Intro to Business Communication

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.

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.

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

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

Let’s talk about the syllabus

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.

Writing an effective memo

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.

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.

Let’s go home!