The document discusses organizing and structuring business messages. It recommends a three-step writing process of planning, writing, and completing. Good organization clarifies the subject and purpose, logically groups ideas, and excludes irrelevant information. Organizing the message involves defining the main idea, limiting the scope, grouping support, and establishing the sequence. There are three types of messages - routine, persuasive, and bad news - each with different audience reactions and approaches. Composing the message requires the right style, tone, sentences, and paragraphs.
The document provides tips and guidelines for composing effective business messages and documents. It discusses strategies for organizing information, such as outlining. It also covers topics like developing parallel structure, using active and passive voice appropriately, avoiding misplaced modifiers, and formatting business letters. The document aims to help readers improve the clarity, structure and professionalism of their written business communications.
Best Practices for Effective Written CorrespondenceThe Integral Worm
This presentation discusses best practices for composing effective written correspondence. Topics discussed I this presentation are as follows: preparing correspondence; choosing technical level; level of technical expertise; elements of style; standard parts of a letter; structure of business letters, letter patterns--space pattern, changing perspective pattern; explanations, analyses, evaluations, personal disclosures, adjustments, causal pattern, proportional pattern; writing effective memos, language for correspondence, you attitude --reader awareness; memo format and parts; memo structure, memo--succeeding paragraphs, memo—conclusion, memo--good news/bad news; and effective email messages.
Ch 04 revising and proofreading business messagesPrime University
The document discusses revising and proofreading business messages. It provides tips for creating concise business documents, including avoiding wordy phrases, unnecessary words, and outdated or informal terms. Effective revision involves editing for content, structure, word choice, and mechanics. Thorough proofreading is important to catch any errors.
This document discusses revising and proofreading business messages to improve conciseness. It provides tips for eliminating wordiness including reducing wordy phrases and outdated expressions. Examples show revising sentences by using more precise verbs and vivid adjectives. The document also discusses proofreading techniques such as using proofreading marks and having others check work.
This chapter discusses revising business messages to improve clarity, conciseness, and readability. Revising involves improving content, structure, and proofreading for errors. Writers should trim unnecessary words, drop filler phrases, and use active verbs to strengthen messages. Effective document design uses appropriate formatting like white space, font, lists, and headings to enhance comprehension. Proofreading checks for spelling, grammar, punctuation, names, numbers, and formatting consistency.
The document provides guidance on improving writing techniques, including formal and informal methods for gathering information, organizing information with outlines, organizing business messages, effective sentences, emphasis and deemphasis techniques, active and passive voice, parallelism, and avoiding dangling and misplaced modifiers.
This chapter discusses gathering information and organizing it for business messages. It covers formal research methods, organizing information through outlining, and choosing a direct or indirect pattern. The direct pattern presents the main idea first while the indirect pattern presents it later. Different sentence types and techniques for emphasis, de-emphasis, and parallelism are also covered. The chapter concludes with tips for drafting effective paragraphs and composing a first draft.
The document discusses various techniques for improving writing skills, including organizing information, developing effective sentences, and achieving coherence and cohesion in paragraphs. It covers topics such as using outlines to organize information, the differences between active and passive voice, techniques for emphasis and de-emphasis, and achieving parallel structure. The document provides examples and exercises for the reader to practice applying these concepts in their own writing.
The document provides tips and guidelines for composing effective business messages and documents. It discusses strategies for organizing information, such as outlining. It also covers topics like developing parallel structure, using active and passive voice appropriately, avoiding misplaced modifiers, and formatting business letters. The document aims to help readers improve the clarity, structure and professionalism of their written business communications.
Best Practices for Effective Written CorrespondenceThe Integral Worm
This presentation discusses best practices for composing effective written correspondence. Topics discussed I this presentation are as follows: preparing correspondence; choosing technical level; level of technical expertise; elements of style; standard parts of a letter; structure of business letters, letter patterns--space pattern, changing perspective pattern; explanations, analyses, evaluations, personal disclosures, adjustments, causal pattern, proportional pattern; writing effective memos, language for correspondence, you attitude --reader awareness; memo format and parts; memo structure, memo--succeeding paragraphs, memo—conclusion, memo--good news/bad news; and effective email messages.
Ch 04 revising and proofreading business messagesPrime University
The document discusses revising and proofreading business messages. It provides tips for creating concise business documents, including avoiding wordy phrases, unnecessary words, and outdated or informal terms. Effective revision involves editing for content, structure, word choice, and mechanics. Thorough proofreading is important to catch any errors.
This document discusses revising and proofreading business messages to improve conciseness. It provides tips for eliminating wordiness including reducing wordy phrases and outdated expressions. Examples show revising sentences by using more precise verbs and vivid adjectives. The document also discusses proofreading techniques such as using proofreading marks and having others check work.
This chapter discusses revising business messages to improve clarity, conciseness, and readability. Revising involves improving content, structure, and proofreading for errors. Writers should trim unnecessary words, drop filler phrases, and use active verbs to strengthen messages. Effective document design uses appropriate formatting like white space, font, lists, and headings to enhance comprehension. Proofreading checks for spelling, grammar, punctuation, names, numbers, and formatting consistency.
The document provides guidance on improving writing techniques, including formal and informal methods for gathering information, organizing information with outlines, organizing business messages, effective sentences, emphasis and deemphasis techniques, active and passive voice, parallelism, and avoiding dangling and misplaced modifiers.
This chapter discusses gathering information and organizing it for business messages. It covers formal research methods, organizing information through outlining, and choosing a direct or indirect pattern. The direct pattern presents the main idea first while the indirect pattern presents it later. Different sentence types and techniques for emphasis, de-emphasis, and parallelism are also covered. The chapter concludes with tips for drafting effective paragraphs and composing a first draft.
The document discusses various techniques for improving writing skills, including organizing information, developing effective sentences, and achieving coherence and cohesion in paragraphs. It covers topics such as using outlines to organize information, the differences between active and passive voice, techniques for emphasis and de-emphasis, and achieving parallel structure. The document provides examples and exercises for the reader to practice applying these concepts in their own writing.
The document discusses techniques for improving writing skills. It covers formal and informal methods for gathering research, including searching printed materials, using electronic resources, conducting interviews and surveys, and running scientific experiments. The document also provides guidance on outlining, organizing business messages, developing effective sentences, and achieving emphasis through mechanics, style, and voice. It offers tips for developing parallel structure, avoiding misplaced modifiers, and achieving paragraph coherence.
Chapter 2 Business Communications : Writing for Business AudiencesKhairee Kaery Sahil
The document discusses improving business writing skills. It recommends that business writing be audience-oriented, purposeful, and concise. It outlines the writing process as involving prewriting, writing, and revising stages. It discusses factors to consider when selecting a communication channel, such as importance, feedback needs, cost, and formality. It provides tips for using inclusive, positive, and conversational language to improve tone. Technology can help with tasks like outlining, fact-checking, and designing professional documents.
The document provides guidelines for adapting writing style to different audiences. It recommends writing for the lowest common denominator by using short, familiar words; preferring concrete to abstract language; using the active voice; and avoiding unnecessary technical or gendered terms. Specific techniques include substituting short words for long ones, using strong verbs, and making language inclusive and non-discriminatory. The overall message is that communication should be tailored to the reader by simplifying concepts and terminology.
This document outlines 10 principles of effective business writing. It discusses choosing words and phrases that are clear, concise, and oriented towards the receiver's needs. Specific words and active voice are preferred over abstract or passive constructions. Proper sentence structure, flow, and consistency are also important. Gender bias should be avoided. Attachments like appendices and annexures should be used appropriately and numbered for reference. The overall goal is to communicate messages in a simple, direct, and engaging manner.
