Communication

Subject:

Business Studies

Class:

JSS 3

Term:

First Term

Week:

6

Age:

13–15 years

Topic:

Communication

Sub-topic:

Types, Means, and Importance of Communication

Duration:

40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define communication and explain its importance in business.
2. Identify the types of communication.
3. List and describe various means of communication.
4. State the role of communication in improving trade and customer relationships.

Keywords

• Communication
• Sender
• Message
• Information
• Trade

Set Induction

The teacher will start by asking, “How do you send a message to your friend when they are far away?” This will engage students and lead into a discussion about communication and its importance.

Entry Behaviour

Students already know how to send messages through phones and social media. They also know the importance of staying connected with family and friends.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Posters illustrating different types of communication
• Flashcards showing various communication methods (e.g., telephone, email)
• Whiteboard and markers

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students are familiar with communicating through phones, letters, and social media. This lesson will help them understand how communication supports business operations.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Collaboration
• Communication skills

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Business Studies Textbook for JSS 3

Instructional Materials

• Charts showing different communication types
• Examples of letters, newspapers, and emails

Content

Communication

Meaning of Communication

Communication is the process of exchanging information between two or more persons, departments, or organizations. It plays a key role in trade by helping people send and receive messages that are clearly understood and acted upon.

Types of Communication

 Oral Communication

This type of communication involves spoken words. It can happen through:

• Face-to-face discussions
• Telephone conversations
• Radio transmissions
• Lectures or presentations

 Written Communication

This involves sending messages in written form. Examples include:

• Letters
• Emails
• Newspapers and magazines
• Reports

 Non-verbal Communication

This form of communication uses actions instead of words. Examples include:

• Body language (e.g., nodding or shaking the head)
• Sign language
• Facial expressions

Means of Communication

Communication methods can be grouped into the following:

1. Post Office: Sending letters and parcels through postal services.
2. Telephone: Using landlines or mobile phones to communicate.
3. Internet: Emails, social media, and websites on the World Wide Web.
4. Courier Services: Delivery of letters and parcels through courier companies.
5. Print Media: Newspapers, magazines, and newsletters.

Importance of Communication in Business

1. Facilitates Trade: It helps in exchanging information about new and existing goods or services.
2. Improves Customer Relationships: Good communication builds trust between buyers and sellers.
3. Enables Quick Decisions: Effective communication ensures that businesses respond to challenges on time.
4. Promotes Teamwork: Communication improves coordination among employees.
5. Enhances Marketing: Businesses communicate to promote their products to customers.

Class Activity Discussion: 

1. What is communication?
   Communication is the process of exchanging information between people.
2. Why is communication important in trade?
   It helps share information about goods and services.
3. What is oral communication?
   Communication through spoken words, like phone calls or conversations.
4. Give two examples of written communication.
   Letters and emails.
5. What is non-verbal communication?
   Communication through actions like nodding or sign language.
6. Mention one way people communicate using the internet.
   Through emails or social media.
7. What is a courier service?
   A service that delivers parcels and letters.
8. How does communication help improve customer relationships?
   It builds trust between buyers and sellers.
9. Why is quick communication important in business?
   It helps businesses make fast decisions.
10. How do newspapers help in communication?
    They share news and information with the public.

Presentation Steps

1. Step 1: The teacher will ask students to recall the previous topic, which was Introduction to Trade.
2. Step 2: The teacher will introduce the new topic, explaining the meaning and types of communication, using posters and flashcards.
3. Step 3: Students will discuss the communication methods they use and share examples. The teacher will guide the discussion, correcting students as necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

• Ask students to share their experiences with different communication methods.
• Explain the types and importance of communication using examples.
• Use posters to illustrate how businesses rely on communication.
• Communication can be defined as the transfer or exchange of information or data between two or more parties. It is one of the aids to trade because it aids, assists or simplifies the art of buying & selling.

  For communication to be effective, it must be clearly received, understood and acted upon.

  Communication can be defined as the giving and receiving of messages or information between two or more parties. It is an aid to trade. For communication to be effective, it must be clearly received, understood and acted upon.

  Communication involves the sender, the message being sent and the receiver. This is illustrated below:

  Sender

  Receiver

  Information or Message

  Communication is not a one-way affair. The receiver also communicates the sender either directly or indirectly.

