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OVERVIEW

Changing Communications The use of electronic messages and digital

media Types most commonly used Intercultural Business Communications Positive & Negative Messages Examples of Positive and Negative Messages Tips for Business Writing Final Considerations

CHANGING COMMUNICATIONS

The way we communicate is continuously evolving over time.

CHANGING COMMUNICATIONS

With the continuous change in technology, businesses must be able to adapt their communication methods to adapt to their employees preferred methods (Guffey & Loewy, 2015).

People need to hear a message 5-7 times to internalize it and from the appropriate sender, the abundance of communication methods available help businesses to do this more effectively (Prosci, 2014).

THE USE OF ELECTRONIC MESSAGES AND DIGITAL MEDIA

Old fashioned methods (group collaboration meetings, face to face) are used most commonly.

A shift is happening where generations (X, Y) are finding social media outlets as a more effective collaboration methods. (Cardon & Marshall, 2015).

Some organizations have began using text messages as a form of communication/advertising. (i.e. Express sends a text message to their distribution lists when a sale is happening or new items have arrived).

To be competitive, organizations must be active with social media avenues. The amount of users in all age groups have increased dramatically. (Horn Nord, Paliszkiewicz, & Koohang, 2014).

COMMUNICATION CHANNELS MOST COMMONLY USED

E-mail is the most commonly used form of communication within businesses.

(Cardon, & Marshall, 2015)

Social media is forecasted to take over as the most commonly used form of communication over the course of the next several years

Meetings are frequently used, but often cited as ineffective.

INTERCULTURAL BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS

Consider cultural values Consider how problems are

communicated and solved in the different culture.

Consider the language barrier- avoid slang in verbal and written communications

In face-to-face meetings consider what your body language could meanObserve how other cultures interact with each otherUnderstand everyone has their own beliefs and valuesPractice empathy and sensitivity to differences

(Dee, 2015)

POSITIVE & NEGATIVE MESSAGES

Being able to deliver all kinds of messages in business is a necessary

skill.

Bad news shouldn’t be a surprise

Continuous conversations should ensue

Demonstrate empathy Be clear and concise- don’t

leave room for interpretation Respect and honesty are key Face to face if possible Can provide an email message

to allow receiver to prepare Follow up with details and

outline of negative news in person

(McCammon, 2015)

Most messages are considered positive in a day to day routine

A positive message can be a routine email or update and often a response is not required from the reader

Compliance and acceptance are expected

The message tone is polite Main message should be

delivered up front Background information should

follow

Positive Messages Negative Messages

(CSU Global, 2015)

EXAMPLES OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE MESSAGES

Routine information: Neutral impact Updates Day to day operation

information Memos Emails Letters

Bad News: Upsetting to receiver Personal impact Employment decisions Salary decisions Rejection Negative performance

reviews

(CSU Global, 2015)

TIPS FOR BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

When communication is written:

Consider your audience

Grammar, word choice, spelling, structure and tone matter

Do not use contractions

Be formal, don’t use slang or be too friendly

Read through your final draft before sending

(Dees, 2005)

When speaking:

Have a positive mindset- project confidence

Prepare what you need to say

Be aware of your body language, tone and word choice

(Greenhill, 2015)

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Strong communication is the core of business and success in business

“Communication is only successful when the receiver receives it as the sender intended” (Module 1, Page 1)

A big component of communicating is being an effective listener

#1 Skill employers hire for: Strong communication skills

((CSU Global, 2015)

REFERENCESCardon, P. W., & Marshall, B. (2015). The Hype and Reality of Social

Media Use for Work Collaboration and Team Communication. Journal Of Business Communication, 52(3)

Colorado State University-Global Campus. (2010). Module 5– Workplace Communication: Positive and Negative Message. [Blackboard ecourse]. In ORG 536– Contemporary Business Writing and Communications (p. 1). Greenwood Village, CO: Author.

Colorado State University-Global Campus. (2010). Module 1–Effective, Ethical, and Professional Communication. [Blackboard ecourse]. In ORG 536– Contemporary Business Writing and Communications (p. 1). Greenwood Village, CO: Author.

Dee, K. M. (2015). Communicating Across Cultures. Alaska Business Monthly, 31(3), 98-99

Dees, C. (2005). Little things matter in customer communications Don't try this at work: Yo, Bob - thx 4 the e-mail!!!. Public Relations Tactics, 12(2), 25.

Greenhill, S. (2015). Take to the stage without a wobble. Travel Trade Gazette UK & Ireland, (3130), 37.

REFERENCES CONTINUED

Guffey, M. & Loewy, D. (2015). Business communication: Process and product (8th

ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 9781285094069

HORN NORD, J., PALISZKIEWICZ, J., & KOOHANG, A. (2014). USING SOCIAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONS AND HIGHER EDUCATION. Journal Of Computer Information Systems, 55(1), 92-104.

McCammon, R. (2015). So, here's the bad news.. Entrepreneur, 43(7), 24-25.

Prosci. (2014). Best Practices in Change Management. Loveland, CO: Prosci Research.

All images from:

Pixaby. (2015). Free High-Quality Images You can Use Anywhere. Retrieved from http://pixabay.com