Rule of Thumb: A Guide to Communication Basics for Business Owners & Managers (Rule of Thumb Series)

Just how important are effective communication skills? The answer is critically important, especially in the work world. (Keep in mind that these skills are also extremely useful in your personal life.) Many people, including business professionals, often express doubt about the need for good communication skills, believing that whatever communication skills they already possess will serve them well enough. Perhaps that is true if the person's skills are good, but not so much if the person's skills are less so. Having learned how to read and write in school does not necessarily mean that one has nothing left to learn or upon which to improve. Does having "good communication skills" mean you need to use big long words that few people understand? Absolutely not! Use simple words, but use them correctly. Employer surveys consistently reveal the importance of effective communication skills for securing a job, as well as for job performance, career advancement and the success of a business. Good communication reflects directly on the company, creating trust and presenting a professional image to build better business relationships. Before panicking, remember that good communications skills are learned. No one is born an excellent communicator. Effective communication is a learned skill. Anyone can learn the skills to communicate effectively in both written and oral messages. This book provides basic information to help you improve both written and oral communication skills. It shows you how to be kind to your readers by making what you've written easy to understand. Keep it clear. Keep it simple. Keep it to the point.