Workplace Communication Key Terms

Send out the right messages when you know essential workplace communication key terms

By Michele Vrouvas

There aren't too many top-performing business leaders who would disagree with the statement that success in today's marketplace depends upon an individual's capacity to communicate. Asserting your ideas in a clear and articulate manner gets the kind of attention from senior level management that translates into promotions. Honestly divulging potentially hazardous workplace conditions to your employees not only engenders their goodwill but protects you from costly litigation down the road. Because these kinds of situations are not out of the ordinary, as a business owner you should understand the most common key terms that characterize superior workplace communication strategies.

Interpersonal communication

Interpersonal communication in the workplace refers to any kind of communication that takes place between coworkers as they go about their daily work.
Try: Essortment treats the subject of interpersonal communication in the workplace with an in-depth discussion of the key elements on which this communication—whether verbal or written—depends.

Power talk

Power talk helps you grab attention. It gets your managers and coworkers to recognize both you and the results you're expecting to achieve, especially when it comes to new business ventures.
Try: Let All Sands take you through the process of effective power talk strategies, which have been identified as crucial skills for women who want to make significant strides in their companies.

Cultural awareness

You cannot effectively communicate at work if your verbal and nonverbal language antagonizes a particular group of people. Cultural awareness helps you avoid statements that some would consider insensitive, whether intentional or not.
Try: Consider the policy and procedures manual at Sunset Bay Health Campus to get a sense for the mindset promoting cultural awareness in the workplace.

Constructive feedback

Employees need constructive feedback, particularly from their superiors, in order to know whether they are meeting company expectations for their work and, if not, what they can do to improve their performance.
Try: Business Performance offers practical tips on how to give your employees the constructive feedback their jobs depend on, including how to navigate through sticky situations that have the potential for disaster if the wrong feedback is given.

Hazard communication

When you honestly explain to your employees that fulfilling their principal job duties may expose them to hazardous substances or situations, you are fulfilling your hazard communication duty that is now required by federal laws.
Try: Oklahoma State University aims to help employers understand why hazard communication is so essential in today's marketplace. It discusses how complying with federal right-to-know laws requires businesses to draft realistic hazard communication policies.

Nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication includes all the methods by which you make your thoughts known to others without speaking or writing.
Try: BizMove clearly defines the essential role that nonverbal communication plays for today's business leaders. Find out how your superiors and colleagues are interpreting your facial expressions and body gestures and whether your nonverbal communication is sending the right message.