Effective communication is a crucial skill in both personal and professional life. 15 ways How can you improve your communication skills? Whether it’s a conversation with a friend, a presentation at work, or a public speech, clear and concise communication can help build strong relationships and foster understanding.
Here are the articles to explain, 15 rips How can you improve your communication skills?
Here are 15 tips for improving your communication skills:
Listen actively:
Communication is not just about speaking, but also about listening. When having a conversation, make an effort to actively listen to the person speaking and show that you are engaged. This can be done by making eye contact, nodding, and asking follow-up questions.
Be clear and concise:
Avoid using vague or overly complex language. Instead, strive to be clear and concise in your speech or writing. This will help ensure that your message is understood and helps avoid confusion.
Know your audience:
Before communicating, consider the audience you are speaking to and tailor your message accordingly. This may involve using different language, examples, or delivery methods to best connect with your audience.
Practice public speaking:
If public speaking is a part of your job or a skill you’d like to develop, consider joining a local speaking club or taking a course. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become and the better your skills will become.
Avoid distractions:
When communicating, eliminate distractions such as your phone or computer, and focus on the person you are speaking with. This shows that you value the interaction and helps you maintain your focus on the conversation.
Finally, seek feedback on your communication skills. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for their thoughts and suggestions for improvement. This can be a valuable learning experience and help you continue to grow and develop as a communicator.
Empathy:
Try to put yourself in the shoes of the person you are communicating with. This can help you better understand their perspective and respond in a way that shows you care.
Nonverbal communication:
Nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, can greatly impact the way your message receive. Pay attention to your nonverbal cues and ensure that they are in line with your words.
Preparation:
Preparation is key to effective communication. Before giving a presentation or having an important conversation, take the time to gather your thoughts, practice your delivery, and anticipate potential questions or objections.
Tone:
The tone of your voice can greatly impact the way your message is received. Try to use a tone that is appropriate for the situation and that conveys your intended message.
Avoid judgment:
Avoid making assumptions or being judgmental when communicating. Instead, strive to be open-minded and respectful.
Ask questions:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Asking questions demonstrates your interest and helps ensure that you have a clear understanding of the situation.
Be adaptable:
Be willing to adjust your communication style based on the situation and the person you are communicating with. What works well in one situation may not be effective in another.
Write effectively:
If you need to communicate in writing, take the time to write clearly and effectively. Use clear, concise language, and avoid using technical jargon unless it is necessary.
By incorporating these tips into your daily life, you can develop stronger communication skills and improve your ability to connect with others. Remember, effective communication is a lifelong process, so keep practicing and seeking feedback, and you’ll continue to grow and evolve as a communicator.
How can you improve your communication skills? Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay.
Business Letters in Business Communication Essay with their Meaning and Definition; A letter written for enterprise purposes is a commercial enterprise letter. Inquiry letter, provide the letter, order letter, cover letter, notices, termination of employment are a number of the commercial enterprise letters. Suppose someone desires to write any of these commercial enterprise letters. Also, The essential question is how to write a business letter?
Here is the article to explain, What is the Meaning and Definition of Business Letters in Business Communication?
Besides, There is a pre-detailed format for writing a commercial enterprise letter. There are a few components of a business letter and also regulations associated with them. Let us start to know a way to write an enterprise letter by way of knowing the components of a business letter.
Business Letters are an essential requirement in today’s enterprise global. Business letters are a kind of formal letter sent from one company to every other, or between such corporations and their clients, clients, or other external events. A commercial enterprise letter is an everlasting written report and may take greater critically with the aid of the recipient than other styles of communique. Business letters are a kind of formal letter. Additionally, a formal letter is a letter that writes for a legitimate cause using a designated format and language.
Meaning and Definition of Business Letters in Business Communication;
An enterprise letter is a formal record regularly sent from one business enterprise to any other or from an employer to its customers, personnel, and stakeholders, for example. Additionally, Business letters use for professional correspondence among individuals, as nicely.
Although electronic mail has taken over as the maximum not unusual form of correspondence, revealed-out commercial enterprise letters are nonetheless used for many important, severe kinds of correspondence, such as reference letters, employment verification, job offers, and more.
A Business Letter is the type of letter which serves as a means of verbal exchange written for diverse industrial purposes. Additionally, These functions can be an enterprise deal, grievance, warning, observe, invitation, announcement, information, apology, and diverse other company matters. Letters of the commercial enterprise are the most famous and the most extensively written type of letter. Business letters are also the oldest form of legitimate correspondence and possibly the propagators of the mailing gadget.
Types of Business Letters;
Business Letters are basically of Two Types below are:
Formal Business Letter; Formal commercial also enterprise letters are the typical or fashionable commercial enterprise letters meant for legal or reputable correspondence. Also, These consist of letters concerning commercial enterprise deals, orders, declarations, dispute settlements, agreements, data requests, income reports, and other authentic subjects.
Informal Business Letter; Informal Business Letter has a laid-back approach. It use for informal correspondence but doesn’t necessarily must have a casual tone of language. These letters include memorandums, appraisals, interview thanks, reference letters, cowl letters, customer criticism letters, e-mails, and also others that might be much less essential or every day.
Depending upon the consumer, content, cause, and different elements, 17 Letters of Business can be in addition subdivided into:
Like maximum letters, a commercial enterprise letter also has a layout that consists of various divided elements. These parts are:
Business Letters are written to express the right news, bad information, thank you, acknowledgment, invitation, request, Problem, denial, or court cases. It normally despatches thru email and bears the business enterprise letterhead. Besides, the commercial enterprise letter divide into three parts;
Introduction − Opens with greetings and/or references to previous mails.
Middle − Contains details and added information.
Conclusion − Suggests or mentions movement to take and also the finishing.
Business Letter Writing – Format of a Business Letter;
A commercial enterprise letter normally carries the following factors;
Letterhead
Organization call
Address
Telephone wide variety
Date
Reader’s call (Position desired)
Address
Dear Mr. /Ms. [reader’s name]
Your ref. Identity (if in use) and Subject
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
With Regards
Writer’s signature
Also, Name
Position
Business Letters in Business Communication Meaning Definition; Image by Andrew Lloyd Gordon from Pixabay.
