Purpose of Business Communication

Proper business communication is crucial to successful business practices. The way we communicate is changing how we do business and the purpose of business communication is to deliver the message of a particular business or company through electronic, verbal, nonverbal and interpersonal means. If done well, a message is successfully translated from one person to an individual or group.

Electronic

The purpose of business communication through electronic means is to enable business professionals to conduct business more efficiently. It saves time and therefore saves money as well. Electronic communication has taken the place of face-to-face and verbal communication in many business environments. This type of communication includes email, instant messaging, fax or videoconferencing. Colleagues do not walk the halls visiting offices or call on the phone; instead, they send a quick email or set up a video conference with clients in other cities.

Nonverbal

Nonverbal communication in a business setting includes writing, appearance, scheduling and, of course, body language. The purpose of nonverbal business communication is to send a clear message through the written word and visual presentations. Written business correspondence can mean the difference between success and failure. Personnel, at every level of business, must have writing skills. Businesses in the United States spend more than $3 billion each year to train their employees in the art of business writing. Business writing is essential because today's environment mandates written correspondence--in the form of letters, emails or in some cases text messages. If this correspondence is not business professional, it may lead to the end of a business relationship or the failure to secure a new client.

Physical Presentation

Despite a strong belief in your product and an excellent presentation, if you show up to a business meeting in a mini-skirt and tank top, you are not taken seriously and may offend those people you have come to see. This gives the impression that you are extremely unprofessional. If you show up to an appointment late, you will give the same signals. It also hurts your chances of delivering a clear message.

While giving a presentation to new clients, if you do not exude confidence, you may be perceived as unknowledgeable or your client may feel that your product is not worth his time. This type of nonverbal communications also works in reverse. If you notice that a client seems disinterested in your presentation, you can try to change course or your delivery style.

Verbal

Business professionals communicate verbally each day. If you use slang, jargon or improper English, you will not be respected and will potentially lose business. If you need to, sign up for grammar or elocution classes. Proper phone etiquette is essential. Private party meetings can bring in new business, because they are more intimate. Corporate or business representatives must have the proper business communications skills to interact with new clients.

Diversity

Business is conducted at every level of society. Business professionals represent different ages, races, ethnicities and genders. The purpose is to reach those various groups and send them a clear message. Possessing a diverse range of communications skills will ensure an organization's success. A diverse work group will allow a business to capitalize on new opportunities. Diversity in employees with adequate communications skills allows a business to attract various clients and ensures an understanding of their culture and, therefore, their needs. A cross-culture in your company will also help with openness to new ideas.

International

Twenty-first-century business is global. Business communication on a global scale is essential. The purpose is to ensure your message is clear to those of other nationalities and dialects. This is because something as simple as a product name or a specific color represented may offend people in other nations. In Japan, the color white is a sign of mourning, whereas, in America many gifts come in white boxes. When Coca-Cola tried to translate their name into Chinese symbols, it translated into "bite the wax tadpole." International business communication is essential in a global marketplace.

Resources

• Cost
• International