in a variety of ways, including:

1. Building better teams

Effective communication builds a positive atmosphere where teams can flourish. When communication is positive and encouraging, team members become stronger and work better together. Those who practice good communication skills make working beside them easier and less stressful. Job tensions or friction are promptly addressed since effective communicators work toward finding solutions.

2. Preventing misunderstandings and conflicts

Listening is a part of communicating used to understand a situation fully. Good communicators listen well and react appropriately, and they’re more likely to find solutions without becoming defensive. When conflicts arise, good communicators address the problem right away and listen to the other side.

3. Improving customer service

Businesses need to know what their customers want and need from them to serve them. Forming business relationships is how companies build trust in their brand and bring customers back. Reliable and positive communication with customers is paramount to maintaining a valued customer service reputation. Effective communication with customers by answering questions and providing solutions helps to improve the business’s reputation. Communicating well over the phone or through social media or email improves customer confidence and loyalty. Written communication that is consistent with the brand’s voice can help promote community between customers and organizations.

4. Meeting goals and earning success

For a business to be successful, short- and long-term goals must be clear and concise. When employees know what the goals and visions of their company are, they are better able to focus their efforts on achieving them. Communicate goals clearly, and regularly remind employees of the team or individual goals to keep them motivated and encouraged. It can also help employees understand the importance of their roles in making the company successful, which can improve loyalty within the company and reduce hiring turnover.

5. Promoting creativity and innovation

People who are good communicators are usually open to sharing ideas without judgment. When trust is built based on effective communication, team members are more apt to share with each other to inspire creativity. Effective communicators are more inclined to collaborate to find creative solutions, as well. When employees are keen to share ideas, companies can transform their approaches and find unique ways to serve customers and clients.

6. Advancing individual career prospects

Good communication skills, such as open and honest communication, eliminate surprises and reinforce your commitment to solve problems and support the business. This can help you earn promotions and secure leadership positions in your current organization or pursue new advanced career opportunities elsewhere.

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We as RIVALE Consulting Limited, we are committed and we look at developing and promoting different aspects in life through effective communication for our clients’ goals and objectives to be achieved or fulfilled.

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