The document provides guidance on developing strong business writing skills. It discusses 10 key points: presenting complex information simply, eliminating errors, engaging readers, avoiding offensive language, organizing ideas clearly, using an appropriate tone, capitalizing on personal style, removing outdated terms, proofreading thoroughly, and understanding proper email etiquette. Examples are given for each to illustrate best practices in business communication.
The document outlines the 7 Cs of effective communication: completeness, conciseness, consideration, clarity, concreteness, courtesy, and correctness. It provides examples and exercises for each C to demonstrate how to effectively communicate by being complete yet concise, showing consideration for the reader, using concrete and clear language, displaying courtesy, and ensuring factual and grammatical correctness.
The document provides tips and best practices for improving business writing skills. It discusses making writing concise by eliminating unnecessary words and focusing on accuracy, brevity, and clarity. Electronic writing brings benefits like speed but also risks of simpler writing. Good writing should have the right tone and avoid jargon. Other sections provide examples of how to improve accuracy, brevity, clarity, and eliminate deadwood words. Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of strong communication skills in business and provides strategies for structuring, organizing, and editing written work.
Business writing-skills are essential business communication skillsGia Tri Tien
The document provides an overview of business communication skills, including defining business communication, different types of communication (verbal, written, non-verbal), and the STAR format for effective written communication. The STAR format involves analyzing the purpose, considering the audience, building the structure with components like salutation, content, and closing, as well as focusing on detail and design with techniques such as punctuation, paragraphing, and formatting. Effective communication is also discussed as being correct, complete, clear, saving the reader's time, and creating goodwill.
Communicating Europe+ is a communications training company that provides writing training to help people write clearly, concisely and effectively. They offer training on topics like effective business writing, understanding audiences, using active voice and verbs, and tips for clearer writing. Their training helps professionals write better about issues, policies, products and services. They have offices in London and Brussels and can be contacted at info@communicatingeu.com or by phone for more information on how they can provide writing training.
The document discusses best practices for business email etiquette. It begins by explaining why email etiquette is important, as poorly written emails can waste significant time. It then outlines the four C's of effective emails: concise content, correct grammar and spelling, courteous tone, and a clear call to action. Specific tips are provided under each category, such as keeping emails brief, using bullet points, and proofreading before sending.
This document discusses business writing and provides examples of common business writing formats and best practices. It defines business writing as internal and external workplace communications that can include memos, letters, proposals, reports, presentations, marketing materials, and more. The document outlines what makes an effective business letter, including conciseness, informality, and courtesy. It describes the typical parts of a business letter like the heading, inside address, salutation, body, complimentary close, signature, and enclosure notation. Finally, it lists some common types of business letters and memorandums and emphasizes that the main goal is clear, well-planned communication.
The document discusses the importance of written communication in business. It covers types of written communication used, including emails, letters, reports, and advertisements. Effective written communication is important for instructing employees, presenting information to management, and promoting businesses. While written communication allows for accuracy and documentation, it takes more time than spoken communication and does not allow for immediate feedback. Proper grammar, word choice, and tone are essential for effective business writing.
This document provides guidance on writing effective emails and memos. It discusses analyzing the structure of emails and memos, which includes the subject line, opening, body and closing. It also provides tips for formatting emails, using email smartly and safely, and writing plans for different types of emails and memos.
The document provides guidance on writing effective business emails. It offers tips for writing different types of emails such as "yes", "no", and "do" emails and provides examples of each. It also covers features of business emails such as addressing recipients appropriately, writing clear subject lines, keeping the message concise, and using proper grammar, spelling and tone. The document emphasizes the importance of business email etiquette and presentation in maintaining a professional reputation and good relationships.
adaptation and the selection of words
,
need for adaptation
,
how to adapt to multiple readers
,
prefer the short
,
use technical language and acronyms with caution
,
familiar word to the long
,
unfamiliar word.
,
unfamiliar word
,
select words with right strength and vigor
,
prefer the active to the passive.
,
avoid words that lower women’s status
The document provides information on different types of workplace writings including business letters, emails, memorandums, reports, contracts, manuals, and PowerPoint presentations. It then gives tips for creating effective technical or workplace writings such as focusing on purpose and audience, satisfying document requirements, being concise, providing accurate information, expressing ideas clearly, formatting pages carefully, and managing time efficiently. Finally, it discusses the "7 Cs of Business Writing" - completeness, conciseness, consideration, clarity, concreteness, courtesy, and correctness.
Here are corrections for the commonly misused words:
1. Your jewelry and other luggage will be taken care of by your assistant.
2. We would appreciate it if you could be present at your regular meeting for trainers.
3. The applicants will please fill out the entire form regardless of the position applied for.
4. He was caught unaware despite precautions.
5. One of the faculty members requests student assistants.
6. He could not cope with difficulties; the reason is that he is not used to failures.
7. I was totally unaware that somebody had filled her glass with hot water.
8. I am submitting this proposal as a regular output regarding the semin
The document provides tips for revising business messages and documents to improve readability and conciseness. Some key points discussed include removing redundant words, limiting long lead-ins, dropping unnecessary fillers, avoiding flabby expressions, jargon, slang, cliches and buried verbs. The document also recommends using precise words, controlling exuberance, organizing information with lists and tables, and designing documents with readable formatting.
This document provides guidance on writing effective emails and memos. It discusses analyzing the structure of emails and memos, which includes the subject line, opening, body and closing. It also provides tips for formatting emails, using email smartly and safely, and writing plans for different types of emails and memos.
The document discusses the writing process and provides tips for effective writing. It outlines the four steps of the writing process as prewriting, writing, editing/revising, and publishing. It then provides guidance on developing different types of essays and employing traits of good writing such as logical organization, engaging voice, and correct formatting.
This document provides guidance for answering written questions for the assessment of BSBWOR502 Lead and manage team effectiveness. It defines what is meant by different question types including analyze, compare, contrast, describe, discuss, evaluate, examine, explain, identify, list, outline and summarize. It provides guidance on the expected length of responses for each question type. The document also includes scenario details and tasks for the assessment including developing an operational plan, team performance plan, professional development policy, and reward and recognition scheme for a football organization.
The document discusses techniques for improving writing skills. It covers formal and informal methods for gathering research, including searching printed materials, using electronic resources, conducting interviews and surveys, and running scientific experiments. The document also provides guidance on outlining, organizing business messages, developing effective sentences, and achieving emphasis through mechanics, style, and voice. It offers tips for developing parallel structure, avoiding misplaced modifiers, and achieving paragraph coherence.
Chapter 2 Business Communications : Writing for Business AudiencesKhairee Kaery Sahil
The document discusses improving business writing skills. It recommends that business writing be audience-oriented, purposeful, and concise. It outlines the writing process as involving prewriting, writing, and revising stages. It discusses factors to consider when selecting a communication channel, such as importance, feedback needs, cost, and formality. It provides tips for using inclusive, positive, and conversational language to improve tone. Technology can help with tasks like outlining, fact-checking, and designing professional documents.
The document provides guidelines for adapting writing style to different audiences. It recommends writing for the lowest common denominator by using short, familiar words; preferring concrete to abstract language; using the active voice; and avoiding unnecessary technical or gendered terms. Specific techniques include substituting short words for long ones, using strong verbs, and making language inclusive and non-discriminatory. The overall message is that communication should be tailored to the reader by simplifying concepts and terminology.
