{"id":48,"date":"2015-08-31T22:39:00","date_gmt":"2015-08-31T22:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/Blog\/index.php\/2015\/08\/31\/business-communications-3-rules-for-effectiveness\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T18:18:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T17:18:17","slug":"business-communications-3-rules-for-effectiveness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2015\/08\/31\/business-communications-3-rules-for-effectiveness\/","title":{"rendered":"Business Communications: 3 \u2018Rules\u2019 For Effectiveness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As professionals, we need to \u2018stand out\u2019 to remain competitive \u2013 and thus relevant \u2013 in our careers.

No one is excluded from this requirement: From the newly appointed CEO, to the enthusiastic greenhorn, we constantly seek ways to update our skills, increase our knowledge and strengthen our portfolios.

And globalisation \u2013 the interplay of international trade, transfer of technology, and socio-cultural exchanges in our daily lives \u2013 is to blame for this mad rush for professional development. This has become evident as careers become increasingly fluid and competition becomes rife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It\u2019s #globalisation<\/a> that did it! Exploring its impact on #employment<\/a> and our choices \u2013 http:\/\/t.co\/SspnoaAxmm<\/a>. #Work<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/gVUlXH3E8f<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Lucille Ossai (@LucilleOssai) May 24, 2015<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Although there may be differing opinions about the benefits of, or woes from this powerful force, one constant is indisputable: the inevitability of change. People, processes, ideas, \u2018best practices\u2019, employment trends – they all change.

Consequently, the way we communicate and how we do so in business circles have also evolved. Gone are the days where content could only be delivered by faxes, letters, emails and the press. Rapid advances in technology have resulted in various options from which to choose: communicating by video calls\/online meetings, (Skype, GoToMeeting etc.); using\u00a0business communication tools; and connecting via social media apps (YouTube, Periscope, Vine, etc.). We have also become creative with our communications and at our disposal are different formats for disseminating information: e-books, images, videos, blog articles, infographics, podcasts etc.

Nonetheless, we can distinguish ourselves from the pack of educated, competent professionals and remain relevant in our careers.

Here\u2019s the simple, but often underestimated advice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Demonstrate communication skills  that ensure that ideas\/initiatives\/innovations are presented in ways that generate trust and lead to acceptance and action.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since communication is only effective when it achieves a goal, three \u2018rules\u2019 of communication should be noted for best results:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1) Tailoring communications for the audience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Whatever the content being delivered, whether it is a speech, presentation, proposal or report, the first point to consider is the audience. Are its members university-educated or high school certificate holders?\u00a0Do they engage more with visual content or do they prefer a text-audio combination? Know beforehand what is likely to resonate with them and then tailor your communications to suit the group\u2019s preferences.

For example, the language and style you will use when giving a seminar to a group of PhD holders will differ significantly from\u00a0how you will address a group of rank and file employees. Using the appropriate language\u00a0and\u00a0<\/strong>format will lead to acceptance of your content.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2) Prioritising brevity, simplicity and clarity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cIf you can\u2019t explain it simply, you don\u2019t understand it well enough\u201d.<\/em><\/strong>

<\/em>Albert Einstein. <\/strong>

Yes, your audience knows you have a lot of \u2018important\u2019 information to share, and that you must acknowledge the \u2018village\u2019 that helped you achieve X,Y,Z but please get to the point! Be brief<\/em>. If people want more details, tell them how to get them. The more you waffle on, the quicker they tune off. Don\u2019t expect anything meaningful to be achieved in this situation. 

You also need to present your information in simple <\/em>terms \u2013 without the jargon and ambiguity \u2013 so that your recipients understand your message. You don\u2019t need to use \u2018big\u2019 or redundant words to appear clever. Take a cue from Einstein\u2019s quote about simplicity. 

Finally, tell them what you want them to do at the end of your delivery. When your call-to-action is clear<\/em>, assumptions and conjectures are eliminated. Because they know what is expected of them, they will be empowered to support your goals. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3) Providing timely and factual feedback<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Let\u2019s assume here that feedback is virtually guaranteed when everything is on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what happens when \u2018all hell breaks loose\u2019?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t matter if the unpleasant situation was a result of your actions, lack thereof, or was beyond your control; you will need to provide feedback. But the feedback<\/a> should be timely and factual, (meaning no delayed recaps or speculations), in order to be effective. 

