Writing for Business Success/Business writing in action/Using the right communication channel

On this page, we'll first review some of the advice we've covered about communicating in a professional way, and then consider how to choose which communication channel to use in particular contexts.

Choosing your channel of communication
One way to practise etiquette when communicating in a business setting is to take time to choose your method of communication carefully. Letters, memos, proposals, and reports are considered formal, whether they are sent on paper or transmitted via e-mail. However, text messages, instant messages, and social networking are considered informal methods of communication, and are best used to communicate less-formal information, such as a change in a meeting time if schedules have been adjusted during a factory tour. Text and instant messages should never be used to communicate company policies, proposals, pricing, or other information that is an important part of conducting business with customers.

It’s also worth noting that, in all these methods, your communication is permanent, so always take the time you need to write a complete and accurate message.

Work your way through the slides below to learn more about this topic and to practise applying your learning to some short scenarios.