商务交流总的来说可以分为言语交流（verbal communication）和非言语交流（nonverbal communication），这两者在使用时无论对个人还是组织都是很重要的。

People in business communicate in various ways: face-to-face talks, informal group discussions, seminars, conversations on the phone, writing in letters, memos¹, and reports. All this is referred to as verbal communication, or communication that involves use of words. Nonverbal communication, on the other hand, does not rely on words, but rather on people's facial expressions, the way they dress themselves, and how long they keep a visitor waiting, etc. Undoubtedly², effective communication of both types are equally important to individuals and organization as a whole, because they may exhibit an image of courtesy, friendliness³, sincerity⁴, and efficiency, which is critical to the success of individuals and organizations as well.

商务交流中人们通常使用不同方式进行沟通：面对面的对话，非正式的集体讨论，研究会，电话交谈，书信往来，备忘录，报告等等。这些都是指言语交流或者说涉及到话语的交流。另一方面，非言语交流，不依靠话语，而是依靠人们的面部表情，穿着，他们让来访者等待的时间等等。毫无疑问，两种方式中的有效交流作为一个整体无论对个人还是组织都是同等重要的，因为他们能够展示礼貌，友好，真诚，效率的形象，而这些对个人和组织都是至关重要的