Writing a Website and Blog for Business Communication:What is Business Communication?Communication Essay – it is neither the transmission of a message nor the actual message. It is the mutual exchange of understanding, originating with the collector. Communication should be viable in business. Communication is the pith of management. The basic elements of management as; Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, and Controlling; cannot perform well without viable communication. Business communication includes a constant progression of information. Feedback is an integral part of business communication.
Here is the article explain, How to the Writing a Website and Blog for Business Communication? and also know Successful Writing for great Results.
Organizations these days are large and include countless individuals. There are various degrees of hierarchy in an organization. The greater the quantity of levels, the more troublesome is the work of managing the organization. Communication here plays a vital job during the time spent coordinating and controlling individuals in the organization. Immediate feedback can obtain and misunderstandings if any can avoid. There ought to be viable communication among bosses and subordinated in an organization, between the organization and society at large; for example among project management and trade associations.
It is essential for the achievement and development of an organization. Communication gaps ought not to happen in any organization. Business Communication goal-situations. The principles, regulations, and strategies of a company have to communicate to individuals inside and outside the organization. Business Communication regulates by certain guidelines and standards. In early occasions, business communication was restricted to paperwork, calls, and so on In any case, presently with the advent of innovation, we have PDAs, video conferencing, emails, satellite communication to help business communication. Successful business communication helps in building the altruism of an organization.
How to the Writing a Website and Blog for Business Communication Content? Explain.
If your origination of blogging is an assortment of self-fixated individuals who depict the exhausting details of their lives, for example, what they have for breakfast each day, you may puzzle over whether a blog can improve communication in business. Companies that put in the effort to regularly give new information about their business in a blog can gain a serious edge over companies that remain quiet, as they will get more openness to current and potential customers. The following few things of the Writing a Website and Blog for Business Communication below are;
Article or Post Updates:
As your company builds up another item or see to offers another help, you can prepare customers by posting the details on your blog. For example, on the off chance that you are chipping away at another undertaking, you can give photos and recordings of the work in advancement, and incorporate updates from the team that is manufacturing the new thing. Your customers can stay aware of improvements, and on the off chance that they are already prepared to purchase your forthcoming item, the blog will keep them intrigued until the thing is ready for sale.
Allow Commenting for Feedback:
Communication among companies and customers enhance when an individual reads a blog post and then has the ability to remark on it to individual readers. If your company enables remarking on your blog, you are liable to see both great and bad feedback. The fact that you will allow customers to post public remarks will show that you have great trust in your items and administrations, as well as demonstrate that you are available to hearing feedback. What’s more, you can answer praise and analysis by posting a subsequent remark or making another blog post to address issues as they arise.
Harnessing Social Media to Promote Your Business Blog:
Blogs intend to interface with the remainder of the Internet, with readers sharing connections to their favorite blog posts on their own blogs and websites, as well as through social media, for example, Twitter and Facebook. You can also increase the viability and reach of your messages by utilizing social media yourself to tell fans at whatever point you post another thing on your blog. Your company’s Twitter adherents may read an intriguing tweet that guides them toward your latest post, which will provoke them to proceed to read the blog, for example.
Attract Customers and Media:
At the point when you post another thing on your company’s blog, journalists who are searching for information about the products or administrations you give may discover what you composed because the catchphrases you utilized caused search motors to display it in the top outcomes. Customers who are searching for what you have to offer may also attract to your website because of what you wrote in your blog.
Successful or Effective Writing for great Results:
While writing to a companion, colleague, customer, or business partner, the substance should be clear, brief, persuasive, accurate, and sure. Read on to know a few hints for making the letter/reminder/presentation beneficial.
Avoid being verbose; Choose more limited words and sentences. E.g., “I wanted to bring to your notification that the gathering has been canceled”. This sentence could rephrase as “Please note the gathering has been canceled”.
Utilize target titles; The subject of the notice/letter/email ought to even hand and ought to mirror the substance of the message. For example “Tips on Effective Writing for Business” passes on to the reader that the message substance will be related to information on powerful writing.
Choose your audience; It is advisable to keep in touch with one bunch of audiences as writing to various professionals would require picking the right verbiage which understands by various professionals similarly. Also, don’t utilize words that are exceptionally technical and can be understood simply by a particular audience.
Request or Solicitation for action; Never leave the reader speculating “what next ?” He or she should realize what is normal out of him/her. Close your mail/letter with the action you are anticipating that the reader should take.
Exchange or Share companywide messages with a strategy; Do not overload workers with a great deal of text-heavy emails. Separation the message. For example, If a company has set up a videoconference room; the Corporate communication Team ought to convey the primary message announcing the launch; the second message on how to utilize the gear; and, the third message on how to obstruct the gathering space for customer gatherings and calls.
Other things:
Logically format an archive; Ensure that the substance in the message connects to the subject and the substance underneath and above it. There ought to be a logical association in various paragraphs remember for the archive.
Be Persuasive;Address one reader rather than many as it increases the concentration and also creates accountability for the reader.
Engage the audience; Talk to the audience. For example Rather than saying, “There will be two ways for calculating the expense”. The sender of the message could say, “Financial Analysts can pick one of two systems to calculate the expense.”
Check before you send; Always proofread the mail/reminder/record that is to be sent. Recall the principal draft isn’t always the final draft. Don’t just check for content, yet also, check for formatting, titles, audience, and attachments.
Execute with certainty; Do not be fearful while sending the communication. On the off chance that an update should be sent, it ought to be sent. Try not to attempt to send it to a gathering, rather send it to the individuals who haven’t sent the reports up until this point. For example, In case, you are circling back to a report you asked for, address the audience as “Thank You, X, Y, Z for sending the reports. We are as yet awaiting reports from A, B, and C. Solicitation you to send them the latest by 5:00 PM today”.
Writing a Website and Blog for Business Communication; Image from Pixabay.
