Writing for Business Success/Delivering your message/Language as a communication barrier
Read Chapter 2.4 in Business Communication for Success. This reading explains how clichés, euphemisms, jargon, slang, doublespeak, and sexist and racist language diminish communication. In fact, sexist and racist language is likely to lead to legal trouble. Also, take note of Washburn’s ‘miscommunication gap,’ which describes various negative effects poor language habits have on personal and workplace relationships, as well as workplace culture and productivity.
Recommended: Do the first three chapter exercises, which ask you to explore real-world examples of clichés, sexist or racist language, slang terms and euphemisms. What is the difference between sexist and/or racist language, and legitimate references to gender and/or ethnicity in business communication? Try also to do the two exercises that invite you to briefly interview people in your community about changing word meanings and communication barriers. Interviewing skills are an important business communication skill, and you will be offered various practice opportunities during the course. What did you learn from your interviews? Please share a reflection in the WENote feed.
Note: Your comment will be displayed in the course feed.