This document outlines 10 principles of effective business writing. It discusses choosing words and phrases that are clear, concise, and oriented towards the receiver's needs. Specific words and active voice are preferred over abstract or passive constructions. Proper sentence structure, flow, and consistency are also important. Gender bias should be avoided. Attachments like appendices and annexures should be used appropriately and numbered for reference. The overall goal is to communicate messages in a simple, direct, and engaging manner.
The document provides guidance on developing strong business writing skills. It discusses 10 key points: presenting complex information simply, eliminating errors, engaging readers, avoiding offensive language, organizing ideas clearly, using an appropriate tone, capitalizing on personal style, removing outdated terms, proofreading thoroughly, and understanding proper email etiquette. Examples are given for each to illustrate best practices in business communication.
The document outlines the 7 Cs of effective communication: completeness, conciseness, consideration, clarity, concreteness, courtesy, and correctness. It provides examples and exercises for each C to demonstrate how to effectively communicate by being complete yet concise, showing consideration for the reader, using concrete and clear language, displaying courtesy, and ensuring factual and grammatical correctness.
The document provides tips and best practices for improving business writing skills. It discusses making writing concise by eliminating unnecessary words and focusing on accuracy, brevity, and clarity. Electronic writing brings benefits like speed but also risks of simpler writing. Good writing should have the right tone and avoid jargon. Other sections provide examples of how to improve accuracy, brevity, clarity, and eliminate deadwood words. Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of strong communication skills in business and provides strategies for structuring, organizing, and editing written work.
Business writing-skills are essential business communication skillsGia Tri Tien
The document provides an overview of business communication skills, including defining business communication, different types of communication (verbal, written, non-verbal), and the STAR format for effective written communication. The STAR format involves analyzing the purpose, considering the audience, building the structure with components like salutation, content, and closing, as well as focusing on detail and design with techniques such as punctuation, paragraphing, and formatting. Effective communication is also discussed as being correct, complete, clear, saving the reader's time, and creating goodwill.
Communicating Europe+ is a communications training company that provides writing training to help people write clearly, concisely and effectively. They offer training on topics like effective business writing, understanding audiences, using active voice and verbs, and tips for clearer writing. Their training helps professionals write better about issues, policies, products and services. They have offices in London and Brussels and can be contacted at info@communicatingeu.com or by phone for more information on how they can provide writing training.
The document discusses best practices for business email etiquette. It begins by explaining why email etiquette is important, as poorly written emails can waste significant time. It then outlines the four C's of effective emails: concise content, correct grammar and spelling, courteous tone, and a clear call to action. Specific tips are provided under each category, such as keeping emails brief, using bullet points, and proofreading before sending.
This document discusses business writing and provides examples of common business writing formats and best practices. It defines business writing as internal and external workplace communications that can include memos, letters, proposals, reports, presentations, marketing materials, and more. The document outlines what makes an effective business letter, including conciseness, informality, and courtesy. It describes the typical parts of a business letter like the heading, inside address, salutation, body, complimentary close, signature, and enclosure notation. Finally, it lists some common types of business letters and memorandums and emphasizes that the main goal is clear, well-planned communication.
The document discusses the importance of written communication in business. It covers types of written communication used, including emails, letters, reports, and advertisements. Effective written communication is important for instructing employees, presenting information to management, and promoting businesses. While written communication allows for accuracy and documentation, it takes more time than spoken communication and does not allow for immediate feedback. Proper grammar, word choice, and tone are essential for effective business writing.
This document provides guidance on writing effective emails and memos. It discusses analyzing the structure of emails and memos, which includes the subject line, opening, body and closing. It also provides tips for formatting emails, using email smartly and safely, and writing plans for different types of emails and memos.
The document provides guidance on writing effective business emails. It offers tips for writing different types of emails such as "yes", "no", and "do" emails and provides examples of each. It also covers features of business emails such as addressing recipients appropriately, writing clear subject lines, keeping the message concise, and using proper grammar, spelling and tone. The document emphasizes the importance of business email etiquette and presentation in maintaining a professional reputation and good relationships.
adaptation and the selection of words
,
need for adaptation
,
how to adapt to multiple readers
,
prefer the short
,
use technical language and acronyms with caution
,
familiar word to the long
,
unfamiliar word.
,
unfamiliar word
,
select words with right strength and vigor
,
prefer the active to the passive.
,
avoid words that lower women’s status
The document provides information on different types of workplace writings including business letters, emails, memorandums, reports, contracts, manuals, and PowerPoint presentations. It then gives tips for creating effective technical or workplace writings such as focusing on purpose and audience, satisfying document requirements, being concise, providing accurate information, expressing ideas clearly, formatting pages carefully, and managing time efficiently. Finally, it discusses the "7 Cs of Business Writing" - completeness, conciseness, consideration, clarity, concreteness, courtesy, and correctness.
Here are corrections for the commonly misused words:
1. Your jewelry and other luggage will be taken care of by your assistant.
2. We would appreciate it if you could be present at your regular meeting for trainers.
3. The applicants will please fill out the entire form regardless of the position applied for.
4. He was caught unaware despite precautions.
5. One of the faculty members requests student assistants.
6. He could not cope with difficulties; the reason is that he is not used to failures.
7. I was totally unaware that somebody had filled her glass with hot water.
8. I am submitting this proposal as a regular output regarding the semin
The document provides tips for revising business messages and documents to improve readability and conciseness. Some key points discussed include removing redundant words, limiting long lead-ins, dropping unnecessary fillers, avoiding flabby expressions, jargon, slang, cliches and buried verbs. The document also recommends using precise words, controlling exuberance, organizing information with lists and tables, and designing documents with readable formatting.
This document provides guidance on writing effective emails and memos. It discusses analyzing the structure of emails and memos, which includes the subject line, opening, body and closing. It also provides tips for formatting emails, using email smartly and safely, and writing plans for different types of emails and memos.
The document discusses the writing process and provides tips for effective writing. It outlines the four steps of the writing process as prewriting, writing, editing/revising, and publishing. It then provides guidance on developing different types of essays and employing traits of good writing such as logical organization, engaging voice, and correct formatting.
This document provides guidance for answering written questions for the assessment of BSBWOR502 Lead and manage team effectiveness. It defines what is meant by different question types including analyze, compare, contrast, describe, discuss, evaluate, examine, explain, identify, list, outline and summarize. It provides guidance on the expected length of responses for each question type. The document also includes scenario details and tasks for the assessment including developing an operational plan, team performance plan, professional development policy, and reward and recognition scheme for a football organization.
1 BSBWOR502 Lead and manage team effectiveness SilvaGraf83
This document provides guidance for students completing an assessment for a course on leading and managing team effectiveness. It defines key terms used in assessment questions such as analyze, compare, contrast, describe, discuss, evaluate, examine, explain, identify, list, outline and summarize. For each term, it provides guidance on the expected length of the response. It also provides scenario details and requirements for four assessment tasks involving developing an operational plan, a team performance plan, a professional development policy and procedures, and a reward and recognition scheme.
1 bsbwor502 lead and manage team effectiveness UMAR48665
This document provides guidance for students completing an assessment for a course on leading and managing team effectiveness. It defines key terms used in assessment questions such as analyze, compare, contrast, describe, discuss, evaluate, examine, explain, identify, list, outline and summarize. For each term, it provides guidance on the expected length of the response. It also provides scenario details and requirements for four assessment tasks involving developing an operational plan, a team performance plan, a professional development policy and procedures, and a reward and recognition scheme for employees.
