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Why Does Language in Business Matter?30 Sep 2015

Don't you find, that often the way something is being said makes more impact than the merit of that communication? How by saying something in a specific manner and using particular wording can very much change how a message is received and seen?
This is a very powerful strategy to use in business, in communication with team, business partners and customers.
How to maximize your chances of making those business relations better via language?

Vocabulary

A helpful "exercise" in growing your word bank is reading in general, as well as reading publications specific to the industry.
It's also good to know most common abbreviations, although best not to use them in contact with those likely not to know their meaning. Why build unnecessary barriers?
Also, viewing business shows on tv or internet can be of use here, as it presents various examples of applications of business wording.

Body Language

Don't forget that we never communicate with speech alone. No-one is going to trust what you're saying if you don't look a person in the eye or don't even turn your head from the computer screen while in conversation.
With body language you can either reinforce your communication or weaken it. Meaning, when you know HOW to use it, it can work to your advantage in all kinds of situations.

Written Communication Issues

Straight away, let's agree, that a business person, using incorrect grammar or making typos in NOT going to be taken seriously. It's dead easy to avoid and fix these issues (spell-check?), yet we all see them every day.
It never hurts to read what you've written before you send it off. This could be the easiest way to avoid a number of potential issues, not just spelling-related.

Negative Language

A deeper issue is learning how not to sound negative, even when what you're saying is in fact a reprimand. This takes a conscious effort to adopt, but can be learned and be beneficial.
For instance, why say: "How much longer am I going to have to wait for those documents?" when you could say: "Have you come across any difficulties when preparing the documentation?".
Sure, you don't have to mean you're going to help out with getting the work done, but by asking in a helpful manner, you're sending the very same message, but in a better way.

Why So Serious? Why So Speedy?

Things go better, when people are at ease, and some will be more likely to get relaxed at work than others. Using humour to lighten the mood or calm somebody down is always a good thing.
More importantly though, try slowing your speech down and avoid raising your voice at any cost, not to increase anyone's stress levels furthermore. Calm people tend to be more convincing and successful, anyway.

Listen Back

Language is a concept that involves 2 sides by default, hence - speaking of language and communication - it would hurt not to mention the importance of allowing the other side to speak and get a chance to react.
Show respect for other people by listening, don't just keep talking.

With improved teamwork and more fruitful relationship with customer at stakes, taking a shot at getting better at communication seems worth going for, doesn't it?