Introduction to Written Communication; While speech comes to us very naturally and spontaneously, writing comes after serious practice and careful organization of thought. This article explains about Written Communication – with their important topic – Introduction, Meaning, Definition, Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages. The word “write” has been derived from the old English word “written” that meant to scratch, draw, or inscribe. It shows that man learned writing through a long process of drawing, scoring, or incising symbols on rock faces, dried skins, tree barks, and clay tablets. The alphabet of any language is, therefore, a result of evolution.
Written Communication Essay: Introduction, Meaning, Definition, Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages.
In the same way, the combination of the characters or letters of the alphabet into words, words into sentences, and sentences into paragraphs have gone through a long history of man’s attempt to communicate, and give some kind of permanence or preservation to his communication. For this purpose, every language has evolved its own rules of grammar, though many languages grouped have more or less similar rules. But, in writing these rules have to rather strictly follow.
Speech, on the other hand, is more flexible. It also does not have the permanence of writing. Unless there is a typescript or tape or simultaneously taken down notes, the speech is heard and sooner or later forgotten. Just as it is impossible to think of a social life without oral communication, it is equally impossible to think of a business or an organization without written communication. There are various reasons for it. In the first place, in an organization, people are too many to have face-to-face communication.
They are generally spread over wide geographical distances and are sometimes not even connected by telephone. The situation is changing fast. But, even then, the exchange of letters remains as important as ever. Moreover, people have to function within defined limits of authority and responsibility. In the absence of written communication, it till not be easy to determine responsibility. It is an essential part of any manager’s responsibility to communicate on paper.
Written communication is, in this way, an essential part of organizational life. Telephone, telex, fax machines have not in any way affected the importance of letters. They have only changed the mode of transmission and made the exchange of letters or memos much faster. That is why written communication including letters, memoranda, agenda, manuals, handbooks, reports, etc., continues to flourish.
Meaning and Definition of Written Communication:
A “Written Communication” means the sending of messages, orders, or instructions in writing through letters, circulars, manuals, reports, telegrams, office memos, bulletins, etc. It is a formal method of communication and is less flexible. Written communication has great significance in today’s business world.
Written Communication definition [Hindi] is; A written document preserved properly becomes a permanent record for future reference. It can also use as legal evidence. It’s time-consuming, costly, and unsuitable for confidential and emergent communication. It is an innovative activity of the mind. Effective written communication is essential for preparing worthy promotional materials for business development.
The speech came before writing. But writing is more unique and formal than speech. Effective writing involves the careful choice of words, their organization in the correct order in sentences formation as well as the cohesive composition of sentences. Also, writing is more valid and reliable than speech. But while speech is spontaneous, writing causes delay and takes time as feedback is not immediate. Written communication, to be effective, should be clear, complete, concise, correct, and courteous.
Features of Written Communication:
The following Salient features of written communication below are;
Written communication is essentially a creative activity. It is an activity that requires conscious and creative effort. The creativity of this effort comes from the stimuli produced by the mind.
The stimuli of oral communication are picked up from outside by the sensory receptors. In other words; written communication is more specifically, more carefully thought out than oral communication that base on a spontaneous reaction to signs picked up from outside.
As an example, let us take up the writing out of a report that we want to present or that we have been asked to write. For this purpose, we gather all the necessary information or data. We, then, process it through our logical thought processes and encode our communication.
This is not a face-to-face communication situation. There is no interchange of messages or external stimuli. This is almost entirely a creative activity of the mind.
Extra features;
The salient feature of written communication is that it has fewer cycles than face-to-face oral communication. In oral communication there are multiple exchanges of symbols, leading to multiple cycles. Most written communication is a one-cycle event.
Usually, a message sent and receive, and that is the end of the event. Of course, letters do lead to repeated cycles of communication exchanges. But they cannot compare with the quick succession of cycles involved in a dialogue or informal meeting.
It is a creative activity that requires a lot of imagination and effort to arrive at the finished product. While oral communication is spontaneous, written communication base on conscious effort.
Oral communication is a multiple cycle event. Oral messages get an immediate response that leads very often to further exchange of words. This is not possible in written communication. Mostly it is a one-cycle event. Written communication is the most powerful and valid communication. Why? Beaucage this communication totally can provable when need with a valid document.
Written Communication: Introduction, Meaning, Definition, Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages #Pixabay.
Advantages of written communication:
After meaning and features, Written communication has the following advantages;
It has the advantage of providing records, references, etc. In the absence of ready reference, great confusion may create and the working of the organization will virtually come to a halt.
It promotes uniformity in policy and procedure. It is the only means of laying down clear guidelines for the working of the organization.
They give access to a large audience through mass mailings. It is a common practice on the part of well-known organizations to reach out to people at large and win customers through wisely drafted “mailshots” or unsolicited circulars. For example, whenever a new brand of two-wheeler introduces in the market, or a bank comes forward with some attractive deposit/investment scheme it manages to get names and addresses of all the members of an institution/organization offering them their services on easy terms.
Maintenance of proper records, letters, reports, and memos builds up legal defenses of the organization. Organizations usually have their legal advisors who cannot be of any help unless proper record makes available to them.
More advantages:
Good written communication builds up the organization’s image. It is not at all surprising, therefore, that the outgoing letters/messages of certain well-known companies are cited as examples to emulate.
Written communication has the advantage of being accurate and unambiguous. Great care has to take in drafting any letter, memo, or report so that the message effectively conveys. Oral communication may often give rise to confusion because every speaker has his way of putting himself across.
The growth of an organization promotes, to a large extent, by reference to its old, well-maintained records and minutes of the meetings.
Written communication facilitates proper assignation of responsibilities. One may sometimes go back on words spoken, but not on his words put on paper. Moreover, the lower staff behaves more responsibly, and also feels secure, when communication is sent in writing.
Disadvantages of Written Communication:
Written communication also suffers from the following disadvantages or limitations:
They run the risk of becoming ineffective in the hands of people otherwise good in their job, but poor in expression. That is why it is a serious concern of a modem organization to recruit people who are very good at expression, especially in letter and report writing ability.
