Module 24
Formal reports or "long reports" are different from informal letter and memo reports because of their length and their components. A forma report may contain a cover, a title page, a letter of transmittal, a table of contents, a list of illustrations, and executive summary, and a report body.
When organizing your time during writing a long report make sure you write parts as soon as you can. Also, spend most of your time on sections that support your recommendations.
The introduction of the report contains a statement of purpose and scope and may include: purpose, scope, limitations, assumptions, and methods.
The conclusion of the report summarizes the main points that were made in the report and recommendations are given. recommendations are action items that would solve or partially solve the problem.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Module 23
Module 23
In most cases writing a short report is more effective than a long one. You should never feel obligated to put information in a report just because you have the information or because it took you a long time to find it. Information should only be put in a report if it is necessary to help the reader to make a decision.
Different kinds of reports use different kinds of organization. The book states that informative, feasibility, and justification reports will be more successful when you work with the readers' expectations for that kind of report.
An informative report summarizes completed work or research that does not result in action or recommendation. Informative reports include: an introductory paragraph that summarizes the problem or success of the project; chronological account of how the problem was discovered, what was done, and what the results were; and a concluding paragraph with suggestions for later action.
In most cases writing a short report is more effective than a long one. You should never feel obligated to put information in a report just because you have the information or because it took you a long time to find it. Information should only be put in a report if it is necessary to help the reader to make a decision.
Different kinds of reports use different kinds of organization. The book states that informative, feasibility, and justification reports will be more successful when you work with the readers' expectations for that kind of report.
An informative report summarizes completed work or research that does not result in action or recommendation. Informative reports include: an introductory paragraph that summarizes the problem or success of the project; chronological account of how the problem was discovered, what was done, and what the results were; and a concluding paragraph with suggestions for later action.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Modules 27 & 28
Module 27
A resume is defined as a persuasive summary of your qualifications for employment. In order to encourage the employer to pay attention to your resume you must show how your qualifications fit the job and the company. Highlight your skills based on the needs of the company. For example, if you are applying for a secretary job mentioning your excellent typing skill may be a good idea.
There are two basic kinds of resumes: chronological and skills. You should choose the one that makes you look best. A chronological resume summarizes what you have done in a timeline. You start with the most recent and go backwards; know as reverse chronology. This type of resume emphasizes degrees, job titles, and dates. A skills resume emphasizes the skills you've used, and not the job in which or the date when you used them.
In both types of resumes you should not use the word I or sentence fragments punctuated as complete sentences. You can use complete sentences when they are brief and needed to affectively present information. Both resumes can also use bullet points. The two resumes differ because they handle experience, activities, and volunteer work differently.
Module 28
The main purpose of a job application letter is to simply get an interview. The letter is your first step in showing a specific company what you can do for it.
In your letter you want to focus on: major requirements for the job for which you are applying, points that separate you from other applicants, points that show your knowledge of the organization, and qualities that every employer is likely to value; such as, the ability to write and speak effectively, to solve problems, and to get along with people.
The kind of letter used is based on whether the company has asked for applications. You would write a solicited letter when you know that the company is hiring. If you aren't sure that the company is hiring you would write a prospecting letter. These letters help you tap into the hidden job market. The differences in these letters is that they begin and end differently.
Important Points
Job application letters should be one full page. A short letter throws away an opportunity to be persuasive and may suggest that you have little to say for yourself or aren't interested in the job.
In job application letters use you-attitude and positive emphasis.
A resume is defined as a persuasive summary of your qualifications for employment. In order to encourage the employer to pay attention to your resume you must show how your qualifications fit the job and the company. Highlight your skills based on the needs of the company. For example, if you are applying for a secretary job mentioning your excellent typing skill may be a good idea.
There are two basic kinds of resumes: chronological and skills. You should choose the one that makes you look best. A chronological resume summarizes what you have done in a timeline. You start with the most recent and go backwards; know as reverse chronology. This type of resume emphasizes degrees, job titles, and dates. A skills resume emphasizes the skills you've used, and not the job in which or the date when you used them.