   

  B. Means of Communication

  1. Oral Communication: This is also known as verbal communication. It involves passing messages through spoken words. Verbal communication can take different forms such as

  – Face to face

  – Through telephone

  – Via video conferencing

  – Television and

  – Public address system

  2. Written Communication

  This is the use of handwritten or typed message to pass meaningful information or messages. Commonly used means of written communication include:

  – Letters

  – Memos

  – Reports

  – Notices

  – Fax

  – Email

  – Newsletters

  – Internet

  – Intranet

  3. Visual Communication

  This involves the use of non-verbal means such as charts, signs and display, diagrams to pass meaningful information e.g. many road signs are in visual form. Also a sign at the airport, hospitals, churches etc. e.g. No smoking signs and speed limits within an organization could be explained in visual form.

  Financial reports of companies can be displayed using charts and diagrams.

  4. Other Means of Communication:

  Others means of communication apart from oral, written or visual include same traditional and modern means:

  Some traditional means of communication include:

  – Beating the gong or talking drum to pass meaningful message.

  – Fire signals could be given to indicate emergency situations.

  In Modern times bells and alarms could be used to send messages.

   

  MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

  Means of communication can be broadly divided into two categories:

  1. Traditional means of communication
  2. Modern means of communication

  Traditional Means of Communication

  • 1. Town Criers: These are used by community leaders to disseminate messages to members of the community.
    2. Gun Shots: these are used to announce or welcome important visitors and bid farewell to the dead.
    3. Talking drums: these are usually used during ceremonies or festivities. They communicate messages to their hearers.
    4. Striking or ringing of bells: This is used to signify the commencement of an event.
  1. Modern Means of Communication: these are faster and more effective than traditional means of communication. They include:
     1. The Post: This is done through post offices. The agency in charge of this is Nigerian Postal System (NIPOST)
     2. Telecommunication: This includes land phones, cell phones (popularly known as GSM –Global System for Mobile Telecommunication)
     3. Radio and Television
     4. Newspaper, magazine and journal
     5. Courier Services
     6. Internet services: this includes sending e-mails, e-banking, e-commerce, surfing the net, chatting, etc.

   

  C. Importance of Communication

  1. Communication makes it possible for buyers & sellers to negotiate and transact business.

  2. Modern means of communication such as phones, internet help people to save time and money since they can keep in touth without movement.

  3. Communication assists businesses to advertise their products and increase sales and hence profit.

  4. It enables organization to run effectively and efficiently.

  5. Communication helps people to transfer money from one place to another safety and cheaply.

  6. It facilitates all forms of transportation: air, water and road.

  7. Communication facilitates mail-order business and electronic commerce (e-commerce).

  IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION

  1. Newspapers, radio and television enables the public to be aware of government policies, programmes, activities and other things happening around the world.
  2. It brings about closer contact between the buyer and the seller thus enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations.
  3. It improves commerce by allowing people from different countries to buy and sell, sometimes without having to make physical contact.
  4. Communication promotes advertisement which leads to quick sales and enhanced profit.
  5. Communication assists in economic development of a country.

   

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions about communication.
• Identify the types of communication from flashcards.
• Answer questions and take notes during the lesson.

Evaluation Questions

1. Define communication.
2. List three types of communication.
3. What is the difference between oral and written communication?
4. Give two examples of non-verbal communication.
5. How does communication promote teamwork in business?
6. Mention two examples of print media.
7. Why is communication important in marketing?
8. What role does the internet play in communication?
9. What is the purpose of a courier service?
10. How does good communication build customer trust?

Evaluation

1. Communication is the process of _______ information.
   a) Hiding
   b) Exchanging
   c) Selling
   Answer: b) Exchanging
2. Oral communication involves _______.
   a) Writing
   b) Talking
   c) Sending letters
   Answer: b) Talking
3. A _______ is an example of written communication.
   a) Report
   b) Gesture
   c) Phone call
   Answer: a) Report
4. Non-verbal communication includes _______.
   a) Emails
   b) Nodding
   c) Reports
   Answer: b) Nodding
5. Newspapers are part of _______ media.
   a) Print
   b) Social
   c) Visual
   Answer: a) Print

Conclusion

The teacher will review the students’ notes, answer any remaining questions, and give feedback on their participation. Students will be encouraged to use proper communication methods in their daily interactions.