It is also a costly process. It costs a lot in terms of stationery and the number of people involved in typing and sending out letters.
They are mostly handicapped by their inability to get immediate feedback. Both encoding and transmission of the message take time, resulting in immediate delays. It is, therefore, a time-consuming process.
More disadvantages:
They have another disadvantage. Immediate clarification is not possible in exchange for written communication. If the receiver of a written message at a distance seeks some clarification, he cannot have it as quickly as he would like to. He will have to write a pack and wait for the reply to his query.
It creates mountains of paper cluttered around the premises of the organization. It is a common sight in offices, and the staff has a tough time trying to handle it. Very often valuable papers get lost. The managers, therefore, have to be extra careful to keep sensitive material in his custody.
It is time-consuming. Composing a message in writing takes much time. Writing letters, typing orders, notices, etc. and sending it to an appropriate destination requires time. The feedback process also is not instant.
Absence of immediate clarification. In conclusion, we can say that written communication remains the backbone of an organization; whatever be its disadvantages or limitations. Almost all formal communication is in writing.
Introduction; Communication is important from the point of view of understanding it in terms of a process, system, interactional base, and structuring. There are various objectives of communication in business organizations. We are living in a world which is totally networked with communication. With the advent of fast technology, the world has become a global village.
Discussion the topic Communication essay; Introduction, Meaning, and Definition.
The information sharing among various groups in society at national and international levels has become very smooth, effective and efficient. With the click of the small button on a computer, you can easily get any information according to your needs and choice. You cannot just think of a world or situation where there is no exchange of ideas, feelings, emotions, reactions, propositions, facts and figures.
From time immemorial, they have been the most important activities of human lives. The integration of the world economy has been made possible with a strong and efficient channel of communication. The nature of communication has gone a significant change during the last dealers. Now the economic power lies in the hands of the countries having very sound information technology network.
Meaning and Definition of Communication:
There are various definitions and meaning interpreted by different scholars. T.S. Matthews says that Communication is something so difficult that we can never put it in simple words. But we do need a definition to understand the concept. In his book Communication in Business, Peter Little defines communication as the process by which information is transmitted between individuals and/ or organizations so that an understandable response results. W.H. Newman and C.F. Summer Jr. define communication as, “Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions, or emotions by two or more persons”.
“Administrative communication is a process which involves the transmission and accurate replication of ideas ensured by feedback for the purpose of eliciting actions which will accomplish organizational goals.”
Obviously, “information” is the keyword in the first definition. But this definition does not indicate the objects about which information is to transmit. This is precisely what is provided in the second definition. They transmit information not only about tangible facts and determinable ideas and opinions but also about emotions. When a communicator passes on or transmits some information, he may also, either intentionally or unconsciously, be communicating his attitude or the frame of his mind. And sometimes the latter may be more relevant to the reality that is communicating.
Communication Definition:
The following definition offered by William Scott in his book “Organisation Theory” should appear comprehensive and especially satisfying to the students of “business communication” since it touches all aspects of the communication process:
According to McFarland communication is,
“a process of meaningful interaction among human beings. More specifically, it is the process by which meanings are perceived and understandings are reached among human beings.”
Newman and summer defined as,
“an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more persons.”
This definition emphasizes four important points:
The process of communication involves the communication of ideas.
The ideas should accurately replicate (reproduce) in the receiver’s mind, i.e., the receiver should get exactly the same ideas as were transmitted. If the process of communications perfect, there will be no dilution, exaggeration or distortion of the ideas.
The transmitter is assured of the accurate replication of the ideas by feedback, i.e., by the receiver’s response which communicated back to the transmitter. Here it suggested that communications a two-way process including the transmission of feedback.
The purpose of all communications to elicit action.
It is a quite comprehensive definition and covers almost all aspects of communication. But two comments can make on it:
The concept of ideas should adequately enlarge to include emotions also.
Even in administrative communication, the purpose may not always be to elicit action. Seeking information or persuading others to a certain point of view can be equally important objectives of communication.
Nature of communication:
The exchange of information or passing of information, ideas or thought from one person to the other or from one end to the other is communication. Communication is the process of passing information from one person to another. The purpose of communication understands information. Whatever one wants to say to someone should clearly understand by him else the very purpose of the communication would defeat. In an organization, communication facilitates the flow of information and understanding between different people and departments through different media using all the channels and networks.
This flow of information is vital for managerial effectiveness and decision making in general and for human resource manager in particular as he has to be in contact with the managers of various departments, employees and workers and trade union leaders. Communication thus helps understand people better removing misunderstanding and creating clarity of thoughts and expression. It also educates people.
They may written or oral, formal, informal, and upward, downward, horizontal, diagonal, interpersonal, intrapersonal, interdepartmental, intra-organisational. Communication brings people together, closer to each other. Communications an important management function closely associated with all other managerial functions.
It bridges the gap between individuals and groups through the flow of information and understanding between them. Information is the most vital aspect of communication. It is the information which is transmitted, studied, analyzed and interpreted and stored. The manager, therefore, has to spare time to collect, analyze and store the information for decision-making and routine day to day business.
Communication; Introduction, Meaning, and Definition. #Pixabay.
Principles of Communication:
In order to be effective and meaningful, the managerial function of communication essay must be guided by the following principles:
Understanding:
It must be such, as transmits the understanding of their message to the recipient as per the intentions of the sender. A practical application of this principle requires that the message must clearly express whether made orally or in writing. Further, the message must be complete – leaving no scope for any doubts likely to confuse the recipient and compel him towards a misinterpretation of the message.
Attention:
They must make in such a manner, that it invites the attention of the recipient to it. For a practical application of this principle, it is imperative that not only must the message expressed in a pleasant and sound manner; but also the purpose of the sender in making communication, must be absolutely clarified.
Brevity:
The message to communicated must be brief; as usually the recipient, especially an executive, would not have much time to devote to a single piece of communication. However, the brevity of the message must not be sought at the cost of clarity or completeness of the message. The sender must strike a balance among these three factors -brevity, clarity, and completeness.
