1. Chapter 1 Communicating in Your Life
Business Communication
Chapter 1
Communicating in Your Life
Copyright South-Western Cengage Learning

2. The Communication Process
Message
Sender
Receiver
Channel
Feedback
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Senders and receivers are important elements in the communication process.
1.1 The Communication Process and Its Forms

3. Purposes of Communication
Obtain or share information
Build goodwill and image
Persuade
Build relationships and self-esteem
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People communicate in meetings to share information.
1.1 The Communication Process and Its Forms

4. Types of Business Communication
Formal and informal communication
Communication direction
Written and oral communication
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Communication among peers is called lateral communication.
1.1 The Communication Process and Its Forms

5. Protecting Confidential Information
Confidential information is data that should be kept private or secret
Examples:
Patient health records
Employee salaries
Plans for a new product
Employees should not share confidential data with people who are not authorized to have it
1.1 The Communication Process and Its Forms

6. Communication Barriers
External barriers
Poor lighting, heat or cold, and noise
Document appearance
Closed communication climate
Internal barriers
Educational background, experiences, and biases
Lack of interest or motivation
1.2 Overcoming Communication Barriers

7. Audience Profile Questions
Overcoming Barriers
The sender’s duties
Audience analysis
Message environment
Symbol and channel selection
Seeking feedback
Audience Profile Questions
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The message environment affects how listeners receive a message.
1.2 Overcoming Communication Barriers

8. Overcoming Barriers The receiver’s duties Reading Listening
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Readers should select a quiet location that is free from distractions.
1.2 Overcoming Communication Barriers

9. Checking Understanding
Reading skills are important for success
At school
On the job
In personal activities
Paraphrasing is a good way to check your understanding of a message
1.2 Overcoming Communication Barriers

10. Importance of Reading Reading and the job search
USAJOBS is the official job site of the U.S. government.
1.3 Reading in the Workplace

11. Importance of Reading Reading on the job Staying informed
Following procedures
Handling transactions
Providing customer service
Making decisions and solving problems
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Workers must read orders and packing slips.
1.3 Reading in the Workplace

12. Improving Reading Skills
Types of reading
Skimming
Scanning
Careful reading
Improving speed and comprehension
1.3 Reading in the Workplace

13. Free Reading Tests Free reading tests are available online
Search for speed reading test
Questions
What is your reading speed as shown by the free online test?
How does your score compare with the speeds discussed in the text?
school.cengage.com/bcomm/buscomm
1.3 Reading in the Workplace

14. Vocabulary audience analysis business communication channel
communication barriers
confidential information
external communication barriers
feedback
goodwill
grapevine
internal communication barriers
listening
message
message environment
nonverbal symbols
reading
receiver
scanning
sender
verbal symbols

15. Audience Profile Questions
What is the age and gender of the receiver?
Does the receiver have experience or education related to the topic?
What are the concerns and needs of the receiver?
What are the beliefs and viewpoints of the receiver?
Will the message make the receiver happy? sad? pleased? upset?
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1.2 Overcoming Communication Barriers