Higher level thinking skills are essential for teaching language arts and can be developed using Bloom's Taxonomy. Bloom's Taxonomy outlines six levels of thinking skills - from basic recall to more advanced skills like analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate the full range of skills in their language arts lessons to help students master the curriculum standards. The document provides examples and templates to help teachers design questions and activities targeting each level of thinking.
This document provides guidance on writing good content for websites and blogs. It discusses understanding the audience, clarifying the purpose of the article, creating an outline and headline, writing an introduction, using appropriate formatting, optimizing the content for search engines, including calls to action, and editing for quality. The document includes tips on establishing relevance, capturing attention, using a problem-solution structure, emphasizing the reader's perspective, and creating engaging, easy to understand content. Templates for different content styles and questions to self-evaluate content are also presented.
BA 308Writing Assignment #1 ProblemOpportunity Identification.docxwilcockiris
BA 308
Writing Assignment #1: Problem/Opportunity Identification
This term, your team will be writing a proposal to an important partner, The Lundquist College of Business Executive Council on Experiential Learning & Leadership (ExCELL) to address a critical project to be implemented in Fall 2018. For this assignment, you will write a memo that focuses on a specific constituency and a problem on which you would like to focus. Ultimately, you will try to convince your teammates they should adopt your choice of constituency and community issue for your team’s proposal project.
The Executive Council on Experiential Learning & Leadership (ExCELL):
ExCEL is committed to the development of Experiential Learning & Leadership opportunities for LCB Students. They are looking for dynamic and innovative proposals that will help students develop leadership and communication skills outside of the traditional classroom setting. Their mission is to “Prepare students for the to be leaders in the workplace through experiential learning opportunities.”
Experiential learning is the process of learning (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. through experience (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., and is more specifically defined as "learning through reflection on doing" Experiential learning is distinct from rote (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. or didactic (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. learning, in which the learner plays a comparatively passive role. It is related to, but not synonymous with, other forms of active learning (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. such as action learning (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., adventure learning (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., free-choice learning, cooperative learning (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., service-learning (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., and situated learning (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
Choosing a Problem/Constituency
With these criteria in mind, think creatively and broadly about leadership and experiential learning. For example, you might choose to focus on service-learning, project-based learning or outdoor education. Your task is not to come up with a solution to a problem, but rather to :
1. Describe a significant problem
2. Pick specific constituency (group of people) in the community and,
3. Provide evidence for the problem. For example, you might provide evidence for the following problems:
· Low career-readiness, job preparedness
· Lack of experience with leadership, communication or decision-making skills
· Physical of mental health of college students
Note that each of these problems has many possible solutions. That’s good. You’ll know that you have identified a problem instead of a solution when there are many possible ways to address it. We often make the mistake of offe.
Recognizing patterns of organization accllalindastreet
Here is a graphic organizer for the paragraph:
Topic: Helping new immigrants in Israel feel welcome
Problem: New immigrants don't always feel welcomed when they arrive in Israel. Israelis want to help but don't always know how.
Solution attempted: The parents' committee of a high school tried to help by organizing activities and gifts for new immigrants and giving them menorahs for Hanukkah.
Problem with solution: When asked what they really wanted, the new immigrants simply said "blue jeans" so they could look like everyone else and not feel different.
Conclusion: A simple thing like blue jeans was what the new immigrants really wanted to feel accepted.
Assignment #2 Persuasive Paper (20)Purpose You will learn h.docxdavezstarr61655
Assignment #2: Persuasive Paper (20%)
Purpose: You will learn how to write a persuasive argument regarding an ethical issue.
Outcome Met by Completing This Assignment:
1. identify ethical issues that arise in domestic and global business environments using an understanding of ethical concepts and of legal and business principles
2. develop and evaluate alternatives to, and recommend solutions for, ethical dilemmas, taking into account ethical and legal requirements and the essential mission of the business enterprise
3. effectively communicate to internal and external business stakeholders the complexities of ethical issues, suggesting and analyzing various solutions in order to ensure appropriate business practices and accountability
Step 1: Preparation for Writing the Assignment
Before you begin writing the paper, you will read the following requirements that will help meet the writing and APA requirements. Not reading this information will lead to a lower grade:
Task 1: Read the grading rubric for the assignment. Use the grading rubric while writing the paper to ensure all requirements are met that will lead to the highest possible points.
Task 2: Third person writing is required. Third person means that there are no words such as “I, me, my, we, or us” (first person writing), nor is there use of “you or your” (second person writing). If uncertain how to write in the third person, view this link: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/first-second-and-third-person.
Task 3: Contractions are not used in business writing, so you are expected NOT to use contraction in writing this assignment.
Task 4: You are expected to paraphrase and are NOT to use direct quotes. You are expected to paraphrase, which can be learned by reviewing this link: https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QPA_paraphrase2.html.
Task 5: You are responsible for APA only for in-text citations and a reference list. However, all source material must be cited and referenced.
Task 6: You are expected to use the facts from the case scenario paired with the weekly courses readings to develop the analysis and support the reasoning. No more than three (3) external resources can be used in completing the assignment. The expectation is that you provide a robust use of the course readings. If any material is used from a source document, it must be cited and referenced. A reference within a reference list cannot exist without an associated in-text citation and vice versa. View the sample APA paper under Week 1 content.
Step 2: How to Set Up the Paper
Create a Word or Rich Text Format (RTF) document that is double-spaced, 12-point font. The final product will be between 4-6 pages in length excluding the title page and reference page. You may not exceed six (6) pages so it is important to write clearly and concisely.
· Create a title page with title, your name, the course, the instructor’s name and date
Step 3: In this assignment, you will wri.
The document provides guidance on various aspects of written communication, including emails, reports, meetings, and minutes of meetings. It discusses dos and don'ts for effective writing styles, such as keeping writing simple, using active voice, and writing with the reader in mind. For emails, it recommends being prompt, using clear subject lines, and including signatures. Reports should convey information clearly through the use of visuals. Meetings should have a clear purpose and agenda, stay on time and on topic, and include assigned actions and follow-ups. Minutes of meetings should document discussions, actions, and agenda for the next meeting.
This document provides tips for improving writing skills for the TOEFL iBT exam. It discusses the characteristics of successful writing for all task types, including clarity, accuracy, organization, main ideas and details. It outlines the two writing tasks: integrated writing based on reading and listening, and independent essay writing. Tips are provided for prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and formal writing. Additional recommendations include practicing summarization, outlining similarities and differences between texts, expanding vocabulary and sentence structure, avoiding grammatical errors, and reading extensively in English.
This document provides an overview of good communication skills and business writing. It discusses five main methods of communication - written, spoken, symbolic gestures, visual images, and multimedia. It then covers various aspects of business writing like business letters, memos, reports, notices, and sales letters. Key tips are provided for writing clearly, concisely, courteously, completely and correctly. The document also discusses grammar, punctuation, and strategies for effective planning and structuring of business documents.
College Writing 1 Summary and Response Essay Fall Semester 2018.docxmary772
College Writing 1 Summary and Response Essay Fall Semester 2018
Due Date TBD (Goal date: First Draft Thursday, October 12)
Purpose: Summarize a reading and respond to content
Preparation:
1. Read pages 1-3 and summarize, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” By Nicholas Carr on Blackboard
2. Prepare a “Reading the Text” graphic organizer
3. Practice group summary
4. Find a quote from the article to support your response. Cite it in APA format.
Writing Task:
Write a 3- page typed, double spaced summary and response essay. The student writer will...
