I thought I would take a minute to talk about one of my classes again.  This time I am not so much in fear of the class, as I am enjoying it!  My business communication class is turning out to be very useful and practical for my life and career.  We are learning about writing, speaking, and interpersonal communication skills – all KEY skills to being successful in an accounting career, and pretty much any other career for that matter.

Some of the assignments so far include memo writing and revision, presenting in front of the class, and learning how to work with various personality types.  Even as I am writing this blog, I am thinking about some of the tips and tools to write more effectively (most notably, the SEC recommendations issued in the “SEC Plain English Handbook“).  When writing a memo, (which I anticipate writing many as an accountant), it is important to be clear and concise.  More importantly, you must know who your audience is and direct your writing towards them.  A memo directed to the CEO versus one directed to lower level staff may have a different tone and different information because who its intended audience is.  The SEC guide shows many more suggestions for how to write and communicate most effectively.

Another fun thing we have done in class is look at examples of bad writing.  We diagnose the problems and try to come up with ways to fix them.  Here is one of the examples we looked at – see if you can tell what is wrong.

Whether you are cooped up in a cubicle or out making sales calls, communication is key.  You will have to relay what you are working on with someone at some point.  Some people say the most important skills to be an accountant are paying attention to detail, being an honest person, and carrying around a calculator.  I do believe though that the most important skills to have are connected with effective communication.

Please leave comments below on your thoughts.