Master the art of eloquence

Swati Rai

In the current century workplace, when tech communication is on the rise what with video chat, skype conferences and real time telephone conference calls, the need to speak clear, concise, correct English has also gained significance. Written or oral, verbal or non-verbal, communication is the key to success in the current corporate culture. Not only should the communication be factually correct but it should be linguistically appropriate and current too. Errors ranging from linguistic gender stereotyping to the use of archaic vocabulary can lead to many professional mishaps. Follow these cardinal rules of communication at work not to beat any competition but to improve one's own self:

Avoid workplace jargon

The overuse of jargon at workplace has come under sharp criticism all over the world. Some term it outright lazy, whereas others have called it vague. Phrases like 'blue sky thinking' (to mean limitless imagination); and 'touch base' (to mean connect with) often seem wordy and redundant. It is a language best used sparingly and that too in that particular setting where it is understood. Never forget that using concrete language, short sentences and precise vocabulary will help cement a long lasting and fruitful professional relation with clients and boss alike.

The grammar of communication

Yes, there are many ways of saying the same thing. But it is better to keep in mind the standard English usage, though minor inclination towards the variety of English used in a particular region or country is still acceptable. Globally now office communication is steering towards respecting national varieties of English that are inclusive in nature just as foreign accents, usage, and vocabulary. However, it is inappropriate to use archaic and redundant words. Keeping the vocabulary modern, the construction simple and the message short, helps make the statement lucid. This, however, doesn't mean hitting your grammar books, what it implies is keeping your ear to the ground as far as current language use is concerned.

Appropriate formality and tone

In the rushed professional lives, email communication is very often hurried at best and rude at worst. A polite tone need not be equated with giving in or giving up, but with accepted firmness in linguistic terms. The same is true for oral communication too where saying 'please', 'thank you' and 'sorry' is an easy way to build and sustain business relationship. Using formality where required is one way of keeping the communication crisp and appropriate.

Avoid biased or derogatory lingo

Using politically correct terminology wherever appropriate and avoiding sexist and overtly aggressive language would go a long way in projecting a linguistically neutral and impartial tone. The most effective leaders believe in the key of saying things that everyone will understand in the simplest way without shrouding the meaning in the veil of verbosity. Especially in a growing multi-cultural, mixed gender workplaces, to use language that is coloured with sexual innuendos, double speak and stereotypical shades, is only sounding the professional death knell.

Other tips for acing office communication include observing implied office etiquettes and following them, minimising Indianisms while speaking sticking to internationally accepted nomenclature and most importantly not trying to emulate someone, being the unique 'you' has many professional advantages.