In both types of resumes you should not use the word I or sentence fragments punctuated as complete sentences. You can use complete sentences when they are brief and needed to affectively present information. Both resumes can also use bullet points. The two resumes differ because they handle experience, activities, and volunteer work differently.
Module 28
The main purpose of a job application letter is to simply get an interview. The letter is your first step in showing a specific company what you can do for it.
In your letter you want to focus on: major requirements for the job for which you are applying, points that separate you from other applicants, points that show your knowledge of the organization, and qualities that every employer is likely to value; such as, the ability to write and speak effectively, to solve problems, and to get along with people.
The kind of letter used is based on whether the company has asked for applications. You would write a solicited letter when you know that the company is hiring. If you aren't sure that the company is hiring you would write a prospecting letter. These letters help you tap into the hidden job market. The differences in these letters is that they begin and end differently.
Important Points
Job application letters should be one full page. A short letter throws away an opportunity to be persuasive and may suggest that you have little to say for yourself or aren't interested in the job.
In job application letters use you-attitude and positive emphasis.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Module 22
Module 22
Finding, analyzing and documenting information is an essential part to the writing process. Researching for a report may be as simple as getting a computer printout of sales for the last month, or it may involve fining online or published material or even surveying or interviewing people.
There are two types of research: primary research and secondary research. Primary research gathers new information such as surveys, interviews and observations. Secondary research retrieves information that someone else gathered. Library research and online searches are good examples of secondary research.
In order to write appropriate questions for surveys and interviews test your questions to make sure they are neutral and clear. The easiest way to ask many questions is to create a questionnaire. A questionnaire is a written list of questions that people fill out.
In order to decide who to survey or interview you use a random sample for surveys and you use a judgement sample for interviews. The sample you choose depends on the purpose of your research and is specific to each case.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Module 21
Module 21
Reports have a very important purpose; they provide the information that people in organizations need to make plans and to solve problems. Reports include five steps: defining the problem, gathering necessary information, analyzing the information, organizing the information, and writing the report.
There are many different kinds of reports. Formal reports contain formal elements such as a title page, a transmittal, a table of contents, and a list of illustrations. Informal reports may be letters, memos, or computer printouts of production or sales figures. Reports can simply provide information or provide and analyze the information.
A proposal should include what you're going to do, how and when you'll do it, and evidence that you will do it well. "Proposals suggest a method for finding information or solving a problem."
There are many types of proposals that are different in content. Some of these proposal types are: proposals for class research projects, sales proposals, proposals for funding, and figuring the budget and cost.
Reports have a very important purpose; they provide the information that people in organizations need to make plans and to solve problems. Reports include five steps: defining the problem, gathering necessary information, analyzing the information, organizing the information, and writing the report.
There are many different kinds of reports. Formal reports contain formal elements such as a title page, a transmittal, a table of contents, and a list of illustrations. Informal reports may be letters, memos, or computer printouts of production or sales figures. Reports can simply provide information or provide and analyze the information.
A proposal should include what you're going to do, how and when you'll do it, and evidence that you will do it well. "Proposals suggest a method for finding information or solving a problem."
There are many types of proposals that are different in content. Some of these proposal types are: proposals for class research projects, sales proposals, proposals for funding, and figuring the budget and cost.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Modules 17 & 18
Module 17
Listening is the form of communication that we use most often. Listening is something that we do without even giving it a second thought; because of this is may be one form of communication that we do most poorly. We rarely have training in this form of communication.
Good listeners consciously follow four practices. They pay attention. You must resist distractions and tune out any other noise. They focus on the other speaker in a generous way. Do not focus on what the speaker is wearing or how they act, but on what they are saying. Good listeners avoid making assumptions. Making assumptions can cause listening errors. They listen for feelings as well as facts. Pay attention to tone of voice, facial expression, and body language. Don't assume that silence means consent. Invite the other person to speak.
