4 Practical Tips for Effective Business Communication

One
of the skills every professional needs to possess is the ability to effectively
communicate. We communicate with companies, clients, vendors, our bosses,
co-workers, and employees. We simply cannot let our ability to communicate
become something that we skate through our career and hope it all works out.
The opportunity for misunderstandings is too great.

At
last year’s WordCamp Orlando, Nathan
Ingram, led a session on effective business
communication. He is the creator of ADVANCE Coaching
and works primarily with WordPress web developers to help them becoming more
successful in their freelance businesses. I thought his points about business
communication were great reminders for everyone.

4
Components of Successful Business Communications

CLARITY:
In the business world, reaching agreement doesn’t always mean there’s clarity. Specificity
is about clarity. We can get specific by asking questions. One of the best
skills we can develop is the ability to ask good questions, which can
ultimately help us achieve the clarity we’re looking for.

COMMITTMENTS:
According to Ingram, all healthy relationships – including working relationships
are based on commitments. It makes sense. We commit to being a part of a team,
doing our fair share, delivering a result to a customer, etc.

DOCUMENTATION:
It’s time to realize that we can’t rely on our memory. Or our co-worker’s
memory. Or our boss’ memory. There’s
nothing wrong with taking notes and documenting stuff.
Good communication is a balance between expectations and results. Don’t forget
technology can help us with this.

INTERACTION:
Without regular interaction, people make assumptions. Following-up with others
is important, and it doesn’t need to be lengthy. Ingram shared a 3-sentence
model for interacting with stakeholders.

Past: Explain what we’ve done.Present: This is what we’re doing.Future: This is what we’re going to do
next.

Our business communications don’t need to be
long or elaborate. They do need to be effective. In fact, some might argue that
if we
can master the art of simplicity when it comes to
our business communications, maybe more people would open our emails and read
them.

What are your secrets for effective business communications? Leave us your tips in the comments.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Denver, CO

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