Running head: COMMUNICATION STUDIES 1

Communication Studies

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Communication Studies

Components of Business Etiquette

Business etiquette is all about the rules of behaving in the expected manner within a

business setting. It is a critical aspect of the business considering that it creates relationships that

can be beneficial for the business with regards to getting more customers. It does not matter the

setting of a business meeting, as etiquette is critical for the positive continuity of the business.

There are various components that business etiquette has, with the first one being politeness. It is

about using some words like please, thanks, and welcome, as they may go a long way towards

making people feel good (Santovec, 2013). Some other aspects of politeness include proper

introduction of clients or business associates, or picking business cards and reading them before

pocketing them. The second aspect is courtesy, where one needs to express their appreciation for

any gesture received. The third aspect is punctuality, where it is of great essence to keep time as

that sends a positive impression to others.

Choosing the Level of Formality

Formality in communication is crucial as it determines the level of seriousness portrayed

by the business. As there are different levels of formality, it is crucial to determine what level to

use. In that case, the first thing that the communicator needs to do is determine the kind of

audience they are communicating to. Business executives and management need to be addressed

in the most formal manner. It is also nice to address the elderly in a formal way, as opposed to

how one would address their younger peers. The setting may also determine the level of

formality, as business meetings in conference rooms may require that the language is highly

formal, while less formality may be used when the setting is also informal (Santovec, 2013). The

final determinant may be type of message that needs to be communicated, as there are messages
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that need to indicate a high level of formality while there are those that can have informal

language.

The “You-Viewpoint”

This is a perspective where sender of the message thinks about the receiver as a way of

ensuring that the reader of the message feels that they have been respected and that their feelings

are not hurt. It is also a way of determining the attitude of the reader, as that may help in

avoiding situations that will create negativity. It is also crucial in determining the level of

formality of communicating with the other person (Santovec, 2013). Once the creator of the

message is aware of how the receiver will get the message using the perspective, it becomes

easier for them to gauge the nature of business relations that will be created.

Avoiding Talking Down to Reader

Talking down is a behavior where the speaker communicates in a manner that is

patronizing to the audience. To avoid this behavior, it is of essence that the creator of the

message does proper research before they start the communication process. This is especially

crucial in helping avoid over-explaining some points. It is also proper that one does not over-

research as it may make them know a lot and hence, under-explain what they intend to

communicate. Secondly, it is important that one selects an audience that is ideal for receiving the

communication as failure to have that may lead to tone inconsistencies and poor delivery of the

subject matter. Thirdly, the communicator of the message needs to allow for the warrants of the

audience, as that includes putting aside personal beliefs (Santovec, 2013). For instance, personal

opinions should not be regarded as facts, as that may demoralize the audience. Additionally, one

should also not take the moral high ground as that alienates the audience.
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References

Santovec, M. (2013). Business Etiquette: Not Just for Black Dress Events. Women In Higher

Education, 22(5), 22-22. https://doi.org/10.1002/whe.10459