Language & Behavior in Business Communications

Effective communication is essential to successful business transactions. Language and behavior, which are shaped by culture and experience, are important factors of effective communication. To improve your business communications, it helps to gain an understanding of the culture, language and behavior of your associates.

Significance

Understanding language and behavior has become more important to business communications because of an increased global marketplace. For instance, the Internet allows you to market and sell products or services to customers all over the world.

Prevention/Solution

Learning about language and behavior allows you to prevent miscommunications. For example, product names don't always translate well in other countries. By looking at different translations before selling a product internationally, you can identify products which might not sell well in specific countries.

Considerations

Listening is an important aspect of effective communication. Understanding language and behavior increases your ability to listen effectively. For example, if one of your co-workers is refusing to make eye contact with you, he might be hiding something from you.

References

• California State University, Los Angeles: Listening and Nonverbal Communication
• University of Wisconsin: Why Good Communication is Good Business