Learn the definition of written communication, discover the examples and types of written communication, and read about its advantages and disadvantages. Updated: 11/19/2021 Table of Contents
Communication is the act of sending, receiving, and sharing information through various forms of media. It is an important life skill to develop in order to build understanding and comprehension across a significant range of subjects. Good communicators are able to speak, listen, and write clearly, which is helpful when interacting with others in the world of business. Written communication is one of the most important forms of communication that professionals within a workplace or career field should seek to develop. What is written communication? Written communication is defined as any type of message that utilizes written words. It is the most common form of business communication and has become increasingly important throughout the information age. Written communications can take place traditionally on paper or more modernly on an electronic device, such as by email or electronic memo. They are an effective method for transferring information within a business. Written communications are essential to any scenario involving more than one person. The other main form of communication is oral communication, or messages which are spoken. Written communications include all exchanges of information that involve written messages. These may be done by hand on paper or digitally such as through email.
Written Communication SkillsWritten communications require a high level of skill in order to be conducted effectively and professionally. This form of communication is very common in business, so it is important that each employee has an understanding of written communication and a continual motivation to develop and improve their skills. Effective written communications should include the following skills:
Additional guidelines which individuals within a business may choose to follow include beginning the communication by clearly stating their goal, keeping the communication simple, and staying on topic. Further, the use of an active and authoritative voice to outline goals and other pertinent information may aim to make the communication as effective as possible. Practice is an equally important activity to help develop written communication skills, and it is always a good idea to proofread or have a peer scan over communications to check for any errors. Types of Written CommunicationThere are various forms of business communication that may be applied either internally to employees and business operations or externally to other clients and businesses. Some of the most common types of written communication are:
Reports are a form of written communication. They are able to deliver a message to many parties at once in an accurate and professional manner, ensuring that every person is relayed the same information.
Written communications are used within a business to relay information about current projects, finances, and other operational topics. If written or oral communication did not exist within an organization, departments would remain unaware of each others' statuses and be unable to successfully function as a whole. Similarly, if no means of communication existed between a business selling a product and external parties such as consumers, buyers on the market would not be informed about a product, its benefits, or the preferential company to purchase it from. External communications can help deliver products to the outside world and create an effective brand for consumers to buy from. Written Communication ExamplesCommunication is a vital part of most business operations. Written communications often take place in a setting that is not face-to-face, leading to a more convenient writing and reception time between the communicating parties. The following scenarios explore written communication examples that relay information at the convenience and ease of the speaker and the audience:
Written Communication In Business - A Practical Exercise:The following exercise ExerciseTim is the President of Genius Consultants, a consulting firm located in London and New York. Recently, Tim has had issues with John Grumpypants, the manager of the London branch. Many of the employees in the London office have reached out to Tim recently stating that John was extremely rude and aggressive with them. Since Tim values how his employees are treated, he called John and discussed these allegations seriously. John agreed and stated that his behavior would change. Unfortunately, Tim just received another 5 complaints this morning, stating that they are now afraid to go to the London office given John's aggressive behavior. Tim decided to write the following email to John. Dear John, Following our conversation last week regarding your behavioral tendencies when dealing with employees, we had agreed that change was necessary, and you promised me that you would change your behavior. Given the information that I have received from the London office, it does not seem like you have taken my advice to heart. This is a formal warning that your management style must change immediately. Otherwise, this issue will be escalated with our legal department. I sincerely hope that the issue can be resolved promptly. Regards, Tim Required
Solution1. The answer is yes.
2. Students can refer to any of the elements presented in the lesson (e.g. the conciseness due to the short length of the email, the courtesy in the salutations, the correctness when referring to the previous conversation, etc.). What is meant by written communication?Communication refers to the sending, receiving, and sharing of information between two parties through various forms of media. Written communications are exchanges of information that involve written messages, either digitally or on paper. Written communications are beneficial because they do not require direct communication and they provide proof of an exchange in the event of an incident. What are some types of written communication?There are many types of written communication that can be used in a business setting. Written communications should be clear, concise, accurate, professional, and include all of the necessary information. Four of the most common types of written communication in business include emails, memorandums (memos), faxes, and advertisements. Register to view this lessonAre you a student or a teacher? Unlock Your EducationSee for yourself why 30 million people use Study.comBecome a Study.com member and start learning now.Become a Member Already a member? Log In Back What teachers are saying about Study.com Try it now Already registered? Log in here for access Create an account to start this course today Used by over 30 million students worldwide Create an account What are examples of external audiences?External audiences are those prospective customers, market competitors, or governmental entities that you influence with advertising, sales collateral, or traditional marketing initiatives to achieve your goals.
What is external written communication?External communications are the processes responsible for communicating with people and entities outside your organization. These include customers, businesses, suppliers, partners, investors, government agencies, and law enforcement.
Which of the following are examples of written communication?Reports and e-mail are examples of written communication, Written communication is concerned with any type of message which involves written words.
Which of the following is an example of external organizational communication?Which of the following is an example of external organizational communication? A brochure sent to a prospective customer is an example of external organizational communication.
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