The Timeliness:
They must be timely i.e. it must make at the high time when needed to communicate to the recipient. An advanced communication carries with it the danger of “forgetting”, on the part of the recipient; while a delayed communication loses its purpose and charm, and becomes meaningless when the right time for action on it has expired.
The Appropriateness or Rationality:
It must be appropriate or rational, in the context of the realization of organizational objectives. They must be neither impracticable to act upon; nor irrational, making no contribution to common objectives.
Feedback:
They must be a two-way process. The feedback (or reaction or response) of the recipient to the message, must be as easily transferable to the sender, as the original communication made by the sender. The idea behind emphasizing on the feedback aspect of communications that it helps the sender to modify his subsequent communications in view of the reactions of the recipient – making for better and improved human relations.
The Constructive and Strategic Use of Informal Groups:
The management must not hesitate in making constructive and strategic use of informal groups, for ensuring and facilitating speedier communication in emergency situations. Such use of informal groups would also help develop good human relations by upgrading the status of informal groups and their leaders. However, management must assure itself that rumors not spread by informal groups, and for this, a guard over the manner of functioning of informal groups, while transmitting a formal exchange, is but imperative.
What is IMC? Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) is a marketing concept of the 1990s. It will be necessary for survival in the 21st century. It ensures that all forms of communication and messages are carefully linked together. The topic of this article: IMC Meaning, Definition, Components, and its Process. At its most basic level, Integrated Marketing Communications, or IMC, as we’ll call it, means integrating all the promotional tools, so that they work together in harmony. Read and share it in English!
Introduction of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Explanations!
The advent of integration is causing marketers to take a fresh look at all the components of marketing, specifically the unique dimension that public relations bring to the marketing mix. Public relations people, in turn, are seizing the opportunity that integration offers them to make a difference where it counts most to their companies and clients – on the bottom line.
IMC is the culmination of the shift that began in the post – World War II period, from selling what the companies make to making what the consumers want. IMC focused on what to know about products and services, not what the marketers want to tell them in order to sell them.
Meaning and Definition of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC):
It is essential for organizations to promote their brands well among the end-users not only to outshine competitors but also to survive in the long run. Brand promotion increases awareness of products and services and eventually increases their sales, yielding high profits, and revenue for the organization.
Integrated Marketing Communication defined as the coordination and integration of all marketing communication tools, avenues, and sources within a company into a seamless program that maximizes the impact on customers and other end-users at a minimal cost.
This integration affects all firm business-to-business, marketing channels, customer-focused, and internally directed communications. It is a management concept that is designed so that all the marketing communication which consists of advertising, sales promotion, public relation, and direct marketing work together as a unified force rather than each of those marketing communication work in isolation.
Besides, it acts as an aggressive marketing plan because it sets and tracks marketing strategy that captures and uses the extensive amount of customer information. It also ensures that all forms of communication and messages carefully linked together to achieve a specific objective.
Definitions of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC):
The American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA), defines it as:
“A concept of marketing communication planning that recognizes the added value of a comprehensive plan that evaluates the strategic roles of a variety of communication disciplines, e.g. general advertising, direct response, sales promotion and public relations – and combines these disciplines to provide clarity, consistency and maximum communication impact.”
The Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism defines IMC as,
“The process of managing all sources of information about a product/service to which a customer or prospect is exposed which behaviorally moves the customer toward the sale and maintains customer loyalty.”
According to Kotler and Armstrong, Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) is a concept in which a:
“Company carefully integrates and coordinates its many communication channels—mass media advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing, packaging, and others—to deliver a clear, consistent, and compelling message about the organization and its products.”
Integrated Marketing Communication according to Schultz and Kitchen,
“Is a strategic business process used to plan, develop, execute, and evaluate co-ordinated measurable, persuasive brand communication programs over time with consumers, customers, prospects and other targeted, relevant external and internal audience.”
Tom Duncan defined IMC as,
“A process for managing the customer relationships that drive brand value. More specifically, it is a cross-functional process for creating and nourishing profitable relationships with customers and other stakeholders by strategically controlling or influencing all messages sent to these groups and encouraging data-driven, purposeful dialogue with them.”
In short, Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) is:
“Joint planning, execution, and coordination of all areas of marketing communication and also understanding the consumer and what the consumer actually responds to.”
The Components of Integrated Marketing Communication:
Let us go through various components of Integrated Marketing Communication:
The Foundation:
As the name suggests, the foundation stage involves a detailed analysis of both the product as well as the target market. It is essential for marketers to understand the brand, its offerings, and end-users. You need to know the needs, attitudes, and expectations of the target customers. Keep a close watch on competitor’s activities.
Corporate Culture:
The features of products and services ought to be in line with the work culture of the organization. Every organization has a vision and it’s important for the marketers to keep in mind the same before designing products and services. Let us understand it with the help of an example. Organization A’s vision is to promote a green and clean world. Naturally, its products need to be eco-friendly and biodegradable, in line with the vision of the organization.
Brand Focus:
Brand Focus represents the corporate identity of the brand.
Consumer Experience:
Marketers need to focus on consumer experience which refers to what the customers feel about the product. Also, a consumer is likely to pick up a product that has good packaging and looks attractive. Products need to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Communication Tools:
Communication tools include various modes of promoting a particular brand such as advertising, direct selling, promoting through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, and so on (Note: Orkut is no longer use it).
Promotional Tools:
Brands are promoted through various promotional tools such as trade promotions, personal selling, and so on. Organizations need to strengthen their relationship with customers and external clients.
Integration Tools:
Organizations need to keep a regular track of customer feedback and reviews. You need to have specific software like customer relationship management (CRM) which helps in measuring the effectiveness of various integrated marketing communications tools.
Integrated marketing communication enables all aspects of the marketing mix to work together in harmony to promote a particular product or service effectively among end-users.
Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC): Definition, Components, and its Process!
The promotional process must start by identifying the target audience by using segmentation; which is defining buying preferences and characteristics of buyers and dividing them into segments. Also, the goal of identifying target audiences is to design promotional strategies that can meet customer expectations more accurately.
