Communication Concepts

Listening Skills in Business

The importance of listening skills in business is enormous. The ability to speak well is a necessary component to successful communication. The ability to listen is equally as important. Good listening is an art.

  • A good listener is generally interested in what the speaker has to convey.
  • A good listener knows the art of getting much more than what the speaker is trying to convey.
  • A good listener knows how to prompt, prod, persuade.
  • A good listener puts a speaker at ease helps articulate and facilitates the speaker to get across the message in full and with clarity.
  • A good listener should also not have any biases and should cultivate the right temperament.
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Business Proposal: Meaning, Types and Drafting

A Business Proposal can be defined as an offer document presented to undertake work affecting the future of an organisation. Usually a business proposal is given for any additions or amendments to be incorporated within a business framework. Proposals are also tools of communication but in a different sense. They do not just give the facts but also a probable solution to a particular problem or situation. They can be written to people within or outside an organisation.

Business Proposals can be classified into two types: Sales Proposal and Research Proposals. Sales Proposals are written with the aim of bringing gains for the proposing organisation.… Read the rest

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Different Types of Reports Used in Business

After thorough study, collection of all relevant facts and information and proper scrutiny and analysis of a problem relating to past or present, submission of the conclusions supported by statements and other relevant data etc. is called a report, which offers suggestions for solution of the problem studied. A report is a formal communication written for a specific purpose; it includes a description of procedures followed for collection and analysis of data, their significance, the conclusions drawn from them, and recommendations, if required.  The information present in the report is needed to evaluate progress and plan future action. Reports provide feed back to an organization to guide future course of action.… Read the rest

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Introduction to listening skills

What is listening?

Listening is a process of receiving, interpreting and reacting to the messages received from the communication sender. Effective listening is an art of communication, which is often taken for granted and ignored. Like any other art, listening require to be cultivated consciously and carefully. Unfortunately, our education systems beginning from kindergarten up to college level do not pay attention to the teaching of effective listening. Poor listening can be considered, as a mighty barrier to communication as listening is fundamental to all communication. It often results in losing messages due to improper functioning of communication. Listening require conscious efforts of interpreting the sounds, grasping the meanings of the words and reacting to the message.… Read the rest

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Introduction to Group Communication

Group communication is an extension of interpersonal communication where more than two individuals are involved in exchange of ideas, skills and interests. A group is a number of people with a common goal who interact with one another to accomplish their goals, recognize one another’s existence and see themselves as part of the group. Groups provide an opportunity for people to come together to discuss and exchange views of common interest. There could be many different groups for as many different reasons. For instance, casually formed groups with friends over a drink, coffee break, games, dances or religious gatherings have a different purpose than that of groups attending a meeting or seminar to help fight AIDS or interacting with committee members to draft a proposal.… Read the rest

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Definition of Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is the universal form of communication that takes place between two individuals. Since it is person-to-person contact, it includes everyday exchange that may be formal or informal and can take place anywhere by means of words, sounds, facial expression, gestures and postures.

In interpersonal communication there is face-to-face interaction between two persons, that is, both are sending and receiving messages. This is an ideal and effective communication situation because you can get immediate feedback. You can clarify and emphasize many points through your expressions, gestures and voices. In interpersonal communication, therefore, it is possible to influence the other person and persuade him or her to accept your point of view.… Read the rest

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