Legal Language and Business Communication

verfasst von: Prof. Anurag K. Agarwal

Verlag: Springer Singapore

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

This book discusses the proper use of legal language in business communication. While communicating, a business leader has to bear in mind the relevant legal framework, and be sure to never violate it. However, legal language in itself can be so complex and difficult that it is often unclear as to what meaning can be ascribed to different words and phrases used in a particular context. Also, while it’s easy to say that there are certain limits to the law, those limits are not readily visible to the uninitiated; occasionally, even experts flounder. Exploring precisely these topics, the book will be of interest to students of business, law, and business communication; managers; lawyers; researchers; practitioners; and general readers alike.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Loose Lips Sink Ships

Abstract

“Loose Lips Sink Ships” talks about leadership communication and how the business leaders should be discreet while trying to remain on the right side of the law. The focus of this chapter is on the maturity a business leader must develop and exhibit in making decisions and dealing with numerous individuals, in different capacities, while doing business. He cannot afford to be rigid in behaviour and attitude, as rigidity brings in obstinacy and the desire to put self at a higher pedestal than the business, one is supposed to manage and lead. Being a business leader, in essence, means flexible in approach, and not to overstate according to the demands of specific situation. Garrulity is often self-hurting and usually makes a person unconsciously slide into the grey area of law. A business leader should truly avoid being loquacious.

Anurag K. Agarwal

Chapter 2. What’s the Good Word?

Abstract

“What’s the Good Word?” highlights the importance of precision in communication, especially while writing. Use of proper words, punctuation marks and so on is emphasised. The legal vocabulary typically is full of words which may not be commonly used. A business leader is not expected to use them with perfection; however, he must have a basic understanding of some of the words and phrases used in business communication, particularly those which have a different connotation from the ordinary usage. The same is true about punctuation marks, which may make or mar a business deal, if the parties are determined to read something different from what is normally meant. Precise use, therefore, helps in avoiding future disputes. One can always take the help of a good lawyer, in case of a doubt. Getting important written business communication vetted by a legal expert is often desirable.

Anurag K. Agarwal

Chapter 3. Should a Business Leader Talk Like a Lawyer or a Judge?

Abstract

“Should a Business Leader Talk Like a Lawyer or a Judge?” tries to answer the question which business leaders frequently ask when they face the challenge of converting simple business communication into a proper legal document. A business leader need not necessarily communicate like a lawyer or a judge but should be careful to keep his communication simple. Being simple and straightforward in conveying one’s thoughts about business is a great quality of a business leader; however, these thoughts have to be cloaked in suitable legal language to make them legally tenable according to the requirements of the particular legal environment.

Anurag K. Agarwal

Chapter 4. It’s All Greek to Me

Abstract

“It’s All Greek to Me” discusses some important foreign language words, phrases and maxims, along with some cases. Despite the best intentions of using one’s language to put the thoughts in words, there are occasions when foreign language words creep in oral and written communication. If we take the example of the English language for conveying our thoughts as business leaders, there are several words and phrases of foreign languages—French, Greek, Latin, Spanish and so on—which find their way to the text on their own. With globalisation and international trade growing exponentially, big markets like China and India also have their languages finding a noticeable acceptance. Due to immense technological and management advances, some of the commonly used Japanese words and phrases have already been accepted in business. But, the legal language still is dominated by Latin and Greek words, phrases and maxims.

Anurag K. Agarwal

Chapter 5. Read My Lips!

Abstract

“Read My Lips!” goes into the important aspects of interpretation, which make all the difference in communication. At times whatever a person says may not be what he really wishes to convey and that may create problems for any person to understand the real meaning of the communication. These problems may be of varied nature, ranging from certain innocuous meanings to absolutely contrary meanings to what the real message is. There are different shades of confusion which may arise in between. It is, therefore, important for a receiver to understand the context and pay attention to what the sender wishes to communicate. A lot depends on the relative position of the two and the difference in their stature. In situations of one person commanding the other, it is of utmost importance that there is a certain expectation of the nature of communication made between each other, and that is met.

Anurag K. Agarwal

Chapter 6. Man Is a Social Animal

Abstract

“Man Is a Social Animal” discusses the emergence of social media in recent times and the importance it deserves in business communication, along with the legal implications. In the last decade or so there have been dramatic changes observed in the way social media has been emerging, thanks to the galloping development in technology and different business models which make this technology easily accessible to almost every one, irrespective of the economic strata to which they belong. Businesses find it challenging in the changing times to keep pace with the revolutionary changes happening in the social media as businesses ought to be moving ahead with the changes and keeping themselves aligned with the extremely fast-changing norms lest they should fall back in the competition race. However, in this entire exercise they must maintain legal uprightness, both in content and language used.

Anurag K. Agarwal

Chapter 7. Speech Is Silver, Silence Is Golden

Abstract

“Speech Is Silver, Silence Is Golden” discusses about exercising the option of not communicating, which is also quite effective for businesses. The chapter examines as to how does silence fit in the scheme of things. Is silence always golden? Several occasions demand the least information to be shared by a business leader, and at times the least information may mean no information at all. Thus, a business leader has to decide when to keep mum and not necessarily disclose any information. At times there may be a legal requirement to speak up, and at certain different times a person may not be required to speak at all, depending on the context. Very often, business leaders opt the tactical move of remaining silent even when provoked to the fullest. In such a situation one important thing to be considered by such leaders is to take the statutory conditions into consideration so as not to be caught on the wrong foot legally.

Anurag K. Agarwal

Correction to: Legal Language and Business Communication

Anurag K. Agarwal

Titel: Legal Language and Business Communication
verfasst von: Prof. Anurag K. Agarwal
Verlag: Springer Singapore
Electronic ISBN: 978-981-13-7534-7
Print ISBN: 978-981-13-7533-0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7534-7