Thus, IMC which integrating and coordinating all types of marketing promotional tools; that maximize the satisfaction of buyers will be very useful to the firm’s promotional strategies. This is because IMC can help the company by providing customer databases to sellers; and, marketers to identify information about the buyers precisely and accurately.
Determine the communication objectives:
In the second stage, the company needs to develop a clear objective and the goals of promotional strategies. As well as, the objectives of promotional strategies include creating products and services awareness in the buyers’ minds; developing competitive advantages against competitors; creating brand equity of buyers, retaining current buyers, and changing buyers’ behaviors.
Meanwhile, Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) develops different types of promotional tools; which have contained different functions to achieve the communication objectives of the promotional strategies effectively and efficiently.
Design messages:
An effective message will get the attention of buyers and maintain their interest in the messages about their brand of products. Therefore, the promotional team of a firm should implement IMC when designing the messages delivered to each segment in order for the messages to deliver effectively.
Although a tailored message for each target segment designed by using several promotional tools in the IMC process; but, the messages of promotions must have the same meaning and theme. This is because each of the promotional tools must use to achieve the same communication objectives and goals within the firm.
Implementation of a promotional strategy:
Promotional channels can divide into two categories, which consist of personal communication and non-personal communication channels. So when incorporated IMC into the promotional strategy, it needs to select and implement the right marketing channels and methods.
No single channel can dominate in all aspects; which means that the channels need to adjust based on the market’s needs and changes from time to time. This has proven that IMC which integrating and coordinating all types of marketing promotional channels can be very useful; when it comes to the implementation of the promotional strategy process.
Collecting feedback:
Finally, the firms will carry out some surveys in order to get some feedback from; the target audience as the final step in the IMC process. For example, the firm will ask how effectively the message was delivered to the target audience; such as how many times the audience saw the advertisement, or can the audience remember; what the message marketers are going to inform and etc.
Based on that, the firm will conduct a report about the behavior resulting from the message, such as how many of the target audiences buy the product or visit the store after they saw the advertisement. This information could be very important to the firm promotional strategies as; it could directly affect the volume of sales, profits, and indirectly reflect; the success of the promotional strategies that had been implemented. Hence, all this information can get from the customer database to create more accurate and reliable feedback.
Communication Essay: They refer to all behavior, both verbal and non-verbal, which occur in a social context. This article explains about Communication with their topics – Meaning, Definition, Principles, and Elements. Another word for communication could be “Interaction”. The exchange of information or passing of information, ideas, or thoughts from one person to the other or from one end to the other is communication. According to McFarland communication is,“A process of meaningful interaction among human beings. More specifically, it is the process by which meanings are perceived and understandings are reached among human beings.”So, what is the question and topic are going to discuss.
What does Means of Communication? Definition, Principles, and Elements.
We are living in a world which is networked with them. With the advent of fast technology, the world has become a global village. The information sharing among various groups in society at national and international levels has become very smooth, effective, and efficient. With the click of the small button on the computer, you can easily get any information according to your needs and choice.
You cannot just think of a world or situation where there is no exchange of ideas, feelings, emotions, reactions, propositions, facts, and figures. From time immemorial, they have been the most important activities of human lives. The integration of the world economy has been making it possible with a strong and efficient channel of communication.
The nature of communication has gone a significant change during the last dealers. Now the economic power lies in the hands of the countries having a very sound information technology network. It is important from understanding it in terms of a process, system, interactional base, and structuring. There are various objectives of communication in business organizations.
Meaning and Definition of Communication:
There are various definitions and meaning interpreted by different scholars. T.S. Matthews says that Communication is something so difficult that we can never put it in simple words. But we do need a definition to understand the concept. In his book Communication in Business, Peter Little defines communication as the process by which information is transmitted between individuals and/ or organizations so that an understandable response results. W.H. Newman and C.F.
Summer Jr. defines communication as,
“Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions, or emotions by two or more persons.”
Obviously, “information” is the keyword in the first definition. But this definition does not indicate the objects about which information is to transmit. This is precisely what provides in the second definition. They transmit information not only about tangible facts and determinable ideas and opinions but also about emotions.
When a communicator passes on or transmits some information, he may also, either intentionally or unconsciously, be communicating his attitude or the frame of his mind. And sometimes the latter may be more relevant to the reality that is communicating.
The following definition offered by William Scott in his book “Organisation Theory” should appear comprehensive and especially satisfying to the students of “business communication” since it touches all aspects of the communication process:
“Administrative communication is a process which involves the transmission and accurate replication of ideas ensured by feedback to elicit actions which will accomplish organizational goals.”
Important points give by their definition:
This definition emphasizes four important points;
The process of communication involves the communication of ideas.
Ideas should accurately replicate (reproduce) in the receiver’s mind, i.e., the receiver should get the same ideas as were transmitted. If the process of communication is perfect, there will be no dilution, exaggeration, or distortion of the ideas.
The transmitter assures the accurate replication of the ideas by feedback, i.e., by the receiver’s response which is communicated back to the transmitter. Here it suggests that communication is a two-way process including the transmission of feedback.
The purpose of all communication is to elicit action.
It is quite a comprehensive definition and covers almost all aspects of communication. But two comments can make on it:
The concept of ideas should adequately enlarge to include emotions also.
Even in administrative communication, the purpose may not always be to elicit action. Seeking information or persuading others to a certain point of view can be equally important objectives of communication.
What does Means of Communication? Definition, Principles, and Elements! Image credit from #Pixabay.
Principles of effective communication:
The following Principles of communication below are;
Clarity:
The idea or message to communicate should spell out. It should word in such a way that the receiver understands the same thing which the sender wants to convey. There should be no ambiguity in the message. A message should be clear, free from distortion and noise. A vague message is not only a barrier to creating effective communication but also causes a delay in the communication process and this is one of the most important principles of effective communication.
