I received this question two days ago at the end of a business communication training session.
Here’s how I answered: it depends on what stage of our career we’re at.
If we’re at an early stage, we should focus on mastering simple communication skills.
Once we establish a solid foundation in this area, we should shift our focus to developing storytelling skills.
And finally, we should dive into the intricacies of rhetoric.
This is the recommended sequence:
1. Simple Communication
2. Storytelling
3. Rhetoric
This is visual explanation of this:
Why this order? Because it aligns with the most common communication scenarios we encounter at different stages of our careers.
Business communication for beginners
As beginner managers, we primarily report information. We create reports, provide updates, and convey data. We rarely need to persuade others. So, to ensure our messages are clear, we should develop the ability to express our thoughts concisely, clearly, and effectively—this is the essence of simple communication.
At a more advanced stage, when we become team leaders, we need to persuade, inspire, and influence people’s attitudes. Simple communication alone won’t be enough. To change someone's mindset, we need the most powerful persuasion tool available: storytelling.
Business communication for advanced managers
Finally, the pinnacle of communication mastery lies in rhetoric. This ancient art of persuasion is vast, sophisticated, and fascinating. For those who aspire to become true communication experts, this stage is essential—but also the most challenging. That’s why, before diving into rhetoric, we must first build a strong foundation in simple communication and storytelling.
This is my personal approach to communication. These three modules encompass the full range of communication skills needed in a business environment.
Of course, nothing prevents us from developing all three areas simultaneously. However, if you want to make significant progress in communication, start at the beginning: master simple communication first. Then move on to the next levels.
I teach simple communication and storytelling in my "Storytelling vs. Simple Communication" training sessions. I cover rhetoric in my advanced communication training. If want to elevate communication skills within your organisation, just reach out to us.
Piotr Garlej
