Business Communication Flashcards

These vocabulary flashcards cover the core concepts, process steps, methods, categories, and directions of business communication based on the lecture material.

Business Communication

The process of sharing information within and outside an organization to achieve business objectives, build relationships, and ensure smooth operations.

Sender

The person who initiates the message.

Encoding

The process of converting thoughts, data, or information into a specific format, symbol, or code for transmission.

Message

The information or idea being communicated.

Decoding

Interpreting or translating a formatted message back into meaningful information.

Channel

The medium used (email, meeting, phone, etc.) for communication.

Receiver

The person who receives and interprets the message.

Feedback

The response from the receiver confirming understanding.

Noise

Any barrier that distorts or interrupts communication.

Verbal Communication

Communication through spoken or written words, including oral forms like meetings and written forms like reports.

Non-Verbal Communication

Communication without words, using physical and visual cues such as body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and visuals.

Written Communication

The exchange of information through written words, symbols, or text, providing a permanent record.

Visual Communication

The transmission of information using visual elements rather than words, such as charts, graphs, infographics, and logos.

Internal Communication

The exchange of information within an organization among employees, managers, and departments.

External Communication

The exchange of information between the organization and people or entities outside of it, like customers, suppliers, and investors.

Formal Communication

Structured communication that follows official channels, rules, and hierarchy within an organization.

Informal Communication

Casual, spontaneous communication that does not follow official channels and often spreads through the grapevine.

Downward Communication

Information flowing from higher levels in an organization to lower levels, used for implementing goals, providing instructions, and explaining policies.

Upward Communication

Information flowing from lower levels to higher levels, used to provide feedback to management, report progress, or share concerns.

Horizontal Communication

Communication between employees or departments on the same hierarchical level, also known as lateral communication.