Language is almost as old as human existence. Language keeps evolving along with the changes in social and cultural components of human life.
The present world is driven by Business, trade and technology. The language of business is different from the language of day to day life. Therefore, it is important to familiarise oneself with the language that is spoken in an Business environment. The communication that takes place in formal settings and is used to conduct business is know as Business communication.
We know communication is a way of exchanging thoughts, ideas, emotions, etc. with other people. When we say Business Communication then we need to understand that what is Business Communication and how is it different from routine communication?
To understand the true nature of Business Communication , let us first differentiate between regular communication and business communication:
Routine/regular Communication Business Communication
Routine /Business
- Subjective /Objective
- free /structured
- general/ subject– specific
- casual /Audience-oriented
- Action desired /Action intended
- Response expected /Response must
- Language-colloquial /language-formal
- Style-simple /Style-persuasive
Based on the differences listed above, we can define Business Communication as:
A formal communication which is definite, structured, purpose oriented, audience-specific and which focuses on a particular action. The language of business communication is formal, purpose is well-defined and the style of expression is persuasive.
The term Business Communication has been variously defined by academicians and Business Gurus:
William Scott defined, “Organizational communication is a process which involves the transmission and accurate replication of ideas ensured by feedback for the purpose of electing actions which will accomplish organizational goals.”
In the opinion of W. H. Meaning, “The exchange of ideas, news and views in connection with the business among the related parties is called business communication”.
Business Communication can be divided into 3 categories:
Spoken
Written
Non-Verbal
Spoken communication is used at various platforms for interaction like Business meetings, formal speeches, discussions, interviews, etc.
Written communication includes Letters or formal correspondence through e-mails, reports, notices, circulars , manuals, books etc
Non-verbal is communication beyond spoken words which is based on gestures, postures, eye contacts, facial expressions etc.
So we can observe that speaking , writing and communicating non- verbally are essential constituents of the language of Business.
English is an internationally recognised language for communication in a world based on globalisation and cross cultural communication. So the ability to speak, write, understand and express in English language is considered as a merit in business community. Consequently the study of Business English is considered mandatory for business students, professionals and managers. Business communication has thus emerged as an important area of study and corporate training to equip the employees with high order language skills and facilitate better understanding for intra and Inter- organization businesses.
# Listen, Speak, Read, Write # 