Active listening is feeding back the literal meaning, the emotional content, or both. In active listening the listener actively demonstrates that they have heard and understood the speaker by feeding back either the literal meaning or the emotional content or both. These five strategies create active responses: paraphrase the content, mirror the speakers feelings, state your own feelings, ask for information or clarification and offer to help solve the problem.
Module 18
Working and writing in teams is essential to success in an organization. Interpersonal communication is communication between two people. Listening and dealing with conflict are some skills used in one-on-one conversations, in problem-solving groups, and in writing groups.
Different messages are appropriate at different points in a group's development. For example, group messages fall into three categories: informational messages, which focus on content; procedural messages, which focus on method and process; and interpersonal messages, which focus on people, promoting friendliness, cooperation, and group loyalty.
Roles in a group can be positive or negative. Positive roles and actions help the group build loyalty, resolve conflicts, and function smoothly. Negative roles hurt the group's product and process.
Important Points
There are three kinds of leadership in groups: informational leaders, interpersonal leaders and procedural leaders.
Conflicts should be handled by getting the real issue and then by repairing the bad feelings.
Listening is the form of communication that we use most often. Listening is something that we do without even giving it a second thought; because of this is may be one form of communication that we do most poorly. We rarely have training in this form of communication.
Good listeners consciously follow four practices. They pay attention. You must resist distractions and tune out any other noise. They focus on the other speaker in a generous way. Do not focus on what the speaker is wearing or how they act, but on what they are saying. Good listeners avoid making assumptions. Making assumptions can cause listening errors. They listen for feelings as well as facts. Pay attention to tone of voice, facial expression, and body language. Don't assume that silence means consent. Invite the other person to speak.
Active listening is feeding back the literal meaning, the emotional content, or both. In active listening the listener actively demonstrates that they have heard and understood the speaker by feeding back either the literal meaning or the emotional content or both. These five strategies create active responses: paraphrase the content, mirror the speakers feelings, state your own feelings, ask for information or clarification and offer to help solve the problem.
Module 18
Working and writing in teams is essential to success in an organization. Interpersonal communication is communication between two people. Listening and dealing with conflict are some skills used in one-on-one conversations, in problem-solving groups, and in writing groups.
Different messages are appropriate at different points in a group's development. For example, group messages fall into three categories: informational messages, which focus on content; procedural messages, which focus on method and process; and interpersonal messages, which focus on people, promoting friendliness, cooperation, and group loyalty.
Roles in a group can be positive or negative. Positive roles and actions help the group build loyalty, resolve conflicts, and function smoothly. Negative roles hurt the group's product and process.
Important Points
There are three kinds of leadership in groups: informational leaders, interpersonal leaders and procedural leaders.
Conflicts should be handled by getting the real issue and then by repairing the bad feelings.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Modules 15 & 16
Module 15
At times it is difficult to choose the right word to use. The right word depends on the situation, your purpose, your audience, and the words that you have already used. Use should use words that are accurate, appropriate, and familiar. You should not use technical jargon unless it is essential and known to the reader.
Using the right word helps your image. It lets people know that you know what you are talking about and essentially makes you look better. It also helps you to get the response that you want. It helps you build credibility and demonstrate your professionalism.
There are some words that confuse some writers. These words include words with similar sounds that can have very different meanings. Some examples are accede and exceed, accept and except, access and excess, adept and adopt, advice and advise, just to name a few. It is important that as a writer you understand the differences in words like these.
Module 16
Revision is a very important step in the writing process. As the book says, revising sentences and paragraphs can make the difference between a not-so-great document and a really effective paper or e-mail message.
On the first round of revision you will focus on content and clarity. You'll add, expand, modify and maybe delete sentences and paragraphs. In the second round of revision you will focus on organization and layout. At this point you will change the order of sentences and paragraphs to make them flow better.
Good writing style is both businesslike and friendly. It sounds like a person talking to another person. Most writing rules are general guidelines because each writing piece depends on the specific circumstances and who the audience is.
