6 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Section 1.1 Introduction to Professional Communication Objectives After completing this section, you will be able to: • Explain the meaning of professional communication. • Identify the steps in the communication process. • Distinguish between informal and formal communication. Key Terms communication professional communication rhetoric goodwill communication process sender encoding transmission channel receiver interpersonal communication small group communication public communication decoding feedback informal communication etiquette formal communication protocol peer Professional Communication What does communication mean to you? Sending an e-mail? Using your cell phone? Communication is the process of using words, sounds, signs, or actions to exchange information or express thoughts. Communication skills affect your basic ability to understand others, establish positive relationships, and perform in most situations. Being able to communicate skillfully, therefore, is essential to your ability to succeed in your career. Communication that is associated with technology or business can be described as professional communication. Professional communication incorporates written, verbal, visual, and digital communication to provide factual information that is usable in the workplace. Professional communication focuses on using technology to create and distribute information. It does not focus on creative writing techniques. Instead, professional communication uses visuals such as charts, design elements, and illustrations to convey data. The language is simple and descriptive. All communication has a purpose. When people communicate, there is a specific reason for doing so. Identifying the purpose of communication is also known as the intent. The purpose of professional communication will usually fall into one of these categories. E Q What makes communication professional? ssential uestion