1. Clearly state a thesis that shows whether they agree or disagree with Carr’s argument.
2. Produce an introduction, body (3-4), and conclusion
3. Produce a summary of the article
4. Practice integrating select quotations
5. Practice using a specific organizational pattern (block style or point by point style).
Your summary response will be graded on the following:
· Your ability to summarize the main ideas of a reading
· Your ability to formulate a thesis that shows your response
· Your ability to integrate a quote to support your thesis/response
· Your ability to use APA format to type your essay
· Your ability to find and incorporate a quote in your essay to support your thesis
· Your ability to cite the quote in APA format
· Your ability to articulate your ideas grammatically
Overview
A summary/response is a natural consequence of the reading and annotating process. In this type of essay, writers capture the controlling idea and the supporting details of a text and respond by agreeing or disagreeing and then explaining why.
The first step after active reading is writing a summary. Writing summaries is a common practice in college. They pull together the general conclusions and approaches of experts who have done research in a particular subject. Summaries should be written in your own words although you could include short quoted excerpts if you decide the author’s or speaker’s words summarize a point most precisely. Try to use pertinent quotations from the source, working them in gracefully where appropriate. Probably the best way to write a summary is ask yourself the following questions:
--What issues are described, explained or resolved in this work? --What is the controlling idea?
--What are the supporting details?
--What results or conclusions are made?
--What opinion does the author want readers to keep in mind about this topic? --What information does the author use to convince readers?
After you have written your summary, double-check to be sure that all facts you included are correct.
Summary Writing Guidelines
To move from an outline to a draft of a summary, follow these guidelines:
1. a) State the author’s name and the title of the text you’re summarizing in the first 1-2 sentences of the summary.
2. b) Express the author’s main idea in your own words in the first 1-2 sentences of the summary (no more than three words in a row from the text you’re summarizing.).
Question 1 1. When making a strategic decision, the leader consi.docxIRESH3
Question 1
1. When making a strategic decision, the leader considers:
whether a particular choice will have a high or low strategic impact on the business and whether execution of the decision will be right or wrong.
how the choice fits into the hierarchy of wants.
whether a particular choice will have a high or low strategic impact on the business and whether execution of the decision will be easy or difficult.
how the choice fits into the hierarchy of needs.
10 points
Question 2
1. Organizations that want to encourage innovation:
communicate a sense of urgency.
avoid the use of lateral thinking.
provide assistance to workers who lose their jobs.
hire people who display the characteristics of creative individuals.
10 points
Question 3
1. Employees resist change because:
it violates creative intuition.
it violates the reciprocal relationship between employees and the organization.
they believe that change will add something of value to their job.
they have full information about future events.
10 points
Question 4
1. Self-reference means that:
each individual is working in his own direction.
each element in a system will serve the mission of the whole system.
every department can develop its own vision, independent of the company vision.
people who do not have a clear vision of the future have little chance of success.
10 points
Question 5
1. The manager of a successful mail order clothing company decided to implement teams, but the idea failed. According to the model for making strategic decisions, this idea was:
high impact, hard to execute.
low impact, easy to execute.
low impact, hard to execute.
high impact, easy to execute.
10 points
Question 6
1. Whereas vision continues to grow and change, the mission:
also continues to grow and change.
persists in the face of changing technologies.
changes with economic conditions.
reflects environmental shifts.
10 points
Question 7
1. ______________is the general plan of action that describes resource allocation and other activities for dealing with the environment and helping the organization attain its goals.
Charismatic leadership
Strategy
Vision
Mission
10 points
Question 8
1. _____________means the ability to anticipate and envision the future and maintain flexibility.
Mission
Transactional leadership
Strategic leadership
Vision
10 points
Question 9
1. _________ is a set of systematic techniques for changing mental concepts and generating new ones.
Lateral thinking
Idea incubator
Creativity
Idea champion
10 points
Question 10
1. Which of the following is a tool to implement change?
Supervision
Volunteering
Participation/Involvement
Commitment
There is no essay on this one, just 1 to 10 multiple choices and the article critique below. Thank you!
Unit VIII Article Critique
Utilize the research databases at the CSU Online Library and select two peer-reviewed, scholarly articles. The first article ...
The document discusses various types of business reports and how to write them effectively. It covers common report structures, including the anatomy of a report with sections like the cover page, title page, letter of transmittal, table of contents, executive summary, body, conclusions, and appendixes. It also provides tips for organizing information, choosing an appropriate writing style, using proper grammar and design principles when creating business reports.
Justification reports are often written to propose and justify changes to policies or procedures. They should answer "why should we?" by stating the purpose or problem in 1-2 sentences and making a clear recommendation and potential benefits. The methods, costs, and conclusions should be outlined, but saved for further discussion. The discussion section provides the most detail to fully explain how the conclusion was reached and justify the recommendation. As an assignment, the reader is asked to write a justification report proposing a change to their workplace, school, or home.
This document provides guidance on how to write special reports and proposals to help advance one's career. It recommends using special reports to address common problems faced by organizations and professions, with benefits-oriented titles and a QEB format of question, example, and benefit. Proposals should research problems and trends, and follow a structure including a transmittal letter, executive summary, body, and summary. The goal is to position oneself as a consultant who can implement recommended solutions.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against developing mental illness and improve symptoms for those who already suffer from conditions like anxiety and depression.
The document compares flooding in Pakistan and Australia in 2010-2011. The Pakistan floods affected over 20 million people, caused over $43 billion in damages, and resulted in more than 2000 deaths across several provinces. In contrast, the Australian floods directly affected fewer people, caused approximately $2 billion in damages, and resulted in only 1 confirmed death across several central and northern Victorian cities and towns. The document also notes differences in medical aid staff and Angelina Jolie's involvement between the two flood events.
The document provides an overview of information systems and networking concepts. It discusses client/server architecture and how processing is shared between clients and servers. It also describes the network layer model and how data is packaged and routed. Additionally, it covers local area networks, wireless networks, and the Internet as a network of networks that connects computers globally.
The document provides an overview of operating systems and application software. It discusses how the operating system manages hardware resources and allows multiple programs to run concurrently. It also describes common types of application software like word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and web browsers. The document explains that while companies typically use commercially available software, customized software may be developed internally using programming languages to gain a competitive advantage.
This document provides a summary of key concepts related to IT hardware, including:
1) It discusses the electronic components of hardware like transistors, binary numbers, and character encoding that allow processing and storage of data.
2) It describes the major components of processing hardware like the CPU, memory, and how instructions are executed.
3) It outlines different types of input and output hardware devices that allow entering and displaying of data, as well as various storage options for large amounts of data.
This document provides an overview of key concepts in information systems, including databases, data storage methods, information integration challenges, business intelligence, and how organizations use IT to support business activities. It describes the core components of IT infrastructure including hardware, software, networks and how they work together. It also discusses databases, data organization, data storage and sharing methods, and how IS supports business transactions and processes.
This document summarizes the key points from the introduction chapter of the textbook "Information Systems: Creating Business Value". It discusses the importance of knowledge work and knowledge workers in modern businesses. It defines key terms like data, information, information systems, and different types of IS. It also explains how factors like globalization and the internet are impacting businesses and their need for timely access to data and information.
The document provides an overview of using SQL to query relational databases, logical modeling to create relational databases, and querying multitable databases. It also discusses using XML for data transfer.