Whilst no one wants to be the bearer of bad news, the sooner the true state of affairs is known, the quicker the resources \u2013 natural, human, technological, etc. \u2013 could be mobilised to tackle the problem. Timely and factual feedback is crucial in a crisis and when merged in this blog\u2019s six-component communications strategy<\/a>, it can make a difference between how the crisis is \u2018contained\u2019 and how it escalates to disastrous proportions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Conclusion <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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So  as  we  strive  to become  more competitive in our fields, let\u2019s become better communicators.

Due to the availability of numerous communications tools and different types of content to inspire, captivate, motivate or persuade, we will be spoilt for choice.

Still, by using the three \u2018rules\u2019 of business communication listed above, we\u2019ll be able to cut through the \u2018noise\u2019 in our fast-paced environment and get the business results we seek.

As a bonus<\/strong>, to help C-suite executives, the ultra-short but useful embedded presentation below recaps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\nhttps:\/\/www.slideshare.net\/slideshow\/embed_code\/key\/kJclFN4ylQu1bi\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n


The Case For Effective Communication At The Workplace<\/strong><\/a> from Lucille Ossai, MSc, BA<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now it\u2019s your turn. What other \u2018rules\u2019 have been effective in your business communication? Kindly post your comments below, anonymously if you prefer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


<\/strong>
<\/em><\/strong>
Don\u2019t rush off just yet. Please remember to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


<\/em><\/strong>

1) Share this article in your social media networks by clicking on the icons at the top of this post or below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


2) Sign up for updates in the blog\u2019s right sidebar so that you are immediately<\/strong> notified via email when a new blog post is published. Don\u2019t miss any more articles!
  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


<\/em><\/strong>

<\/em><\/strong>Need help with crafting your business content?<\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong> 


Hire me for a writing assignment, some consulting work and\/or coaching sessions in communications.  


Contact me by: 


A) Sending a direct email<\/strong> to: Lucilleossai@gmail.com. 

B) Calling for advice and a free<\/strong> consultation:<\/strong>

<\/strong>Nigeria<\/strong>:             0704 631 0592 <\/strong>
International:   +234 704 631 0592<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n



\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014-<\/p>\n\n\n\n


N.B-<\/strong> First image courtesy of Jesadaphorn; via freedigitalphotos.net. Embedded tweet courtesy of author\u2019s Twitter account. Second image courtesy of Hywards; via freedigitalphotos.net. Third and fourth images courtesy of Stuart Miles; via freedigitalphotos.net. Last image courtesy of Jscreationzs; via freedigitalphotos.net. The embedded presentation is author\u2019s work.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As professionals, we need to \u2018stand out\u2019 to remain competitive \u2013 and thus relevant \u2013 in our careers. No one is excluded from this requirement: From the newly appointed CEO, to the enthusiastic greenhorn, we constantly seek ways to update […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[432,465,466,479,545,577,590,592],"class_list":["post-48","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-albert-einstein","tag-business","tag-business-communication","tag-careers","tag-effectiveness","tag-feedback","tag-globalisation","tag-goals"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":94,"url":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2012\/05\/19\/the-impact-of-globalisation-on-the-world-stage-part-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":48,"position":0},"title":"The Impact Of Globalisation On The World Stage (Part 2)","author":"Lucille Ossai","date":"May 19, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"This article explores the effect of globalisation across the globe by highlighting the Global Financial Crisis of 2008.","rel":"","context":"In \"communications\"","block_context":{"text":"communications","link":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/tag\/communications\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jf0GhbTujDA\/UylFbHQi8yI\/AAAAAAAABKI\/XyNkzQEk16s\/s1600\/Global+recession+map.PNG?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jf0GhbTujDA\/UylFbHQi8yI\/AAAAAAAABKI\/XyNkzQEk16s\/s1600\/Global+recession+map.PNG?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jf0GhbTujDA\/UylFbHQi8yI\/AAAAAAAABKI\/XyNkzQEk16s\/s1600\/Global+recession+map.PNG?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jf0GhbTujDA\/UylFbHQi8yI\/AAAAAAAABKI\/XyNkzQEk16s\/s1600\/Global+recession+map.PNG?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":80,"url":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2013\/03\/25\/one-year-of-blogging-in-memorable-quotes\/","url_meta":{"origin":48,"position":1},"title":"One Year Of Blogging….In Memorable Quotes","author":"Lucille Ossai","date":"March 25, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 BREAKING\u00a0\u00a0NEWS: RETHINKING\u00a0 BUSINESS\u00a0\u00a0COMMUNICATIONS \u00a0BLOG TURNED\u00a0 ONE \u00a0ON\u00a0 MARCH 24TH!\u00a0\u00a0 A year ago, I ventured into the terribly exciting, (but intimidating), world of the Blogosphere. 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