It should be kept in mind that the words do not speak themselves but the speaker gives them the meaning. A clear message will evoke the same response from the other party. It is also essential that the receiver is conversant with the language, inherent assumptions, and the mechanics of communication.
Brevity:
They should be brief i.e. just necessary and sufficient. Repetition and over-explanation are likely to destroy the actual meaning and importance of the message. Moreover, the reader may feel disturbed by receiving a long message.
Simplicity:
The message should give using simple and familiar words. Vague and technical words should avoid. Simple words are easy to understand and help the receiver to respond quickly.
Timeliness:
It is meant to serve a specific purpose. This principle states that communication should be done at a proper time so that it helps in implementing plans. Any delay in communication may not serve any purpose rather decisions become of historical importance only. If they make in time, they become effective. If it makes untimely then it may become useless.
Compass:
The communication net should cover the whole organization. The concerned people must know what exactly they need and when they need it. And effective communication will serve such.
Integrity:
They should consider the level of people, principles & objectives of an organization to create a network or chain. Such a network will provide a better field of internal and external communications.
Strategic use of Informal Organization:
The most effective communication results when managers use the informal organization as complementary to formal communication, e.g. arranging sports, cultural function & dinner for the employees can be informal organization.
Feedback:
To provide a message to the receiver is not a complete communication. The principle of feedback is very important to make communication effective. There should be feedback information from the recipient to know whether he has understood the message in the same sense in which the sender has meant it. The response from a receiver is essential. Therefore feedback requires communication to be effective.
The Alternative:
Effective listening is important in communication, otherwise, they will be ineffective and useless.
Language control:
The sender should be careful in selecting proper words and forming sentences, words and structured sentences are the keys to making effective communications.
Elements of Communication:
The communication process involves elements like sender, receiver, encoding, decoding, channel/ media, voice, and feedback.
The different elements of communication are as under:
Sender:
He is the person who sends his ideas to another person. The person who intends to convey the message to pass information and ideas to others knows as the sender or communicator. For example, if a manager wants to inform his subordinates about the introduction of a new product, he is the sender.
The sender also knows as the encoder decides on the message to be sent, the best/most effective way that it can be sent. All of this is done bearing the receiver in mind. In a word, it is his/her job to conceptualize. The sender may want to ask him/herself questions like: What words will I use? Do I need signs or pictures?
Message:
The idea, feeling, suggestion, guidelines, orders, or any content which intends to communicate is the message. This is the subject matter of the communications. This may be an opinion, attitude, feelings, views, orders, or suggestions. For example, the message is the introduction of a new product.
Encoding:
It is the process of converting the idea, thinking or any other component of the message into symbols, words, actions, diagrams, etc. Since the subject matter of communicating is theoretical and intangible, its further passing requires the use of certain symbols such as words, actions or pictures, etc. Conversion of subject matter into these symbols is the process of encoding. For example, the message connect in words and actions.
Media:
It is the medium, passage, or route through which an encoded message passes by the sender to the receiver. There can be various forms of media-face-to-face communication, letters, radio, television, e-mail, etc. The medium is the immediate form that a message takes. For example, a message may communicate in the form of a letter, in the form of an email, or face to face in the form of a speech.
Decoding:
It means translating the encoded message into language understandable by the receiver. The person who receives the message or symbol from the communicator tries to convert the same in such a way so that he may extract its meaning to his complete understanding.
Receiver:
If, he is the person to whom the message has been sent. The receiver or the decoder is responsible for extracting/decoding meaning from the message. The receiver is also responsible for providing feedback to the sender. In a word, it is his/her job to INTERPRET. For example, subordinates are receivers.
Feedback:
Feedback is the process of ensuring that the receiver has received the message and understood in the same sense as the sender meant it. It is the response by the receiver. It marks the completion of the communication process. This is important as it determines whether or not the decoder grasped the intended meaning and whether the communication was successful.
Noise:
It is a hindrance to the process of communication. Noise can take place at any step in the entire process. It reduces the accuracy of communication, e.g. 1) Disturbance in the telephone lines, 2) An inattentive receiver, and 3) Improper Decoding of Message, etc.
This is any factor that inhibits the conveyance of a message. That is, anything that gets in the way of the message being accurately received, interpreted, and responded to. Noise may be internal or external. A student worrying about an incomplete assignment may not be attentive in class (internal noise) or the sounds of heavy rain on a galvanized roof may inhibit the reading of a storybook to second graders (external noise).
The essay explains the Role of Communication; I suggest that you will acquire language best when you study in such a way that you 1) listen to large amounts of comprehensible input, 2) have opportunities to use the target language to communicate with others, and 3) support your learning with some grammatical learning (focused on making input comprehensible and developing awareness).
Here is the essay to explain better Understand the Role of Communication.
Listening to English will help everything. Listening will build your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and even help your speaking. In fact, there are some who believe that listening to comprehensible input alone is sufficient to develop complete oral proficiency, as mentioned before.
However, though that may be possible, I do not think it is likely. On the contrary, I believe that using the target language (English) to communicate with another person greatly helps students acquire the English language. This belief is confirmed by the results of my survey.
Question: In an average WEEK of study, how much time did you spend using English to communicate with a NATIVE SPEAKER OF ENGLISH (For example; A foreign teacher or friend)
1 hour or less
More than 1 hour
Successful Learners;
39.39 %
60.61 %
Non-successful Learners;
84.85 %
12.12 %
Results of the Survey:
The results of the survey show that a student is more likely to be successful if they spends at least 1 hour or more each week using English to communicate with a native speaker of English.
However, this information is not new for most Chinese EFL learners. They are aware that communicating with a native English speaker will benefit their English acquisition. The problem with most students is that they either 1) do not have opportunities to communicate with a native English speaker or 2) do not have the confidence to do so. I will address these issues later.
Why is Communication Helpful?
Many scholars believe that interaction, the act of communicating with another person, plays a significant part in second language learning. First, Michael Long believes comprehensible input is of great value but believes it is best received through interaction. This is because when a fluent speaker and a less fluent speaker interact, they enter into a negotiation of meaning.
