MBA 1st Sem - Business Communication Detailed Notes
Module 01: Business Communication in the Digital Age
- Overview of Communication: Involves sender, message, medium, receiver, and feedback.
Communication can be verbal or non-verbal, formal or informal.
- Digital Age Communication: Enhanced by email, video conferencing, social media, and
collaborative platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
- Overcoming Barriers: Physical (noise, distance), psychological (stress, emotions), semantic
(language/jargon). Active listening and clear language help.
- Listening Skills: Active listening requires focus, avoiding interruptions, paraphrasing, and providing
feedback. Builds trust and reduces errors.
- Non-verbal Communication: Includes gestures, posture, eye contact, and facial expressions.
Accounts for a significant portion of communication impact.
- Cultural Dimensions: Hofstede's dimensions (power distance, individualism, etc.) influence
workplace communication and collaboration.
- Intercultural Communication: Requires cultural sensitivity, avoiding stereotypes, and adjusting
communication styles.
- Technology in Communication: Tools like Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, and email have changed how
professionals connect and collaborate.
Module 02: Workplace Communication and Digital Media
- Oral Communication: Essential in meetings, presentations, interviews. Clarity, tone, and body
language matter.
- Written Communication: Emails, reports, memos, and formal letters. Accuracy, grammar, and tone
are critical.
- Digital Age Tools: Emails and memos must be concise and professionally formatted. Tone and
clarity must align with organizational standards.
- Podcasts and Blogs: Used to communicate thought leadership, updates, and internal stories.
Boost transparency and employee engagement.
- Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn enhance professional networking. Must be used responsibly
to protect company image.
- Message Types:
- Positive: Communicating good news or appreciation.
- Negative: Delivering criticism or bad news tactfully.
- Persuasive: Convincing stakeholders or selling ideas.
- Neutral: Informational without emotional tone.
- Public Speaking: Requires preparation, knowing your audience, structured delivery, and engaging
visual aids.
Module 03: Business Reports
- Purpose of Business Reports: To inform, analyze, and recommend actions to solve business
problems or capitalize on opportunities.
- Informal Reports: Memos, emails, brief summaries. Used for internal communication.
- Formal Reports: Structured documents including title page, table of contents, executive summary,
body, conclusions, and appendices.
- Analytical Reports: Use data to evaluate options or performance (e.g., sales reports, market
analysis).
- Proposals: Suggest a course of action or solution. Includes introduction, objectives, methodology,
budget, and conclusion.
- Visual Aids: Enhance readability. Use graphs, tables, charts to support data and arguments.
- Citing Sources: Essential for credibility and avoiding plagiarism. Use APA, MLA, or
company-specified format.
Module 04: Professionalism, Teamwork, Meetings, and Speaking Skills
- Professionalism: Adherence to workplace norms. Punctuality, responsibility, dress code, and
respectful behavior.
- Ethics: Integrity, confidentiality, fairness, and compliance with laws and regulations.
- Teamwork: Involves collaboration, conflict resolution, shared responsibilities, and trust-building.
- Meetings: Require clear agenda, time management, active participation, and documented minutes.
- Business Presentations: Should be audience-focused, visually engaging, and logically structured.
Rehearsal improves confidence.
- Visual Aids: Use slides, videos, infographics. Ensure readability and relevance.
- Audience Rapport: Engage with eye contact, questions, and interactive content.
- TED Talks: Known for storytelling, clarity, and passion. Serve as examples of high-impact
speaking.
Module 05: Employment Communication
- Job Search Platforms: LinkedIn, Naukri, Indeed, Glassdoor. Use keywords and professional
branding.
- ATS (Applicant Tracking System): Tailor resumes using job description keywords to pass
screening.
- Resume Writing: Focus on achievements, quantifiable results, and clarity. Use action verbs and
consistent formatting.
- Cover Letters: Address specific roles, highlight key achievements, and express interest in the
company.
- Mock Interviews: Help in practicing common questions, improving body language, and boosting
confidence.
- Communication in Negotiation: Listen actively, present your value, and be willing to compromise.
- Additional Documents: Thank-you emails, reference lists, and follow-up communication
post-interview.