When revising sentences use active verbs most of the time, Use verbs to carry the weight of your sentence, tighten your writing, vary sentence length and sentence structure, use parallel structure, and put your readers in your sentences.
Important Points
Organizational culture affects style because different cultures may prefer different styles.
When revising paragraphs begin most paragraphs with topic sentences and use transitions to link ideas.
At times it is difficult to choose the right word to use. The right word depends on the situation, your purpose, your audience, and the words that you have already used. Use should use words that are accurate, appropriate, and familiar. You should not use technical jargon unless it is essential and known to the reader.
Using the right word helps your image. It lets people know that you know what you are talking about and essentially makes you look better. It also helps you to get the response that you want. It helps you build credibility and demonstrate your professionalism.
There are some words that confuse some writers. These words include words with similar sounds that can have very different meanings. Some examples are accede and exceed, accept and except, access and excess, adept and adopt, advice and advise, just to name a few. It is important that as a writer you understand the differences in words like these.
Module 16
Revision is a very important step in the writing process. As the book says, revising sentences and paragraphs can make the difference between a not-so-great document and a really effective paper or e-mail message.
On the first round of revision you will focus on content and clarity. You'll add, expand, modify and maybe delete sentences and paragraphs. In the second round of revision you will focus on organization and layout. At this point you will change the order of sentences and paragraphs to make them flow better.
Good writing style is both businesslike and friendly. It sounds like a person talking to another person. Most writing rules are general guidelines because each writing piece depends on the specific circumstances and who the audience is.
When revising sentences use active verbs most of the time, Use verbs to carry the weight of your sentence, tighten your writing, vary sentence length and sentence structure, use parallel structure, and put your readers in your sentences.
Important Points
Organizational culture affects style because different cultures may prefer different styles.
When revising paragraphs begin most paragraphs with topic sentences and use transitions to link ideas.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Modules 8 & 13
Module 8
Reader benefits are benefits or advantages that the reader gets by using your services, buying your products, following your policies or adopting your ideas. These benefits are important in both informative and persuasive messages. Good benefits are adapted to the audience, based on intrinsic advantages, supported by clear logic and explained in adequate detail, and phrased in you-attitude.
Reader benefits improve the audience's attitudes and actions. According to the Expectancy Theory most people try to do their best only when they believe they can succeed and when they want the rewards that success brings.
In order to identify reader benefits you need to brainstorm. Think of feelings, fears, and needs that may motivate your reader. Then identify features of your product or policy that meet those needs. Also, identify the features of your product or policy. Then think how these features could benefit the audience.Each benefit should use vivid details.
To decide which benefits to use: use at least one benefit for each part of your audience, use intrinsic benefits, and use the benefits you can develop most fully.
Module 13
Technology is changing rapidly and so are the expectations for how to use it. Formats for e-mail messages are still evolving. In subject lines for e-mail messages you should be specific, concise and catchy. The subject line should be kept short. The most important part should be in the first few words because some e-mail programs only show the first 28 characters of a subject line.
E-mail messages differ slightly from paper messages. Negative and persuasive messages will be more direct. E-mail is especially appropriate for positive and informative messages. Negative messages, such as firing someone, should be done in person. However, less serious negative messages can be appropriate for e-mail.
Main Points
For writing on the web use good business writing principles, but also consider how people will interact with the text. This is applicable to our online blogs for this class.
Reader benefits are benefits or advantages that the reader gets by using your services, buying your products, following your policies or adopting your ideas. These benefits are important in both informative and persuasive messages. Good benefits are adapted to the audience, based on intrinsic advantages, supported by clear logic and explained in adequate detail, and phrased in you-attitude.
Reader benefits improve the audience's attitudes and actions. According to the Expectancy Theory most people try to do their best only when they believe they can succeed and when they want the rewards that success brings.
In order to identify reader benefits you need to brainstorm. Think of feelings, fears, and needs that may motivate your reader. Then identify features of your product or policy that meet those needs. Also, identify the features of your product or policy. Then think how these features could benefit the audience.Each benefit should use vivid details.