As they use the situational context, repetitions, and clarifications to maximize comprehension, the more likely the learner will receive input just beyond his present competency, the I + 1 input (Ellis 1997, 47; Mitchell 1998, 128-129). This process is also described in terms of Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal.
Development. The learner collaborates with the fluent speaker to scaffold (utilize discourse, context, or comprehension checks) to produce utterances he would not be able to produce on his own. Thus, learning (and input) takes place at the Zone of Proximal Development, the place in between what the learner could do independently and what he could not do even with help (Ellis 1997, p48).
Very Helpful:
While Long focuses on the value of the input gained through interaction, Merrill Swain (Ellis 1997) points out several benefits of learner output (speaking) in interaction.
First, with comprehensible input, meaning can often be attained without paying attention to the grammar of the input. She maintains output can help students notice a gap between what they say and what they hear; thereby raising their consciousness that some of their grammar is not correct.
Second, the output provides learners with an incentive to formulate and opportunities to test hypotheses. They can apply a rule to an utterance to see if it leads to successful communication or elicits negative feedback.
Finally, learners often reflect on their own output, discussing problems, and potential solutions.
Many scholars agree that interaction, using the target language to communicate with another person, is beneficial for a variety of reasons.
Who Will, I Speak with Communication?
If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak with a native speaker on a regular basis, please grasp it. But unfortunately, many students do not have this opportunity. Whom will they speak with?
Aren’t there highly fluent non-native speakers for them to speak with? Such as a Chinese friend who studied abroad, a relative who lives in Australia, or a Japanese or Korean business person who speaks excellent English? Or more importantly, what about fellow Chinese students?
What we get:
Asked students how much time they spent each week using English to communicate with highly fluent non-native speakers or their classmates.
Question: In an average WEEK of study, how much time did you spend using English to communicate with a HIGHLY FLUENT SPEAKER OF ENGLISH
though they is NOT a native speaker of English (For example; A Chinese English teacher with great spoken English)?
It seems there are more opportunities to use English than just with native speakers. Yet Chinese students do not seem to be taking advantage of them. This is a shame because most students cannot afford to be silent while waiting for opportunities to communicate with a native speaker. There simply are not enough foreigners in China to give every student such chances. Students, instead, must do what they can.
Finding Opportunities to Interact with Communication:
I do not know why so many students do not speak English with their classmates. Most foreign teachers have students practice with each other in class. So why would one not speak with a classmate because he would rather wait for a foreigner?
For when he does get a foreign teacher, the teacher will instruct him to speak with his classmates. I understand students are afraid of listening to poor English and acquiring bad habits. But remember, if you are listening to comprehensible input diligently on cassettes or TV programs, you will still be hearing native speakers every day.
In this case, the benefits surely outweigh the dangers. In China, I knew of a class of students that would often have an “English Day.” A day when they would only speak to each other in English. This type of activity can be fun and helpful.
Speak with Non-Native Speakers Who Speak English Well:
There are many Chinese, Japanese, and Korean teachers and business people who speak English well. Perhaps they can speak to you. Besides, if you get a job that requires you to conduct international business, you will not just be speaking with native English speakers. Many business deals all over the world are conducted in English, even though English may not be the mother tongue of any person at the meeting.
Therefore, speaking English with non-native speakers will not only help you acquire English but also will prepare you for international business communication; Also viewing “Common Mistakes to Avoid for Beginners”. It’s more strong your communication skill.
Speak Over the Phone:
Many Chinese friends I know have relatives living in English speaking countries that speak English very well. Perhaps you can speak to them in English over the phone. Speaking a foreign language over the phone is not easy, but can be very helpful. My sister speaks Spanish very well. I called her on the phone 2-3 times a week to practice my Spanish with her. I improved a lot from this.
Read Out loud:
This is not nearly as helpful as a true communication essay with another person. However, it can help you develop oral fluency and confidence.
Strategies for Communication:
Do not be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are normal.
Realize you will not always be understood. When you are not understood, you may use the following strategies: 1) repeat yourself, 2) use gestures (hand movements and body language), 3) say the same thing in a different way, 4) use examples, and 5) give definitions or synonyms for words.
Realize you will not always understand what another person is saying. When you do not understand, you may use the following strategies: 1) Make guesses about what is being said. 2) Check these guesses by asking questions. 3) Check your understanding by restating what you think the person means. (i.e. Do you mean…?) (Amato 1996).
Saving Face:
Perhaps you know you should speak English in one of the above ways, but you do not dare because you are afraid of “losing face.” This is a big problem. In fact, I asked students the following question about-face. The results are not surprising; How to Improve Your Spoken English with Communication.
Question: Which of the following statements best describes you?
A; I am not afraid of losing face. Speaking English with foreigners is no problem.
B; I am afraid of losing face, but I know I need to practice to get better. So I force myself to speak English with others.
C; I am afraid of losing face. So many times I avoid speaking English.
D; My spoken English is so poor I dare not speak out.
Successful Learners;
48.48 %
39.39 %
12.12 %
0 %
Non-successful Learners;
15.15 %
33.33 %
36.36 %
15.15 %
If we combine the results, they give us a better understanding of what is happening.
Question: Which of the following statements best describes you?
A & B
[Students who speak without or in spite of the fear of losing face.]
C & D
[Students who avoid speaking because they fear losing face.]
Successful Learners;
87.88 %
12.12 %
Non-successful Learners;
48.48 %
51.52 %
These results are disturbing. Apparently, 51.52 % of non-successful students are avoiding opportunities to communicate in English for fear of losing face. In contrast, only 12.12% of successful learners avoid speaking in English. The results strongly suggest that if you want to speak English well, you must overcome your fear of losing face and begin speaking English with others.
Communication is helpful for your English “How to Speak Fluently English in Week”.
I have always found this ironic. Students attempt to save face by hiding their poor English skills, while this prevents them from gaining face by improving these skills. Which is better? To save face by hiding your mistakes? Or to gain a lot of face by improving your English skills, even though you may lose a little face along the way? The answer is obvious. The honorable thing to do is overcome your fear!
