Business Writing Introduction-Page One
Some straightforward basic facts about business writing will get us started.
Communication
is what business and professional writing is all about. For communication to occur some message has to get from a sender to an audience. This sounds simple. Often, it becomes harder than you think.
Channels
are methods of delivering messages. A channel might be a letter, a memo, a speech, an email message, a telephone call or a videoconference.
Noise
is anything that interferes with message transmission, distorting the message or changing its meaning. During a speech, a firetruck zooming by might cause parts of the speech to not be heard. But noise might also be an unfortunate smudge on a page, an unappealing arrangement of words or information on a page, or even too much information masking the intended true message of a document.
Messages
can be sent by more than just words. Nonverbal communication can say just as much as verbal communication. Gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, posture, clothing, and other nonverbal paralanguage are ways we communicate in society and business without having to speak. Verbal paralanguage might include elements of vocal messages such as voice or speech tone, emphasis, speed, pitch, volume and use of pauses and fillers like "um" and "you know." Written messages also are affected by more than the words on the page or screen. Arrangement, design, and presentation can all influence how a message is, or is not, received.
Now, let's go to the next page to take a look at business communication channels
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at moconner@mail.millikin.edu
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