商務交流總的來說可以分為言語交流（verbal communication）和非言語交流（nonverbal communication），這兩者在使用時無論對個人還是組織都是很重要的。

People in business communicate in various ways: face-to-face talks, informal group discussions, seminars, conversations on the phone, writing in letters, memos, 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. Undoubtedly, effective communication of both types are equally important to individuals and organization as a whole, because they may exhibit an image of courtesy, friendliness, sincerity, and efficiency, which is critical to the success of individuals and organizations as well.

商務交流中人們通常使用不同方式進行溝通：面對面的對話，非正式的集體討論，研究會，電話交談，書信往來，備忘錄，報告等等。這些都是指言語交流或者說涉及到話語的交流。另一方面，非言語交流，不依靠話語，而是依靠人們的面部表情，穿著，他們讓來訪者等待的時間等等。毫無疑問，兩種方式中的有效交流作為一個整體無論對個人還是組織都是同等重要的，因為他們能夠展示禮貌，友好，真誠，效率的形象，而這些對個人和組織都是至關重要的。