Com530

COM/530 Concept Outline

Week Five – Formal Communications

1 Concept OutlinE

1. Examine the role the audience needs to play in determining communication style (Ch. 2 of Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World).

a. The Importance of Adaptation

1) Technique of Adapting

2) Adaptation Illustrated

3) Adapting to Multiple Readers

4) Adaptation: Your Best Strategy for Effective Wording

b. Suggestions for Selecting Wording

1) Use Familiar Words

2) Use Slang and Popular Clichés With Caution

3) Prefer Short Words

4) Use Technical Words and Acronyms With Caution

5) Use Concrete Language

6) Prefer Active Verbs

7) Avoid Overuse of Camouflaged Verbs

8) Select Words for Precise Meanings

c. Suggestions for Nondiscriminatory Writing

1) Use Gender-Neutral Words

2) Avoid Words That Stereotype by Race, Nationality, and Sexual Orientation

3) Avoid Words That Stereotype by Age

4) Avoid Words That Typecast Those With Disabilities

5) Some Final Words About Words

2. Explain how culture affects cross-border communications (Ch. 15 of Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World).

a. Problems of Cultural Differences

1) Body Positions and Movements

2) Views and Practices Concerning Factors of Human Relationships

3) Effects on Business Communication Techniques

b. Problems of Language

1) Lack of Language Equivalency

2) Difficulties in Using English

c. A General Suggestion for Communicating Across Cultures

3. Describe the challenge format requirements place on communication (Ch. 10 & 11 of Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World).

a. Defining Reports

b. Determining the Report Purpose

1) The Preliminary Investigation

2) Need for a Clear Statement of the Problem

c. Determining the Factors

1) Use of Subtopics in Information Reports

2) Hypotheses for Problems Requiring Solution

3) Bases of Comparison in Evaluation Studies

d. Gathering the Information Needed

e. Interpreting the Findings

1) Advice for Avoiding Human...