Communication basics for The Office provides 5 tips for effective communication: 1. Smile when recording your voicemail greeting to sound friendly. 2. Be aware that tone of voice is absent in emails and written exchanges. 3. Ask if it's a good time before starting a phone conversation to be respectful of the other person's schedule. 4. When interrupting, clarify the topic you want to discuss to avoid confusion. 5. Tips are given for improving phone calls, conversations, interruptions and written exchanges like email.