Business communication isn't just about getting your point across. It's about being heard, understood, and trusted. Whether you're handling a tricky client, leading a team through change, or just trying to make your emails less painful to read, the way you communicate can quietly shape everything from outcomes to relationships. This isn't about sticking to a script or memorising buzzwords. It's about sharpening how you show up in conversations, both spoken and written, so that you actually connect.
Be Clear
Clarity isn't about dumbing things down, it’s about getting to the point without losing meaning. You don’t need long explanations or padded sentences to sound smart. In fact, trimming the fat often makes your message stronger. The goal is persuasive communication, but in a way that feels natural- if you can spell out exactly what you need and why it matters, you’re doing most of the heavy lifting. Cut out the filler and keep an eye on jargon. If it adds friction or confusion, leave it out. Precision is more powerful than polish.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Being prepared is more than just rehearsing a pitch. It’s about knowing what you want from the interaction before you walk into it. Whether it’s a meeting, a negotiation or a difficult conversation, take a moment to map it out in your head. What’s the core message? Where could things get messy? What kind of questions or resistance might come up? This kind of thinking helps you stay steady when the conversation veers off script. It also shows people you’ve done the work, and that earns trust.
Be Organised
Disorganisation shows up fast in communication- things like missed calls, vague emails and forgotten follow ups are all a problem. If things are slipping through the cracks, or you're feeling stretched too thin, a diary management service might be a smart move. When your time and communication are managed properly, you can actually focus on the quality of what you’re saying instead of scrambling to keep up. You’ll find it easier to stay present in conversations, and less likely to reply on autopilot or double up on commitments. Clear space makes room for clarity.
Non-Verbal Communication
What you don't say often carries more weight than what you do. Facial expressions, posture, eye contact, even silence. All of it communicates something, whether you mean it to or not. If you're leading people or working closely in a team, learning to read those non-verbal cues is incredibly useful. It might be the only sign you get that someone’s uncomfortable or holding something back. The better you are at picking up on it, the more you can deal with things before they become problems. It's not about becoming hyper-analytical. It's about being present enough to notice when something feels off.
Watch your Tone
Tone can be the thing that flips a message from helpful to harsh. It’s not just what you say, it’s how it comes across. In person, your voice and body language do some of the work, but in writing, tone becomes even trickier to get right. That quick email might sound blunt or cold even if you didn’t mean it that way. So before you hit send, read it again with fresh eyes. Would you say it the same way out loud? If it’s a tense situation, consider holding back your response for a few hours. It’s not about overthinking, just being intentional. A softer tone doesn’t mean weaker communication. It usually means clearer, calmer outcomes.