Specifically, it covers: using SQL to query single and multitable databases; logical modeling using entity-relationship diagrams; converting entity-relationship diagrams into relational data models; and performing JOIN operations to query relationships across multiple tables.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
The document discusses planning effective business messages through a three-step writing process of planning, writing, and completing. It emphasizes analyzing the purpose and audience, gathering relevant information, and providing accurate information through the appropriate communication channel while relating positively to the audience and maintaining the company's image.
The document discusses the employment interview process from preparation through follow up. It covers researching the organization, anticipating questions, preparing your own questions, handling different types of interviews, following up after with thank you notes or messages, and other potential follow up messages like requesting more time or accepting/declining a job offer. The main goal of an interview is to determine if the applicant is a good fit for the role and organization while also allowing the applicant to assess if the job and company align with their goals. Proper preparation, research, interview skills and follow up are important for success.
The document discusses various aspects of searching for employment, including what employers look for in candidates, organizing one's job search approach, tips for writing resumes and application letters, and submitting resumes both physically and online. It covers resume formatting and content, common resume problems to avoid, and cultural considerations for employment messages depending on the audience.
This document provides guidance on writing effective bad news messages. It discusses two approaches - the direct approach and indirect approach. The direct approach clearly states the bad news in the second step, while the indirect approach buffers the bad news by discussing positive topics first before stating the bad news. Both approaches recommend providing reasons for the decision, focusing on solutions over problems, and maintaining a positive tone. The document also discusses strategies for different types of bad news messages like requests, organizational changes, and employment decisions.
The document outlines different types of routine, good-news, and goodwill messages and provides tips for writing each type of message in 3 steps: stating the request, explaining and justifying the request, and closing the message. The types of messages include routine requests, claims and adjustments, requests for information and action, good news announcements, and goodwill messages.
This document outlines the steps for completing business messages, including a three-step writing process of planning, writing, and completing. It discusses moving past the first draft to focus on content, style, tone, organization, and readability. The document also covers starting the revision process, reviewing for readability, editing for clarity, focusing on conciseness, revising with technology, document design elements, professional image, proofreading the final message, and distributing the message.
The document discusses organizing and structuring business messages. It recommends a three-step writing process of planning, writing, and completing. Good organization clarifies the subject and purpose, logically groups ideas, and excludes irrelevant information. Organizing the message involves defining the main idea, limiting the scope, grouping support, and establishing the sequence. There are three types of messages - routine, persuasive, and bad news - each with different audience reactions and approaches. Composing the message requires the right style, tone, sentences, and paragraphs.
The document discusses planning effective business messages through a three-step writing process of planning, writing, and completing. It emphasizes analyzing the purpose and audience, gathering relevant information, and providing accurate information through the appropriate communication channel while relating positively to the audience and maintaining the company's image.
This document discusses effective communication and teamwork, including types of teams, roles within teams, decision making processes, conflict resolution, cooperation, meetings, listening skills, barriers to listening, nonverbal communication, and maximizing nonverbal skills. It provides an overview of team dynamics and processes, challenges that can arise, and strategies for resolving issues and working collaboratively.
This document discusses effective business communication and provides recommendations. It covers topics like the benefits of strong communication, characteristics of effective messages, internal and external communication channels, barriers to communication, and how to develop efficient messages and overcome challenges through audience-centered and ethical approaches. The goal is to achieve success through practical, clear, persuasive communication tailored to stakeholders.
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines for June 2024Bruce Bennett
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking, researching, and marketing yourself to clients and employers. This session teaches strategic practices for building your LinkedIn internet presence and marketing yourself. The use of # and @ symbols is covered as well as going mobile with the LinkedIn app.
5 key differences between Hard skill and Soft skillsRuchiRathor2
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝:
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 & 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 💯
In today's dynamic and competitive market, a well-rounded skillset is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity.
While technical expertise (hard skills) is crucial for getting your foot in the door, it's the combination of hard and soft skills that propels you towards long-term success and career advancement. ✨
Think of it like this: Imagine a highly skilled carpenter with a masterful understanding of woodworking (hard skills). But if they struggle to communicate effectively with clients, collaborate with builders, or adapt to project changes (soft skills), their true potential remains untapped. 😐
The synergy between hard and soft skills is what creates true value in the workplace. Strong communication allows you to clearly articulate your technical expertise, while problem-solving skills help you navigate complex challenges alongside your team. 💫
By actively developing both sets of skills, you position yourself as a well-rounded professional who can not only perform tasks efficiently but also contribute meaningfully to a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
Go through the carousel and let me know your views 🤩
LinkedIn for Your Job Search June 17, 2024Bruce Bennett
This webinar helps you understand and navigate your way through LinkedIn. Topics covered include learning the many elements of your profile, populating your work experience history, and understanding why a profile is more than just a resume. You will be able to identify the different features available on LinkedIn and where to focus your attention. We will teach how to create a job search agent on LinkedIn and explore job applications on LinkedIn.
Joyce M Sullivan, Founder & CEO of SocMediaFin, Inc. shares her "Five Questions - The Story of You", "Reflections - What Matters to You?" and "The Three Circle Exercise" to guide those evaluating what their next move may be in their careers.
Learnings from Successful Jobs SearchersBruce Bennett
Are you interested to know what actions help in a job search? This webinar is the summary of several individuals who discussed their job search journey for others to follow. You will learn there are common actions that helped them succeed in their quest for gainful employment.
2. Three-Step Writing Process Step 1 Planning Step 3 Completing Step 2 Writing Analyze Investigate Adapt Organize Select Compose Revise Produce Proofread
3. What Is Good Organization? Clarify Subject and Purpose Group Ideas and Use Logic Exclude Irrelevant Material Include Relevant Material
4. Why Is Organization Important? Promotes Understanding Increases Acceptance Saves Your Audience Time
5. Organizing the Message Defining the Main Idea Limiting the Scope Grouping the Support Establishing the Sequence
6. Defining the Main Idea General Purpose Specific Purpose Basic Topic Main Idea
7. Limiting the Scope of the Message Depth of Research Audience Attitude Number of Main Points Time and Space
8.
9. Using an Organization Chart The Main Idea I. Major Point II. Major Point III. Major Point A. Evidence B. Evidence C. Evidence A. Evidence B. Evidence C. Evidence A. Evidence B. Evidence C. Evidence
10. Sequencing the Message Direct Approach (Deductive) Indirect Approach (Inductive) Audience Reaction Message Length Message Type
12. Three Types of Messages Message Type Audience Reaction Type of Approach Routine, Good-News or Good Will Pleased Or Neutral Direct Persuasive Uninterested or Unwilling Indirect Bad News Displeased Indirect
14. Controlling Style And Tone Sentence Structure and Vocabulary Conversational Tone Plain English Active and Passive Voice
15. Choosing the Best Words Content Words Function Words Unchanging Meaning Mechanical Usage Denotations Concrete Words Connotations Abstract Words Correct Grammar and Word Use
16. Finding Words That Communicate Use Strong Words Avoid Clichés Use Familiar Words Minimize Jargon
22. Sending E-Mail Messages Getting Organized Composing Messages Stick to the Point Make it Easy to Read Use the Subject Line Personalize The Message
Editor's Notes
The specific actions you take to write business messages will vary with each situation, audience, and purpose. However, following a three-step writing process will help you write more effective messages. Planning. Clarify your purpose and gather information to inform, persuade, or motivate your audience. Select the channel and medium that suit both your needs and those of your audience. Establish a good relationship with your audience. Planning business messages is the focus of Chapter 4. Writing. Organize your ideas and commit your thoughts to words, write sentences and paragraphs, and select illustrations and details to support your main idea. Writing business messages is discussed in this chapter (Chapter 5). Completing. Review the content and organization for overall style, structure, and readability. Revise and rewrite until your message is clear; then edit for details such as grammar, punctuation, and format. Next produce your message, putting it into the form that your audience will receive. Finally, proof the final draft for typos, spelling errors, and other mechanical problems. Completing business messages is discussed in Chapter 6. As a general rule, try using roughly half of your time for planning. Use less than a quarter of your time for writing your document. Then use more than a quarter of your time for completing the project (so that you don’t shortchange important final steps such as revising and proofing).
