GRADE 8 Pre-technical COMMUNICATION – BUSINESS COMMUNICATION Notes
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Subject: Pre-technical · Topic: COMMUNICATION · Subtopic: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Level: Age 13 (Kenya) — simple, practical notes to help you understand how people communicate in business or school projects.
What is communication?
Communication is the act of sharing information so others understand you. In business (or school projects), communication helps people work together, make orders, give instructions and solve problems.
Why is business communication important?
- It helps people understand what to do (clear instructions).
- It builds trust (polite and honest messages).
- It saves time and money (clear orders reduce mistakes).
- It helps sell goods or services (good advertising and talk).
Types of business communication
1. Verbal
Talking face-to-face or on phone. Example: calling a vendor.
Talking face-to-face or on phone. Example: calling a vendor.
2. Written
Letters, SMS, WhatsApp, email, order forms.
Letters, SMS, WhatsApp, email, order forms.
3. Non-verbal
Body language, facial expressions, gestures, signs.
Body language, facial expressions, gestures, signs.
Common communication channels in Kenya (simple examples)
- Face-to-face: market talks, teacher & student, suppliers
- Phone call: calling a shop or teacher
- SMS / WhatsApp: quick messages to group or supplier
- Email: formal letters to a company or for school projects
- Letters & notices: for formal school or group announcements
- Noticeboard: information for many people (school or market)
Features of good business communication
- Clear — simple words. Example: “Deliver 10 boxes on Monday.”
- Concise — short and to the point.
- Correct — accurate facts (dates, amounts, names).
- Polite — respect the other person.
- Complete — give all needed details (where, when, how).
Barriers (what can go wrong)
- Language or vocabulary not understood
- Noise or poor phone signal (common on some roads)
- Wrong channel — using WhatsApp for a formal notice
- Emotions — anger or hurry causing bad messages
- Poor handwriting or spelling (makes written orders unclear)
How to make communication better (tips)
- Think before you speak or write. What is the main point?
- Use simple words everyone understands (avoid big words).
- Choose the right channel — urgent? call. Formal? write a letter or email.
- Check your message for mistakes before sending.
- Ask for feedback: “Do you understand?” or “Please confirm.”
Simple templates you can use (fill the blanks)
1. WhatsApp request to a supplier
Hello [Name], please deliver [quantity] of [item] to [place] on [date]. Contact: [phone]. Thank you.
2. Meeting notice (short)
To: [Group name] — Please attend a meeting at [place] on [date] at [time]. Agenda: [topic]. Please confirm.
3. Order by phone (what to say)
Hello, my name is [Your name]. I want to order [quantity] [item]. Where can I collect it and how much will it cost?
Hello [Name], please deliver [quantity] of [item] to [place] on [date]. Contact: [phone]. Thank you.
2. Meeting notice (short)
To: [Group name] — Please attend a meeting at [place] on [date] at [time]. Agenda: [topic]. Please confirm.
3. Order by phone (what to say)
Hello, my name is [Your name]. I want to order [quantity] [item]. Where can I collect it and how much will it cost?
Short practice activity
Write a one-line WhatsApp message to order 5 bags of maize flour to be delivered to your school on Monday. Use the template above.
Quick visual: Channels at a glance
📞
Call
Call
💬
WhatsApp/SMS
WhatsApp/SMS
✉️
Email/Letter
Email/Letter
📋
Noticeboard
Noticeboard
👥
Face-to-face
Face-to-face
Remember: Good business communication is clear, polite and complete. It helps you succeed whether you are selling in a market, organizing a school fundraiser, or running a small business with friends.