This document outlines best practices for business communication. It discusses effective and ethical communication, professionalism in the workplace, electronic and digital communication, and business presentations. Specific topics covered include abiding by laws, telling the truth, labeling opinions, being objective, communicating clearly, using inclusive language, giving credit, working in teams, meetings, listening skills, nonverbal communication, etiquette, benefits and disadvantages of communication tools, purpose and preparation of presentations, and delivery techniques.

1. Best Practices in
Business Communication
Brent Pritchett
ORG 536 – Contemporary Business Writing and
Communication
Colorado State University - Global Campus
Dr. Robert Olszewski
March 29, 2015

2. Business Communication
Communication is the
transmission of information
and meaning.
Effective communication
skills and effective
workplace communication
are essential in Business.

3. Best Practices for…
• Effective and Ethical Business Communication
• Professionalism in the Workplace
• Intercultural Business Communication
• Electronic Messages and Digital Media in
Business Communication
• Business Presentations

4. Effective and Ethical Business
Communication
• Abiding by the Law
– Know the laws in your field and follow
them.
• Telling the Truth
– Do not intentionally make statements
that are untrue or deceptive.
• Labeling Opinions
– Know the difference between fact and
opinion.

5. Effective and Ethical Business
Communication
• Being Objective
– Recognize own biases and keep them for distorting
the message
• Communicating Clearly
– Write or speak clearly so the message can be
understood
• Using Inclusive Language
– Use language that is including and nondiscriminatory
• Giving Credit
– Give credit for ideas by quoting and documenting
sources

6. Professionalism in the Workplace
• Working in Teams
– Four phases in team development & decision making
• Forming – Storming – Norming - Performing
• Meeting
– Is it necessary?
– Face to Face
– Virtual Meetings
• Listening
– Ten keys to building powerful listening skills

7. Professionalism in the Workplace
• Nonverbal Communication
– Eye Contact
– Facial Expressions
– Posture and Gestures
– Time, Space, & Territory
– Appearance of Documents
– Appearance of People
• Etiquette Skills
– About attitude
– Good manners convey a positive image
– Respect

8. Electronic Messages and Digital Media in
Business Communications
• Benefits and Disadvantages of..
– E-Mail
– Instant Messaging
– Texting
– Blogging
– Social Media
• Facebook
• Twitter

9. Business Presentations
• Purpose of Presentations
– To Report
– To Explain
– To Persuade
– To Motivate
• Presentation takes
– Planning
– Determining Purpose
– Analyzing the Audience
– Selecting the Delivery Method

10. Business Presentations
• Preparing the Presentation
– Common Mistakes
– Suggested Techniques
– Visual Aids
– Handouts
• Delivering the Presentation
– Practice
– Conversational Tone/Hand Gestures
– Dress appropriately, Speak Clearly and Confidently,
and use Eye Contact.