Communications in business - OCRWays of communicating in a business context

Communication is the process of sending and receiving information from one person to another using a channel of communication. Internal communication consists of messages that are sent between people or groups that work for the same business. External communication refers to messages that are sent to people who do not work within the business.

Depending on the information that is being shared and the audience that the message is being sent to, communication can be formal or informal. Formal communication refers to planned official messages that a business wishes to share. Informal communication refers to information that is shared casually or spontaneously, for example in a conversation with colleagues.

Ways of communication

There are a number of ways of communicating. The most common methods used in business are:

• Letter – a formal written document that is usually word-processed and sent via the post or attached electronically to an email.
• Email – a formal or informal written document that is used to communicate both internally and externally with a range of stakeholders.
• Text message – a brief written message used both internally and externally.
• Phone conversation – a verbal means of communication used both internally and externally.
• Meeting – a formal or informal gathering of people to exchange information verbally. Meetings may be conducted face to face or through web or video conference facilities.
• Presentation – a formal method of verbally communicating information to a group of people all at the same time.
• Video – businesses may make videos to communicate information formally to employees
• Social media – a formal or informal way of sharing information with a wide audience. Can be either internal (using a closed social media platform) or external.
• Website – a formal way of communicating with a wide audience, mainly in a written format.