Introduction to the field of business communication.

1. Intro to Business
Communication

2. Critical thinking question:
To get a feel for how rapidly information technologies are changing and how
significant the impact is on business, list all the information technologies
(devices and applications) that you’ve learned to use over the last five years.
Now reflect on how your communication, work, and life have changed as a
result of these technologies.

3. Form small groups of 2-3 students. Make
introductions. Conceptualize what
background factors might have influenced
your answers to the previous exercise. Write
a brief summary to present to the class.

4. What do you believe are core skills
related to communication that are
sought for by employers?

5. NACE’s Job Outlook Survey 2016
identified the following core skills:

9. Let’s talk about the syllabus

10. 1st Writing Assignment
Toyota Case Study:
Read the two Toyota Case Studies posted on
Blackboard. In memo form, write a critical
reader’s response evaluating the validity of the
claims the authors are making.

11. Writing an effective memo

12. Read the memo on the following slide
and take notes
 Evaluate the writing style, take note of the use of polysyllabic words,
the passive voice, and sentence structure.
 Note any inconsistencies between the writing style and the content
of the message.
 Evaluate the tone.
 Make a list of any information that you believe is useful.

15. A memo should include the following
parts:
Include a specific subject line.
Open with a clear statement of purpose.
Provide a brief summary.
Use informative headings.
End with a clear recommendation.

18. Let’s go home!