Below are f our of the most common organization mistakes made by communicators: Taking too long to get to the point. Make the subject and purpose clear. Including irrelevant material. Include only information that is related to the subject and purpose. Getting ideas mixed up. Group the ideas and present them in a logical way. For example, begin with the fact that the drive doesn’t work, and group some ideas to show that the company is a valuable customer. Leaving out necessary information. Include all the necessary information.
Misinterpreted messages lead to wasted time reading and rereading, poor decision making, and shattered business relationships. When you consider such costs, you begin to realize the value of clear writing and organization. Good organization helps your audience understand your message. By making your main point clear at the outset, and by stating your needs precisely, your well-organized message will satisfy your audience’s need for information. Good organization helps your audience accept your message. Even when your message is logical, you need to select and organize your points in a diplomatic way. Softening refusals and leaving a good impression enhances your credibility and adds authority to your messages. Good organization saves your audience time. Well-organized messages are efficient. They contain only relevant ideas, and they are brief. Moreover, all the information in a well-organized message is in a logical place. Audience members receive only the information they need, and because that information is presented as accessibly and succinctly as possible, audience members can follow the thought pattern without a struggle.
Effective writers organize messages by defining the main idea, limiting the scope, grouping supporting points, and establishing their sequence by selecting either a direct or an indirect approach.
Business messages can be boiled down to one main idea that sums up everything. The rest of the message supports, explains, or demonstrates this point. The broad subject of your message is the topic , and your main idea makes a statement about that topic. Your main idea may be obvious when you’re preparing a brief message with simple facts that have little emotional impact on your audience. In longer documents and presentations, you’ll need to unify a mass of material, so you’ll need to define a main idea that encompasses all the individual points you want to make.
The scope of your message (its length and detail) must match your main idea. Once you have a tentative statement of your main idea, test it against the length limitations that have been imposed for your message. If you lack the time and space to develop your main idea fully, or if your main idea won’t fill up the time and space allotted, redefine the main idea of your message. Regardless of how long the message will be, stick with three to five major points. Instead of introducing additional points, you can more fully develop complex issues by supporting your points with a variety of evidence. How much you can communicate in a given number of words depends on the nature of your subject, your audience members’ familiarity with the topic, their receptivity to your conclusions, and your credibility. You’ll need fewer words to present routine information to a knowledgeable audience that already knows and respects you. You’ll need more time to build consensus about a complex and controversial subject, especially if the audience is composed of skeptical or hostile strangers. Moreover, the scope of your message determines the amount and depth of investigation you can conduct. You may need only to glance at your calendar to confirm a meeting, or you may need to spend weeks conducting formal research for a complicated report.
Whether you use the outlining features provided with word-processing software or simply jot down three or four points on the back of an envelope, making a plan and sticking to it will help you cover the important details. You’re no doubt familiar with the basic outline formats, which (1) use numbers—or letters and numbers—to identify each point and (2) indent points to show which ideas are of equal status. A good outline divides a topic into at least two parts, restricts each subdivision to one category, and ensures that each group is separate and distinct
Another way to visualize the structure of your message is by creating a message “organization chart” similar to the charts used to show a company’s management structure. The main idea is shown in the highest-level box and, like a top executive, establishes the big picture. The lower-level ideas, like lower-level employees, provide the details. All the ideas are logically organized into divisions of thought, just as a company is organized into divisions and departments. Using a visual chart instead of a traditional outline has many benefits. Charts help you (1) see the different levels of ideas and how the parts fit together, (2) develop new ideas, and (3) restructure your information flow.
Once you’ve defined your ideas and outlined or diagrammed the structure of your message, you’re ready to decide on the sequence you will use to present your points. The Direct approach (deductive). The main idea (such as a recommendation, conclusion, or request) comes first, followed by the evidence. Use this approach when your audience will be neutral about your message or pleased to hear from you. The Indirect approach (inductive). The evidence comes first, and the main idea comes later. Use this approach when your audience may be displeased about or may resist what you have to say. Your choice of a direct or an indirect approach depends on the following factors: Audience reaction: positive, neutral, or negative. Message length: short (memos and letters—discussed in Part 3 of this text) or long (reports, proposals, and presentations—discussed in Part 5). Message type: (1) routine, good-news, and goodwill messages; (2) bad-news messages; or (3) persuasive messages (all of which are discussed in Part 3).
Whether you use an outline format or organizational chart to structure your message, your message begins with the main idea, follows with major supporting points, and then illustrates these points with evidence. The main idea helps you establish the goals and general strategy of the message and summarizes two things: (1) what you want your audience to do or think and (2) why they should do so. Everything in the message should either support the main idea or explain its implications. Once you’ve determined the main idea, identify between three and five major points that support and clarify your message in more concrete terms. If you come up with more, go back and look for opportunities to combine some of your ideas. Once you’ve defined the main idea and identified three to five major points to support that idea, you’re ready to illustrate your major points with specific evidence. Evidence is the flesh and blood that helps your audience understand and remember the more abstract concepts you’re presenting. If your subject is complex and unfamiliar or if your audience is skeptical, you’ll need a lot of facts and figures to demonstrate your points. On the other hand, if your subject is routine and the audience is positively inclined, you can be more sparing with the evidence. You want to provide enough support to be convincing but not so much that your message becomes boring or inefficient.
The most straightforward business messages are routine, good-news, and goodwill messages. If you’re providing routine information as part of your regular business, your audience will probably be neutral, neither pleased nor displeased. In the opening, state your main idea directly. In the body, provide all necessary details. The close is cordial and emphasizes your good news or makes a statement about the specific action desired. If you’re turning down a job applicant, refusing credit, or denying a request for an adjustment, your audience will be disappointed. In such cases, it may be best to use the indirect approach. Successful communicators open with a neutral statement that acts as a transition to the reasons for the bad news. In the body they give the reasons that justify a negative answer before stating or implying the bad news. And they are always careful to close cordially. The indirect approach is also useful when you know that your audience will be uninterested in your request or unwilling to comply without extra coaxing). You might find an audience resistant to a sales letter, a collection letter, an unsolicited job application, or a request for a favor of some kind. The opening begins by mentioning a possible benefit, referring to a problem that the recipient might have, posing a question, or mentioning an interesting statistic. Then the body builds interest in the subject and arouses your audience members’ desire to comply. Once you have them thinking, you can introduce your main idea. The close is cordial and requests the desired action.
Once you’ve completed the planning process and organized your message, you’re ready to begin composing your first draft. As you compose your first draft, try to let your creativity flow. Don’t try to draft and edit at the same time or worry about getting everything perfect. Just put down your ideas as quickly as you can. You’ll have time to revise and refine the material later. Once you have all your thoughts and ideas jotted down, begin shaping your message. Start by paying attention to your style and tone. Try to select words that match the tone you want to achieve. Next, create effective sentences and develop coherent paragraphs. The following slides present each of these elements.
