Manickam Academy

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

  • Statistics: 
  • Impact on profits: Poor communication costs US businesses an estimated $420 billion annually (source: PGi).
  • Productivity loss: Studies indicate miscommunication wastes 16.8% of employee time in meetings and emails
    (source: Accountemps).
  • Customer churn: 71% of customers cite poor communication as a primary reason for switching service providers
    (source: PWC).
  • Employee engagement: Effective communication boosts employee engagement by 20%-30% (source: Gallup).

    Common Communication Breakdowns:
  • Lack of Clarity: Ambiguous messages lead to misunderstandings and delays.
  • Jargon and Overcomplexity: Unnecessary technical terms alienate audiences.
  • Ineffective Listening: Not truly understanding what others are saying hinders collaboration.
  • Emotional Inappropriateness: Unprofessional conduct damages relationships and trust.
  • Cultural Misunderstandings: Failing to recognize cultural differences leads to communication gaps.
    Consequences of Breakdowns:
  • Missed deadlines and project delays.
  • Inefficient workflows and wasted resources.
  • Damaged client and partner relationships.
  • Decreased employee morale and productivity.
  • Missed opportunities and potential losses.
    Key Communication Principles:
  • Clarity: Convey your message precisely and avoid ambiguity.
  • Conciseness: Be direct and avoid unnecessary information overload.
  • Audience Awareness: Tailor your message to your audience’s needs and understanding.
  • Active Listening: Pay close attention and genuinely seek to understand others.
  • Empathy: Consider perspectives and emotions to build rapport and trust.
  • Respect: Treat all communication interactions with professionalism and courtesy.

Real-Life Extract:

  • (Share a brief story of a business deal lost due to miscommunication, adapted to your target audience and region.
  • Ensure it highlights the specific communication breakdown and its consequences.)

Short Quiz (Multiple Choice):
1. What percentage of customer churn is primarily attributed to poor communication? 

a) 50% b) 71% c) 90% d)20%
2. According to studies, ineffective communication leads to what percentage of wasted employee time? 

a) 5% b) 10% c) 16.8% d) 25%
3. Which communication principle emphasizes understanding your audience’s needs and preferences?

 a) Clarity b) Conciseness c) Active Listening d) Empathy

4. What can be a direct consequence of using excessive jargon and technical terms? 

a) Increased clarity b) Alienation of your audience c) Improved project management d) Enhanced creativity

5. True or False: Respectful communication involves acknowledging cultural differences in communication

styles.

 
 
WRITING FOR IMPACT
PUBLIC SPEAKING WITH CONFIDENCE
COMMUNICATION ACROSS CULTURES
NEGOTIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER CASE STUDIES AND ACTION PLAN
Need Help?