Business Communication Skills

Business Communication Skills

As technology is advancing, so is the world of business communication. In days of old, business people wrote "letters" to their clients. Face-to-face meetings were held, often ending with a handshake. Today's world of business communication has a much different face.

One such new innovation in the world of business communication is electronic tools. "New software programs and devices continually enter the market to help businesses. However, acquiring new technology and helping workers master it entails an enormous capital investment." Locker & Kienzler (2008). Devices such as wikis, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and teleconferences are meant to increase productivity and means of communicating with customers. However, some business professionals find that they are "overwhelmed" by such electronic communication tools and the time it takes to learn the effective use of these communication tools requires time, training and capital.

Email has become a preferred means of communication to fellow workers and clients. However, the overuse of email can lead to what is known as information overload. "Perhaps the biggest problem for many employees is the amount of e-mail. IDC, a research consulting firm, estimates 84 billion e-mails are sent daily." Locker & Kienzler (2008).

Business communications play a major role in a corporation's day-to-day activities such as checking emails and corresponding to any important messages. Research may be required for customer inquiries that need additional information. Companies are assimilating information to their customers increasingly by referring them to company websites, where all pertinent company data can be found in one location.
Telecommunication also plays a very important role in business communication, especially in a corporation's sales department. The majority of the workday is spent on the telephone talking to clients. Many times,
people in sales departments are multi-tasking, sending the clients...