To decide which benefits to use: use at least one benefit for each part of your audience, use intrinsic benefits, and use the benefits you can develop most fully.
Module 13
Technology is changing rapidly and so are the expectations for how to use it. Formats for e-mail messages are still evolving. In subject lines for e-mail messages you should be specific, concise and catchy. The subject line should be kept short. The most important part should be in the first few words because some e-mail programs only show the first 28 characters of a subject line.
E-mail messages differ slightly from paper messages. Negative and persuasive messages will be more direct. E-mail is especially appropriate for positive and informative messages. Negative messages, such as firing someone, should be done in person. However, less serious negative messages can be appropriate for e-mail.
Main Points
For writing on the web use good business writing principles, but also consider how people will interact with the text. This is applicable to our online blogs for this class.
Modules 11 & 12
Module 11
Negative messages include rejections and refusals, announcements of policy changes that do not benefit the customers, requests the reader will see as insulting or intrusive, negative performance appraisals and disciplinary notices, and product recalls or notices of defects. Negative messages aways have several purposes.
In negative messages only use a subject line if you think the reader may otherwise ignore the message. If you do use a subject line focus on solving the problem.
Negative messages should be organized based on your audience. When giving bad news to customers and other people outside your organization follow this pattern: give the reason for the refusal before the refusal itself, give the negative just once, and clearly, present alternatives or a compromise, if one is available, and end with a positive, forward-looking statement.
When giving bad news to superiors: describe the problem, tell how it happened, describe the options for fixing it, and recommend a solution and ask for action.
Module 12
The best persuasive strategy depends on how much and what kind of resistance you expect. Use direct request pattern when: the audience will do as you ask without any resistance, you need a response from only the people who are willing to act, the audience is busy and may not read all the messages received, or your organization's culture prefers direct requests.
Use problem solving pattern when: the audience is likely to object to doing as you ask, you need action from everyone, you trust the audience to read the entire message, you expect logic to be more important than emotion in the decision.
The other two strategies are sales and reward and punishment. Reward and punishment has limited use because it doesn't produce permanent change and because it produces psychological reactance. In some cases you may need to use more than one type of persuasion strategy.
Main Points
Organization of persuasive messages begins with the request in direct requests. In a problem-solving message you begin with the problem you share.
To identify and overcome objections phrase your questions nondefensively and ask follow up questions.
Negative messages include rejections and refusals, announcements of policy changes that do not benefit the customers, requests the reader will see as insulting or intrusive, negative performance appraisals and disciplinary notices, and product recalls or notices of defects. Negative messages aways have several purposes.
In negative messages only use a subject line if you think the reader may otherwise ignore the message. If you do use a subject line focus on solving the problem.
Negative messages should be organized based on your audience. When giving bad news to customers and other people outside your organization follow this pattern: give the reason for the refusal before the refusal itself, give the negative just once, and clearly, present alternatives or a compromise, if one is available, and end with a positive, forward-looking statement.
When giving bad news to superiors: describe the problem, tell how it happened, describe the options for fixing it, and recommend a solution and ask for action.
Module 12
The best persuasive strategy depends on how much and what kind of resistance you expect. Use direct request pattern when: the audience will do as you ask without any resistance, you need a response from only the people who are willing to act, the audience is busy and may not read all the messages received, or your organization's culture prefers direct requests.
Use problem solving pattern when: the audience is likely to object to doing as you ask, you need action from everyone, you trust the audience to read the entire message, you expect logic to be more important than emotion in the decision.
The other two strategies are sales and reward and punishment. Reward and punishment has limited use because it doesn't produce permanent change and because it produces psychological reactance. In some cases you may need to use more than one type of persuasion strategy.
Main Points
Organization of persuasive messages begins with the request in direct requests. In a problem-solving message you begin with the problem you share.
