Business Communication Notes
Subject Overview
Business Communication covers the communication process and barriers, planning and writing business documents (reports, letters, memos, emails), recruitment and employment correspondence (resumes, applications, interviews), and interpersonal communication skills including meetings, oral presentations and group discussion. A 4-credit core theory paper.
Subject at a glance
4
Units
33
Topics
4
Credits
4
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
4 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- Nature and myths of communication
- communication process and cycle stages
- barriers to effective communication
- formal and informal communication
- communication channels
- verbal and non-verbal communication
- communication and ethics
- 1. Sender: Has an idea
- 2. Encoding: Into words or symbols
- 3. Channel: Email, meeting, call
- 4. Decoding: Receiver interprets
- 5. Feedback: Response to the sender
Study guide
This unit covers the nature and myths of communication, the communication process, barriers, formal and informal communication, channels, verbal and non-verbal communication and ethics. List the barriers you face in your own communication and plan to remove each.
- Importance of communication to managers
- planning and creating business messages
- analysing communication situations and audiences
- designing documents
- editing and revising
- letters/memos/emails/web writing
- informative/positive/negative/persuasive messages
- types and purposes of business reports
- report planning and writing techniques
Use for
Good news, routine requests
Bad news, persuasion
Opens with
The main point
A neutral buffer
Then
Details and close
Reasons, then the news
Study guide
You study planning and creating business messages, analysing audiences, designing documents, editing, letters, memos, emails, web writing, informative, positive, negative and persuasive messages and business reports. Draft a report with a clear structure of summary, findings and recommendations.
- Researching a job
- job application letters
- curriculum vitae/resumes
- employment interviews
- references
- offers of employment
- job descriptions
- letters of acceptance and resignation
Cover letter
Why you fit this role
Resume
Education, skills, experience
References
People who can vouch for you
Interview
Prepare, practise, follow up
Study guide
You study researching a job, application letters, CVs, interviews, references, offers, job descriptions and acceptance and resignation letters. Prepare a CV and cover letter tailored to a real vacancy.
- Listening
- working and writing in teams
- planning and conducting meetings
- effective oral presentations and overcoming stage fright
- telephonic communication
- public speaking
- seminar presentation
- conference participation
- group discussion
- 1
Know your audience
- 2
Structure
Opening, body, close
- 3
Prepare visuals
Simple slides
- 4
Rehearse
Time yourself
- 5
Deliver
Eye contact, voice, pace
- 6
Handle questions
Study guide
You study listening, teamwork, meetings, oral presentations and stage fright, telephone communication, public speaking, seminar presentations, conferences and group discussion. Record yourself presenting and review the recording.
Why Business Communication Matters
Communication determines how far your knowledge travels at work. Clear writing and confident speaking are consistently top employer demands and essential for interviews and teaching careers.
How to Prepare for Business Communication
- Write and revise business documents for clarity and concision.
- Practise presentations and group discussions regularly.
- Prepare a CV and practise interview answers.
Business Communication: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the barriers to effective communication?
Common barriers include noise, language and cultural differences, poor listening, emotional states, assumptions and unsuitable channels.