Why All Companies Should Offer Business Communication Classes for Their Employees

Surviving Corporate America: Volume One

Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend a one-day Business Communication seminar provided by my employers. It was presented by an energetic member of our Human Resources department. And I found it to be a huge help in refreshing my communication skills. The class began with some fundamentals of the English language. This is when I was hit with the epiphany that ALL companies should make this kind of course mandatory, or at the very least offer it as part of the company "culture". There are three major reasons that I can think for justifying the offering of this class. If your work experience has been anything like mine, then you'll agree with me...

1. "WHAT THE [!$#@] ????" (USING WORDS CORRECTLY) - Honestly, this is the phrase going through my mind on most occasions when I hear people butchering the English language. Sure, I make mistakes. And if you read enough of my articles you may find quite a few. I'm human. But the bottom line is that when one is conducting important business (or semi-important business) it is imperative that people understand what in the world he/she is trying to say.
   
   David Letterman has a cute little comedy sketch where he shows a quick clip of President Bush ("Dubya") giving a speech. The word that "Dubya" emphatically uses is nignity. First of all, I have never heard of "nignity", and it took me a second to realize that he was trying to say "dignity." This was a great example of people using words incorrectly. In my adult life, I have also heard people use the phrase "on tomorrow", which completely drives me bonkers. "Pacifically" (for specifically), and "ax" (for ask) are also other examples of verbal faux paus that really get under my skin. But what people fail to realize, is that others are LISTENING, and are not afraid to judge you by your crutty use of English.