A business communication evaluation is like a taste test. You may ultimately throw out the recipe, but your bottom line is – does it taste good?

So, when I first wrote this post, I did a search for simple templates for evaluating your business communication. What I found were endless pages of complex methods and forms.

While a deep analysis is a good idea, my simple mind wanted a quick taste test. So, I came up with my version of the world’s simplest template. Okay, maybe not the simplest, but certainly a lot shorter than those I found online.

See what you think.

Business Communication Evaluation

My purpose for the template was an easy snapshot assessment of how well you deliver on your business communication basics. Something to get the thought processes rolling.

The business communication basics series answers the WHO, WHAT and DID YOU of business communication. The following illustrates the basics.

That last question is what the template evaluates.

Template Time

Ready for the simplest template? Drum roll, please.

Did you miss it? The template asks:

• Did you deliver?
• How do you know?

As discussed in a previous post, effective business communication takes planning, execution, and management. If you don’t do the work, you won’t get past the first question of did you deliver?

Let’s assume you’ve done that (since you followed the basics series, right?) Now, it’s time to see how well you delivered.

Using the four elements from the last post’s infographic – Product, Audience, Stakeholders, Purpose – I created a more comprehensive business communication evaluation. Hopefully, it satisfies those of you who want a tad more substance.

You can download a pdf version of the template. Let’s review each element.

The Who

Your business product or service defines who you are to your audience. The skeptical recipient of your communication needs convincing.

Your objective is ~

• To answer your audience’s question(s)
• And fulfill a need or want

1. So, before you draft that first communication ~

• Identify the question, want or need your product fulfills
• If you cannot make a good I.D., rethink your product/service (or targeted audience)
• Then communicate the answer to your audience

2. Next, incorporate the world’s simplest template into your evaluation.

• Did you deliver?
• How do you know?

3. Your “Yes” or “No” response depends on your results.

• Do you have feedback from your audience?
• Does your communication produce sales? Social sharing? Apathy?

You can have the most revolutionary, clever product ever produced. However, if it fails to reach the right audience, your message remains silent.

1. So, before you draft that first communication ~

• Think about who benefits most from your product
• Who needs it most? Who can best afford it?
• Where do they hang out? What’s their preferred communication style?

Target that audience – go where they are – communicate the way they like.

2. Next, incorporate the world’s simplest template into your evaluation.

• Did you deliver?
• How do you know?

3. Your “Yes” or “No” response depends on your results.

• Does your audience respond?
• Are they showing interest? Indifference? Confusion?
• Is your communication ineffective? Or do you have the wrong audience?

Think about the last time a colleague or business partner kept you out of the loop. Or you failed to notify a key person in your business communication. Pretty darn frustrating. Especially if you were on the receiving end.

When you leave key persons out of the process, your business house of cards comes tumbling down.

1. So, before you draft that first communication ~

• Review the various stages of communication
• Consider who needs to be notified or consulted
• Assign roles for review and execution

2. Next, incorporate the world’s simplest template into your evaluation.

• Did you deliver?
• How do you know?

3. Your “Yes” or “No” response depends on your results.

• Are there execution miscues? Why did they occur?
• Did you experience unintended consequences?
• What feedback did you receive from key persons?

The What

Identifying the purpose for your business communication gives focus and offers a tangible target for success.

1. So, before you draft that first communication ~

• Think about what you hope to achieve with your communication
• What do you want your audience to know? Feel? Do?
• Conduct a “reality check” on purpose

2. Next, incorporate the world’s simplest template into your evaluation.

• Did you deliver?
• How do you know?

3. Your “Yes” or “No” response depends on your results.

• What are your results?
• Do results support your purpose?
• What are sales numbers? Queries? Does your audience understand instructions?

Template Tool

Like all tools, this template is just that – a tool. Because your business is unique, your communication and measurements will be different from other businesses. And what you use today will be different tomorrow.

Who could have ever anticipated our world dealing with a global pandemic? COVID-19 (Coronavirus) should change your message.

• Think about the effect COVID-19 has on your customers’ lives
• Be sensitive to those effects in your business communication
• Focus on how you can help

Remember why you do what you do. Approach your business communication like your favorite vacation.

• Plan your journey
• Reach your destination
• Adjust to any unplanned events and enjoy the experience

Your business communication evaluation captures it all. How did you do?

Have you seen evaluation tools you like? Please share your favorite tools or your thoughts in Comments.

Note: This May 8, 2020 post is an update to one that originally published on August 2, 2016.

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