Participate in Workplace Communications. Workers Must Be Able To
Participate in Workplace Communications. Workers Must Be Able To
1. Small Business»
2. Business Communications & Etiquette»
3. Communication in the Workplace»
What Are the Two Ways of Communication in the Workplace?
by Candace Webb
Although there are several ways to communicate in the workplace, the most basic types are external
communication and internal communication. Internal communication is used to regulate, manage and
encourage productivity. Internal communication happens between company employees. External
communication is used to advertise, sell, respond and build the business. External communication happens
between company representatives and customers, vendors and others.
Internal Communication
Internal communication can motivate, reprimand or inform. Examples of internal communications are memos,
email messages, instant messages and phone calls. For example, a manager might send out a mass email about
an upcoming meeting. Company reports often disperse information about last year's profits and this year's
goals. A phone call to get questions answered is another example of internal communication.
Face-to-Face
Companies use face-to-face internal communication in training, promotions, demotions and other areas of the
workplace. While managers also can handle most of these tasks with written communication, an in-person,
face-to-face communication is more personal and opens the door for verbal exchange.
External Communication
Many forms of external workplace communication are available, including faxes, Internet websites and
advertising. Your company website promotes your business, allowing you to showcase your products and
services. Faxes allow you to communicate over long distances, in writing, so there is a paper trail of the
communication effort on your part. External communication not only serves customers but also can be used to
place inventory orders with vendors, check out the competition and plan for the future. A phone call to a
competitor gives you pricing information. An email to potential customers alerts them to upcoming deals and
bargains.
Advertising
Advertising is a type of external communication. Placing an advertisement that highlights your product,
service or sales lets the outside world know what you have going on. Even for customers who are not currently
in need of your service, a well-designed ad can remind them to call you when needs do arise.
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3. One on One
Experts have been able to prove that some people understand better when you take
them aside and talk to them on a one-on-one basis. Ensure that you maintain eye
contact with them to enable the message to sink in.
4. Create a Receptive Atmosphere
To effectively communicate with your team, you must create a receptive atmosphere.
Avoid a tense environment at all costs because when you communicate in an overly
intense manner, the message you are trying to share might not be well understood or
retained.
8. Use Visuals
Place visuals at strategic positions around the workstations of your team. They should
not just hear the message, they should also see it. This gives room for better
comprehension.
15. Be Humorous
Using friendly jokes when communicating with your team members will help pass your
message along in a more relaxed way. This method of communication has been proven
to be a highly effective way of dousing tension. When the atmosphere is unfriendly and
intense, being humorous does the trick. If you must use jokes, please don’t overdo it.
Remember, you are not a stand-up comedian.
16. Be Articulate
Communication is indeed a skill that must be learned by all, especially if you want to
lead any group of people. Being articulate when you communicate to your team
members makes it easier for them to understand your message.
19. Gesticulate
Use your hands to demonstrate your message. Make hand motions and signals to
establish the seriousness of your subject matter when communicating with your team
members. This shows that you understand what you are trying to relay to them. Just
don’t let your body movement become too exaggerated and intense.
20. Be Appreciative
After every communication session, via whatever means you have decided, always
remember to thank your listeners for their time. It will cost you nothing and it’s a simple
courtesy.
Remember that the point of working as a team is to share ideas and boost productivity.
When effective communication in the workplace is hampered, it can sidetrack the entire
effort.
You must work hard at these communication tactics and create ground rules to keep
everyone up to date, which helps avoid confusion and ensure the completion of the
project with ease.