To identify and overcome objections phrase your questions nondefensively and ask follow up questions.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Modules 9 & 10
Module 9
The difference between memos and letters is that memos go to other people in your organization where as letters normally go to people outside your organization. Letters and memos are usually similar in length, formality, writing style, and pattern of organization, but they do differ in format. Format is defined as the parts of the document and the way they are arranged on the page.
Letters can be set up using block format or modified block format. Block format is the format most frequently used for business letters. Modified block format creates a visually attractive page by moving the date and signature block over into what would otherwise be empty white space. The format for memos usually mimics block format but has no salutation, close or signature.
When it comes to courtesy titles always use Ms. unless a woman has a professional title or prefers a traditional title. Use Mr. unless a man has a professional title.
Module 10
Messages are categorized by the author’s purpose and by the initial response we expect from the reader. Informative and positive messages include: acceptances, positive answers to reader requests, information about procedures, products, services, etc., announcements of policy changes that are neutral of positive, and changes that are to the reader’s advantage.
Subject lines should be specific, concise, and appropriate for the pattern of organization. The good news and a summary of the information should always come first. The details, clarification and background should be given. Next, present any negative elements as positively as possible. Then explain the reader benefits. Finally, use goodwill ending: positive, personal and forward-looking.
The most common kinds of informative and positive messages are transmittals, confirmations, summaries, adjustment and responses to complaints, and thank you and congratulatory notes.
Main Points
A reference line refers the reader to the number used on the previous correspondence the letter replies to, o the invoice number which the letter is about. Large organizations use reference numbers on every piece of correspondence they send.
Letterhead is preprinted stationary with the organization’s name, logo, address, and phone number.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Website Comparison
Website Comparison: Dominos versus Pizza Hut
Dominos
The first thing I noticed when I opened the Dominos webpage was the large picture of the pizzas in the center of the screen. The picture was brightly colored and made me crave a pizza almost immediately. The site appears easy to use with the various tabs on the top of the screen, clearly labeled to direct you to the action that you want to take.
The various options at the top of the screen include: order, menu, coupons, locations, tracker and espanol. These six options cover almost all of the things that you could possible need to do and require less than a second to locate and use.
The large picture in the middle of the screen is an advertisement of a special that the company is offering at this time. If you would like to order this advertized special all you have to do is simply click on the picture and you are directed to enter your location to find a Dominos near you.
On the right side of the screen they have listed a few other specials that are currently being offered. If this offer appeals to you simply click the “Order Now” button.
There is a limited amount of white space on the webpage. The white space that does exist is at the top of the page allowing for the colorful tabs to stand out. The headings are simple and bold. They are in all capital letters and very organized. Most of the writing on the page is in all capital letters. This gives the impression that it is important and it is intended to be noticed.
The organization of the webpage is simple, but effective. As previously mentioned, the tabs for getting to other pages are at the top of the site page. Under that is a large and colorful advertisement that displays pictures of some of their pizzas. To the left is a group of more advertisements. Colors are used in an effective way. In conclusion, I would say this is an effective webpage.
Pizza Hut
The two sites have a very similar set up. If I had to choose I would say that the Pizza Hut website is slightly more effective than the Dominos site, but it really comes down to a matter of opinion.
As with the Dominos site there are multiple tabs at the top of the screen that you can select to be directed to the location that you are seeking. The tab titles are slightly different from the Dominos site in that they list specific categories of food. Pizza Hut’s tab options are: pizza, pasta, wings, sides and desserts, drinks, catering and deals.
On the right side of the screen there is a “Start Your Order” button. I think this is a great idea. It is right there on the main screen and extremely simple to begin.
Another thing that I like better about the Pizza Hut site is that there is no white space at all. I realize that at times white space can be very effective, but in this case the contrast between the background color and the color of the writing makes the site more bold, fun and even makes it easier to read the tab names.
This site also differs from the Dominos site in that not all of the writing is in capital letters. I do not really have an opinion in this matter because I think that both sites have selected appropriate fonts. I feel that in this case fonts are very important. They need to be easy to read and appealing. Both sites were successful in this.
