This document discusses the importance of effective communication for business success. It identifies several key indicators that can be used to gauge a company's communication strengths: 1) developing trust through clear, concise messaging; 2) creating an atmosphere of collaboration by valuing all opinions; 3) communicating with tact to avoid negative connotations; and 4) being specific to avoid misunderstandings. It emphasizes that all employees must practice good communication and that companies should work with communication coaches to improve in these areas.

1. How Effective is Your Company with Business Communication?
Communication is at the core of every company’s success. Whether it’s communicating with
employees, customers or vendors, it’s an essential component for any organization. It doesn’t
matter if you use email, instant messaging, phone calls or group meetings, your company must
succeed with this skill for long-term success. Furthermore, each employee must be working on
improving their communication skills. Here are some indicators you can use to gauge your
company’s strengths in this area.
1. Trust in the Organization
Effective communication builds trust between the two parties. Customers will trust your service
or product while employees will trust your promises. Clear communication is essential for this
characteristic to be developed. You must create concise messages in a way that the other
person understands. To do this, you need to use words familiar to them, not talk down to them,
and speak clearly in verbal communication.
Ask a business accent coach why learning to speak clearly is so important, and they’ll tell you it
is to establish trust. A person doesn’t trust someone they don’t understand. A clear message is
essential to effective communication.
2. Create an Atmosphere of Collaboration
Every voice must be heard, and every opinion valued. If this isn’t the attitude of your company,
you’ll inhibit communication. When employees don’t feel valued or customers fail to be
understood, it impacts efficiency and the growth of the company. For example, when a
customer calls in with a complaint, they should feel heard and understood. It’s important to ask
them how a resolution can be achieved and listen to their ideas.
The same concept is true when working to create new products or services. Listen to
employees and customers about what they would like to see happen. Not only will this
encourage them to continue speaking up, it can result in a better idea than what the experts
provide.
3. Communicate with Tact
Avoid certain word choices that carry a negative connotation even if they aren’t meant that
way. This is true in any scenario but especially when working with people from another culture.
Certain words and phrases may offend even if you don’t intend to be abrasive. Companies that
work with a business speech coach learn how to speak without being arrogant or offensive
when talking with people around the world.
4. Be Specific

2. Vague communication can cause a lot of damage in an organization. It’s important that
everything be stated rather than implied. Otherwise, you risk a misunderstanding that can have
dire consequences. Never assume anyone knows your intentions. Instead, spell it out in great
detail. Furthermore, write everything down so everyone can go back and review it for clarity. It
also provides a basis for future situations that are similar.
Being effective in your communication will help your business be more efficient and successful
for the long term. Learn the key components to good communication and ensure your staff
know them as well. Practice them, review them and then evaluate the results.
Claudette Roche is a dialect coach in the VeroBeach, FL area. She teaches foreign and
American accents to actors and business persons/executives. In 2010 she was named as one of
The Top 5 Voice Coaches by Hollywood Weekly Magazine.