Communication Skills

2. By the end of the topic, you should be able to:
1. Explain what is meant by the word ‘communication’ in
general.
2. Identify the main elements in the communication
process.
3. Differentiate between oral and written communication
4. Highlight some basic tips on writing
5. List the common pitfalls to avoid in Witten
communication.

3. 1. The process or act of transmitting a message from a sender to a receiver, through a
channel and with the interference of noise. Some would elaborate on this definition,
saying that the message transmission is intentional and conveys meaning in order to
bring about change.
2. Communication is giving, receiving or exchanging ideas, information, signals or
messages through appropriate media, enabling individuals or groups to persuade, to
seek information, to give information or to express emotions.
3. Communication is transfer of information from one person to another, whether or not
it elicits confidence. But the information transferred must be understandable to the
receiver – G.G. Brown.
4. Communication is the intercourse by words, letters or messages”- Fred G. Meyer.

4. Inform
Counsel
Persuade
Sell
Buy
Advice
Teach
Learn
Reveal
Affirm
Critic
Deny
Conceal
Motivate
Accept
Deny

7. Noise
Sender

8. Receiver

12. 1.Written communication involves any type of message that makes use of the written
word. Written communication is the most important and the most effective of any mode of
business communication.
2. Effective written communication is essential for preparing worthy promotional
materials for business development.
3. Effective writing involves careful choice of words, their organization in correct order in
sentences formation as well as cohesive composition of sentences.
4. Writing is more valid and reliable than speech.

13. Written communication can be take place via :
1. Memo
2. Letters
3. Fax
4. Email
5. Social Media (Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter)
6. Report
7. Annual Company Report
8. Advertisement

14. Advantages:
1. Permanent Record
2. Legal Document
3. Mass Dissemination (Written communication can be easily
duplicated through printing or photocopying; it is possible
to reach a wide audience at once.
4. Suitable for long speech
5. Accountability
6. Goodwill and image building (Written documents acts as a
representative of the company and helps to increase
goodwill and image building. A business man can create
goodwill by sending greeting-cards, invitations, thank-you
note in writing, etc.)

15. Disadvantages:
1.Slow and time consuming
2.Lengthy and expensive
3.Lacks personal touch (Written communication lacks personal touch,
hence it is difficult to persuade / Motivate through a letter)
4.Unsuitable for illiterate people
5.Lacks confidentiality (Written communication cannot be as
confidential as personal communication.)
6.Filing

16. Planning Writing Editing

17. 1. Confusing Language
2. Verbosity
3. Poor Sentence Structure
4. Information Overload

20. 1. New Technologies
2. When Others Fail to Respond
3. Fail To Ask Right Question (Indirect Questions)
4. Misinterpretation / Miscommunication
5. Wrong communication channel
6. Not Prepare Thoroughly
7. Assuming That Your Message Has Been Understood
8. Accidentally Violating Other’s Privacy