Methods of communication and communication barriers

Learning objectives

Show why a business depends on good communication, and tell internal communication (inside the business) from external communication (with people outside it), giving examples of both

Weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each method of communication: a meeting (in person or virtual), a phone or mobile call, an email, a text message, a letter, social media, and a poster or noticeboard

Choose the best method for a given message and defend the choice by considering how fast it must arrive, what it costs, whether a written record is needed, how many people must receive it and whether they need to reply

Recognise communication barriers — jargon, a different language, a receiver who is not paying attention, the wrong method, a message passed through too many levels — and explain what causes them

Explain the damage a barrier does to a business and what can be done to reduce or remove it