In conclusion, both sites were organized in a very similar manner. I think that the Pizza Hut site was more effective in a few aspects, but for the most part both web pages were put together very well.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Modules 4 & 5
Summary
Planning, writing, and revising are the three steps to developing a complete written document. Each step should be designated an almost equal amount of time. Although many may think that the actual writing of the document is the most important step it is equally important that planning and revising get an equal amount of time.
There are many forms of planning: brainstorming, in which you think of all the ideas you can, without judging them; free writing, where you make yourself write, without stopping for an extended amount of time; clustering, where you write a topic in the middle of the page, circle it, then write down the ideas the topic suggests and circle them too; and finally talk to your audience.
The revision process consists of revising, editing, and proofreading; not necessarily in that order; revising means making changes that will better satisfy your purpose; editing includes making surface-level changes such as grammar corrections; and proofreading means checking for typo-grammatical errors.
Grammar check and spell check are very convenient tools available to us, but these things do not account for editing and proofreading. Although these tools will catch many basic errors it is still important that you take the time to reread and edit your work.
The design of documents is extremely important. A good design saves time and money, reduces legal problems, and builds goodwill. The design of paper pages includes: using white spaces appropriately, using heading appropriately, limiting the use of words set in all capital letters, using no more than two fonts in a single document, and deciding whether to justify margins based on the situation and the audience.
Slides should be kept simple. Big font, pullet-points, clear concise language, limited number of points and slide customization are all important factors in a slide presentation.
Finally, we come to web page design. It is very important that the first screen is easy to navigate. The user should be able to find what they are looking for in a reasonable amount of time with limited difficulty. It has been proven that if the user has to search for something for more than two minutes they will give up.
Main Points
It has been shown that expert writers differ from novice writers in that experts are better at identifying and analyzing the initial problem, understanding the task more broadly and deeply, drawing from a wider range of strategies, and seeing patterns more clearly.
Cycling is the process of drafting, getting feedback, revising, and getting more feedback. It is common for published documents to cycle through this process numerous times before they reach their audience.
Modules 1 & 2
Summary
Good communication skills are extremely important in life today. These skills take one of two forms: verbal communication and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication consists of face-to-face conversations, phone conversations, meetings, texts, emails, voice-mails, letters, and reports. Nonverbal communication consists of pictures, company logos, gestures and body language, who sits where at a meeting, how long someone keeps a visitor waiting, etc.
Business communication is very different from academic writing. The purposes differ. The purpose of academic writing is often to show what you have learned, whereas the purpose of business communication is to inform your audience.
The audience also differs between the two types of communication. Academic communication often has an audience limited to the instructor and other students. The audience for business communication includes people both inside and outside the organization. Internal audiences include other people in the same organization, such as subordinates, superiors and peers. External audiences include people outside the organization, such as customers, suppliers, unions, stockholders, potential employees, government agencies, the press, and the general public.
Along with purpose and audience information, organization, style, document design and visuals all differ in academic writing and business communication.
Determining your audience is essential to the success of your communication. Most often you will have a primary audience, secondary audience, initial audience, gatekeeper, and watchdog audience; all of which are important. You also need to know everything about that audience that is relevant to what you’re writing or talking about. You need to know their knowledge on the subject that you are communicating about; you need to know their demographic factors, their personality, their values and beliefs, and their past behavior.
Once you have completed this audience analysis you will use it to plan a strategy, organization, style, document design and visuals for your communication.
Major Points
Many people are under the impression that they can get away without writing. This is absolutely not true. Although you may not be entering a job as a secretary you will still be required to handle tasks that essentially revolve around writing and communication, no matter what your job title may be,
It has been noted that managers have three basic jobs: to collect and convey information, to make decisions, and to promote interpersonal unity. All of these things are accomplished through communication.
Good messages meet five criteria: they are clear, complete, correct, saves the readers time, and builds goodwill.
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