What Are the Different Types of Business Discourse?

Business discourse represents the way companies do business through speech and text. Communication is often a driving force in business; one incorrect message can send a company into a downward spiral. The different methods of business discourse can be meetings or debates, written correspondence, or management theory. Each one has its own place in business, with multiple types often being common. All individuals play a part in the discourse process, though upper management may be among the most common users of this activity.

Meetings and debates serve two different types of business discourse needs. A company often uses meetings to inform multiple individuals at one time on any given topic. In some cases, little differences may be evident between the opinions of those in the meeting. Debates represent a type of discourse that can include multiple views on a topic. Heated debates may occur when two or more parties have opposite views on a given topic or action by a company.

Written correspondence is also an important part of business discourse. Here, individuals engage in memos, letters, and other documents meant to inform and instruct others about a given issue. Memos may be the least formal method of written communication; they often go between individuals within the same company. Letters go between internal and external parties and carry a formal use for a topic or issue. Professionalism is a must here due to the formal nature and instructional method letters give to a message.

Management theory can be an overlooked form of business discourse. Owners, executives, and managers can all educate others through their actions and nonverbal discourse. Management theories work primarily for internal users; the system trains and educates others on how to best accomplish business tasks and activities. Nonverbal discourse represents what individuals see in a communicator through visible actions. This type of business discourse can have a great impact if what a manager says is not evident in what he actually does.

Many different pieces make up a company’s overall business discourse. Psychology, judgment, organizational culture, and analysis all make up discourse methods. Companies can select a method that works best for processes, though individuals may not be comfortable with some of the techniques. When this occurs, employees need to overcome their shortfalls and make the discourse method work for them. In the end, this makes individuals more valuable due to the growth in their business skills.