Style is the way you use words to achieve a certain tone , or overall impression. The right choice depends on the nature of your message and your audience. Most business messages aim for a conversational tone, using plain language. To achieve such a conversational tone in your messages, try to avoid obsolete and pompous language, intimacy, humor, and preaching or bragging. Plain English is a way of writing and arranging technical materials so that your audience can understand your meaning. Because it’s close to the way people normally speak, plain English is easy to understand. If you’ve ever tried to make sense of a legal document or credit agreement, you can understand why governments and corporations today are using plain-English. Your choice of active or passive voice also affects the tone of your message. You’re using active voice when the subject (the “actor”) comes before the verb and the object of the sentence (the “acted upon”) follows the verb: “John rented the office.” You’re using passive voice when the subject follows the verb and the object precedes it: “The office was rented by John.” Using the active voice produces shorter, stronger sentences and makes your writing more vigorous, concise, and generally easier to understand. Using the passive voice makes sense (1) when you want to be diplomatic about pointing out a problem or error, (2) When you want to point out what’s being done without taking or attributing either the credit or the blame, and (3) When you want to avoid personal pronouns in order to create an objective tone.
To compose effective messages, you must choose your words carefully. First, pay close attention to correctness. Although debating the finer points of usage may seem like nitpicking, using words correctly is important. If you make grammatical or usage errors, you lose credibility with your audience. Just as important as selecting the correct word is selecting the most suitable word for the job at hand. Words can be divided into two main categories. Function words express relationships and have only one unchanging meaning in any given context. They include conjunctions, prepositions, articles, and pronouns. Your main concern with functional words is to use them correctly. Content words are multidimensional and therefore subject to various interpretations. They include nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. These words carry the meaning of a sentence. Content words have both a denotative and a connotative meaning. The denotative meaning is the literal, or dictionary, meaning. The connotative meaning includes all the associations and feelings evoked by the word. An abstract word expresses a concept, quality, or characteristic. Abstractions are broad, encompassing a category of ideas. They are often intellectual, academic, or philosophical. A concrete word stands for something you can touch or see. Concrete terms are anchored in the tangible, material world.
Anyone who earns a living by crafting words is a wordsmith —including journalists, public relations specialists, editors, and letter and report writers. Unlike poets, novelists, or dramatists, wordsmiths don’t strive for dramatic effects. Instead, they are concerned with using language to be clear, concise, and accurate. To reach their goal, they employ the following techniques: Choose strong words. Choose words that express your thoughts most clearly, specifically, and dynamically. Nouns and verbs are the most concrete, so use them as much as you can. Adjectives and adverbs have obvious roles, but they often evoke subjective judgments. Verbs are especially powerful because they tell what’s happening in the sentence, so make them dynamic and specific. Choose familiar words. You’ll communicate best with words that are familiar to your readers. However, keep in mind that words familiar to one reader might be unfamiliar to another. Avoid clichés. Although familiar words are generally the best choice, beware of terms and phrases so common that they have become virtually meaningless. Use jargon carefully. Handle technical or professional terms with care. When deciding whether to use technical jargon, let your audience’s knowledge guide you. For example, when addressing a group
Sentences come in four basic varieties: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. A simple sentence has one main clause (a single subject and a single predicate), although it may be expanded by nouns and pronouns serving as objects of the action and by modifying phrases: Profits have increased in the past year. A compound sentence has two main clauses that express two or more independent but related thoughts of equal importance, usually joined by and, but, or or . In effect, a compound sentence is a merger of two or more simple sentences (independent clauses) that are related: Wage rates have declined by 5 percent, and employee turnover has been high. A complex sentence expresses one main thought (the independent clause) and one or more subordinate thoughts (dependent clauses) related to it, often separated by a comma. The subordinate thought, which comes first in the following sentence, could not stand alone: Although you may question Gerald’s conclusions, you must admit that his research is thorough. A compound-complex sentence has two main clauses, at least one of which contains a subordinate clause: Profits have increased in the past year, and although you may question Gerald’s conclusions, you must admit that his research is thorough.
A paragraph is a cluster of sentences all related to the same general topic. It is a unit of thought, separated from other units by skipping a line or indenting the first line. Each paragraph is an important part of the whole. Every properly constructed paragraph is unified; it deals with a single topic. The sentence that introduces that topic is called the topic sentence . In informal and creative writing, the topic sentence may be implied rather than stated. In business writing, the topic sentence is generally explicit and is often the first sentence in the paragraph. The topic sentence gives readers a summary of the general idea that will be covered in the rest of the paragraph. The sentences that explain the topic sentence round out the paragraph. These related sentences must all have a bearing on the general subject and must provide enough specific details to make the topic clear. In addition to being unified and well developed, effective paragraphs are coherent; that is, they are arranged in a logical order so that the audience can understand the train of thought. When you complete a paragraph, your readers automatically assume that you’ve finished with a particular idea. You achieve coherence by using transitions that show the relationship between paragraphs and among sentences within paragraphs. Transitions , words or phrases that tie ideas together, show how one thought is related to another; they help readers understand the connections you’re trying to make.
Some transitional elements serve as mood changers; that is, they alert the reader to a change in mood from the previous paragraph. Some announce a total contrast with what’s gone on before, some announce a causal relationship, and some signal a change in time. They prepare your reader for the change. The slide above features a list of transitions frequently used to move readers smoothly between sentences and paragraphs.
Paragraphs can be developed in many ways. Five of the most common techniques are illustration, comparison or contrast, cause and effect, classification, and problem and solution. In practice, you’ll often combine two or more methods of development in a single paragraph. To add interest, you might begin by using illustration, shift to comparison or contrast, and then shift to problem and solution. However, before settling for the first approach that comes to mind, consider the alternatives. Think through various methods before committing yourself. If you fall into the easy habit of repeating the same old paragraph pattern time after time, your writing will be boring.
Word processing makes composing and shaping as painless as possible, automating many of the text entry and revision tasks. For example, when you compose a numbered list, the software will automatically renumber the remaining segments if an entry is removed. Computers can also help you keep track of footnotes or endnotes, renumbering them every time you add or delete references. For report indexes and tables of contents, you simply flag the items you want to include, and the software assembles the lists for you. Other helpful features include automatic page numbering and dating. When you insert a date code into a document, the software automatically fills in today’s date each time you open or print that document. This feature is especially handy if you use form letters.
Organization and style important for email messages. Besides the principles and techniques already discussed in this chapter, consider the following: Use the first few lines to tell the reader what you need, what you’re providing, or what you want him or her to do. If you are responding to a question or a request for information, be sure to start your e-mail by inserting the original question into your reply. include only the information that is directly applicable to your reply. Make your e-mail easy to follow. Avoid lines that run off screen. Write short, focused, logically organized paragraphs. And try to limit e-mail to one screen; otherwise, write like a reporter—starting with the "headline" and adding detail in descending order of importance. Effective e-mail subject lines grab the audience’s attention. A message with a blank subject line or a general subject line like “question” will probably go unread and will perhaps be deleted. To capture your audience’s attention, make your subject line informative. Adding a greeting to your e-mail message makes it more personal. In most cases, use simple closings. For your signature, you can simply type your name on a separate line. Or you may want to use a signature file, a short identifier that can include your name, company, postal address, fax number, other e-mail addresses, and sometimes even a short quotation or thought.