With the popularity of hybrid and remote work increasing over the years, communication throughout a corporation has become inconsistent. Although it has become a lot easier for people to communicate with each other thanks to a multitude of dynamic communication methods, it is becoming harder for people to develop the social skills necessary to communicate properly. While ironic, this issue has led to a lot of people struggling to communicate with their coworkers and even their employers. If you happen to be someone who is struggling with communication in the corporate world, here is a short guide to help you get better at communicating.
Types of Communication in the Corporate World
Day-to-day communication in the corporate world can differ depending on who you are talking to or through which medium. Some of these types of communication can include:
Customer Communication
Communication with the customers, unlike corporate communications, can differ significantly depending on your company and the circumstances. You could be talking to them face to face, through a chat, on call, or even in written format. Regardless, you need to be extra careful when you are talking to customers and think before you speak. Being deliberate when speaking can be a lot easier when talking to customers online or through chat since you can take slightly longer to respond. Make sure that you also leave a positive impression on the customer if they talk to you, and be especially careful when gendering customers.
Meetings
Meetings are possibly one of the most important internal communication strategies for any business. Whether the meeting has a number of participants or is just with a superior, you need to be better prepared when going into a meeting. A good meeting can help build a bond between a team or deliver information in an efficient manner that would otherwise be misinterpreted through emails. More importantly, good meetings, especially among team members, can be highly collaborative. These types of meetings should also make all of the individuals in the meeting feel energized and not drained.
Presentations
Presentations are a completely different ball game when compared to business meetings. While the latter is often with other employees and colleagues, the former is a very serious and formal affair. There is usually a larger audience, or even if there are fewer people, the presentation could be addressed to higher-ups of the company. Good presentations require good public speaking skills, and they should be to the point. The best way to get good at presentations is through practice and preparation. Practising in front of a mirror also helps since it allows you to look at yourself while speaking.
Updates
Updates are short and concise, so all you really need to focus on is getting your point across in as few words as possible. One of the best ways that you can do that is by working on your summarizing skills. Make sure that people do not have to put in too much effort when reading the update or that they ignore it because it is too long. An update should not be any longer than three lines, which is often enough to convey the necessary information.
Upward Communication
Upward communication refers to employees speaking to their managers or other higher-ups in the firm. In fact, this is something that many managers will also engage in when talking to other leaders in the company. While most of them will often take the form of emails or memos, they could also be in face-to-face communication. You need to be very careful when speaking in these situations and try to leave a positive impression. Make sure you think and ponder over your response before sending it, and try not to get too informal, even if it is not a formal setting.
Leadership Communications
Leadership communication often comes in the form of meetings, updates, or emails. Communication with leaders is often one-way, as they are talking to their team members while looking to inspire, motivate, and persuade them. However, not being as persuasive or having trouble speaking to large groups does make it harder to follow through on the responsibilities of being a leader.
Informal Communication
Finally, informal communication can happen with anybody from anywhere on the corporate hierarchy. And being good at small talk can open up doors for you in your career. Just being comfortable to be around and knowing how to move a conversation forward can leave a good impression on people.
How to Improve Communication in the Corporate World
While it may seem complicated, the truth is that improving communication is not impossible. Many say that it is a social muscle that can eventually get good with practice. Here are a few other ways that you can get better at corporate communication.
Simplify What You Have to Say
Even if you struggle with informal communication and struggle to keep a conversation going, you can still get better at formal communication by keeping things simple. Try not to use heavy jargon in your messages and keep things to the point. This can go a long way in your career.
Think About What You Are Going to Say
Another important way that you can improve is by giving yourself the room to think about what to say next. This step is especially important if you are responding to any messages or emails that come your way. Try not to take too long to respond, and make sure that you address the points of the email properly.
Conclusion
Communication is an essential part of success in the corporate world. Not only does it help you leave a positive impression on people around you, but it can actively open doors to opportunities you did not know existed.
