WELCOME

TO THE COURSE ON

BUSINESS

Communication

 WHY DO I NEED TO DO THIS COURSE?

WHAT IS BUSINESS COMMUNICATION?

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Principles of Effective Writing How to write good Memos Minutes of Meetings Reports CVs Business Proposals

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

How to make good presentations Telephone and Email Etiquette Principles of Cross Cultural Communication

Word for the day

PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE WRITING

Good communication adapts to the receivers filter: filters differ knowledge of words and meanings differ

ADAPT
Visualise your receiver: how much does he know, feel, think Do you need to lower your level? If it is a diverse group, adapt to the lowest level Quite often, the writer knows more than the reader

Words

Use your judgement in choosing familiar words Generally, short words communicate better Use technical words with caution

 The decision was

predicated on the assumption that an abundance of monetary funds was forthcoming.

The decision was

based on the belief that there would be more money.

Bring writing to life with words

Use strong words to hold attention of the reader Prefer to use active voice Use concrete words : avoid abstract words which sound vague Avoid camouflaged verbs

Strong words
Generally declining
market

Bear market Tycoon

Eminently successful
businessman

Concrete words vs abstract words

A 53 % loss 98% attendance First among 235 companies By Friday afternoon Substantial amount Significant loss Good attendance Leading company In the near future Rs. 3,24,000

Check for concreteness

It is imperative that the firm practice extreme conservatism in operating expenditures during the coming year.

We must cut operating expenses at least by 20% i.e. Rs. 2,80,000 during 2009-10

Keep energy by using active voice

The policy has been supported by our Union The office will be inspected by Mr. Bakshi A complete reorganisation of the adminstration was effected by the President Our Union has supported this policy Mr. Bakshi will inspect this office The President completely reorganised the administration

Correct Idioms
Idioms: The way in which ideas are expressed in a language

Correct usage

Wrong Authority about In search for Comply to Enamored with Superior than In accordance to

Right Authority on In search of Comply with Enamored of Superior to In accordance with

Sexist words: Avoid indicating male dominance

If a customer pays promptly, he is placed on our preferred list A supervisor is not responsible for such losses if he is not negligent

A customer who pays promptly is placed on our preferred list A supervisor who is not negligent is not responsible for such losses

Use short sentences

16 to 18 words for average readers Limit content, without being choppy Eliminate words that do not contribute to the meaning Repeat only for effect and emphasis

He ordered desks that are of the executive type. There are four rules that should have been observed It will be noted that the records for the past years show a steady increase in special appropriations

He ordered executive type desks. Four rules should be observed The records for the past years show a steady increase in special appropriations