INTRODUCTION/ 9
CHAPTER 1: THE NATURE OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION/ 17
1.1. Workplace Orientation: Norms, Rules, Roles and Values as Principles of Ethical Behaviour and Effective Communication/ 17
1.2. Norms / 22
1.3. Rules/ 25
1.4. Roles/28
1.5. Values/ 34
1.6. Conclusions/ 43
CHAPTER 2: THE DYNAMICS OF THE VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION PROCESS/ 47
2.1. Channels and Processes of Interpersonal Communication/ 47
2.2. Channels of Communication: Verbal and Non-Verbal/ 50
2.3. The Art of Managing Trust-Based Relationships/ 54
2.3.1. Using questioning and listening techniques/ 56
2.3.2. The functions of communication and types of questions/ 65
2.4. Overcoming Communication Barriers/ 81
2.5. Conclusions/ 97
CHAPTER 3: INSIGHTS INTO LANGUAGE DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS COMMUNICATION 101
3.1. Language between High- and Low-Context Communication/ 101
3.2. Power, Linguistic, Gender and Register Differences/ 110
3.3. Conclusions/ 120
CHAPTER 4: UNDERSTANDING THE LINGUISTIC ASPECTS OF BUSINESS
INTERACTIONS: ESSENTIALS OF INFORMAL BUSINESS ENGLISH/ 125
4.1. Mastering Linguistic Variations through the Practice of Vocabulary Repertoires/125
4.2. Euphemisms – Sweet Talking and Face Saving in Business Relations/ 127
4.3. Creating Euphemisms/ 139
4.4. Euphemisms’ Variation in terms of Length, Structure and Function/ 143
4.5. Euphemisms’ Behaviour and Formation Techniques/ 146
4.6. Conclusions/ 151
CHAPTER 5: BUSINESS-SPEAK: JARGON, SLANG, CLICHÉS, COLLOQUIALISMS
HAULING AROUND THE BUSINESS ARENA/ 155
5.1. Defining Characteristics of Nonstandard Forms of Language/ 155
5.2. Jargon, Slang and Clichéd Expressions/ 159
5.3. Classifications of Jargon Corporate Expressions/ 165
5.3.1. Positive inspiring phrases with a boosting effect/ 167
5.3.2. Negative phrases with a “red light” effect/ 177
5.4. The Spectrum of Idiomacity and the Areas of Usage/ 184
5.5. Conclusions/ 190
BIBLIOGRAPHY/ 193