Email

Email.
Email is a great business tool.  Email can be used internally and externally making it a quick and easy method of transferring information, documents, pictures and music files.  It is important to  follow the rules when using email in the work place. As with any written form of communication  the tone of the text, spelling, grammar  and  content should be professional as this will have an impact on the business.
Email has the ability to reach a large group of  people simultaneously but as not everyone checks their emails regularly you need to be careful when sending urgent mail.  If you are in a hurry to get a response from someone it would probably be better to use the phone.
Because in an business situation email can be accessed by other people it would not be a very good idea to send personal and private information.
On a personal level I use email to communicate with my family and friends.  Most of my brothers and sisters live in different towns and states so email is a great way for us to send each other photos as we dont get to see each other very often.
Plain English
When I was at school learning how to write resumes and  letters we were encouraged to use big words and flowery sentences to make it sound like we were professional. 
These days plain english is used in writing business documents, letters etc.  I think this is a more effective way to communicate as the simpler the content is the easier it is to understand.  I know if I read something that uses big words and long sentences I tend to lose track of what Im reading, and have to re-read the document over and over until I get a clear understanding of what the message is.  Writing in plain english saves time for the reader and they are less inclined to just throw the document in the bin.

communicate in the workplace

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION
Listening telephone,advertising,conversation, speeches,radio,t,v,public ceremonies,music

Reading: newspaper,books,magazines,ebooks,emails,text,

Writing: fax,email,assessments,instructions,websites,policies,songs,poems.stories,books,notes,letters,signs,

Speaking: Speeches, singing, public ceremonies, plays,phone, negotiations,teaching.asking questions,

What are the barriers that come into effect?  Language, background, economics, gender, etc
Is it verbal or non-verbal?
Who is your audience?
How formal or informal do you need to be?

Introduction to communication class

Learning about different methods of communication; verbal, written,electronic. How to use communication effectivly with the right body language, intonation, gestures and words, like not using jargon that the listener wont understand. Be clear in your message.
Listening:  is an important part in communication also, be attentive, use eye contact but not too much as this is can be intimadating or creepy. Use the right posture no slouching. Be attentative, show your interest
Body language,facial expresion, hand shakes all make an impression  to the listener as well if you are the one listening.
Barriers: Things that can cause distruptions to good communication skills. Prejudice, language,cultural differences,jargon,
My own  Experience
When I was younger I was unaware of how my body language and facial expressions were perceived by other people. I was very shy, wouldnt make eye contact and usually kept my arms crossed and stared at the floor when I was talking to someone I was not very familiar with.  This was pointed out to me as some constructive critism by a friend and since then I have tried to make a conscious effort to  be more open and friendly in my body language. 
I sometimes find it hard to stay focused on listening when the topic is dull I found that keeping eye contact with the talker helps me to stay tuned in although I found out today that too much eye contact can be unsettling. Im not sure if I use too much. Other people staring at me makes very self conscious and I usually am the first one to look away.