Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main objective of the course in Business and Technical Communication?
What is the main objective of the course in Business and Technical Communication?
Which aspect is NOT covered in the Written Communication section of the course?
Which aspect is NOT covered in the Written Communication section of the course?
Why is writing considered critical for success as highlighted in the course?
Why is writing considered critical for success as highlighted in the course?
According to the launch of the course, how much time will a college graduate spend writing at work?
According to the launch of the course, how much time will a college graduate spend writing at work?
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What is one benefit of effective writing mentioned in the outline?
What is one benefit of effective writing mentioned in the outline?
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What module focuses specifically on forms of written communication such as memos and reports?
What module focuses specifically on forms of written communication such as memos and reports?
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Which of the following best illustrates the importance of communication as described in the course?
Which of the following best illustrates the importance of communication as described in the course?
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Which area is addressed in the Oral Communication section of the course?
Which area is addressed in the Oral Communication section of the course?
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What is the primary objective of a resume?
What is the primary objective of a resume?
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Which question is NOT typically on the reader's mind while reviewing a resume?
Which question is NOT typically on the reader's mind while reviewing a resume?
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Which of the following is an organizational pattern often used in resumes?
Which of the following is an organizational pattern often used in resumes?
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What is a key component of the persuasive argument within a resume?
What is a key component of the persuasive argument within a resume?
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In what manner should the name and qualifications be presented in a resume?
In what manner should the name and qualifications be presented in a resume?
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A Functional Resume primarily emphasizes which aspect?
A Functional Resume primarily emphasizes which aspect?
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What does identifying your objectives in a resume help to clarify?
What does identifying your objectives in a resume help to clarify?
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When planning a resume, which factor is essential to consider?
When planning a resume, which factor is essential to consider?
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Which approach is unnecessary when organizing material in a resume?
Which approach is unnecessary when organizing material in a resume?
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Which statement about resume writing is incorrect?
Which statement about resume writing is incorrect?
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What should be done if the audience seems bored during the presentation?
What should be done if the audience seems bored during the presentation?
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How long should a presenter ideally leave for discussion after their presentation?
How long should a presenter ideally leave for discussion after their presentation?
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When delivering a presentation, what should the speaker avoid doing?
When delivering a presentation, what should the speaker avoid doing?
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What color schemes are recommended on presentation slides for readability?
What color schemes are recommended on presentation slides for readability?
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What is a critical first step in writing a résumé?
What is a critical first step in writing a résumé?
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How should a speaker address the audience when inviting questions at the end of the presentation?
How should a speaker address the audience when inviting questions at the end of the presentation?
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Which of the following behaviors is advisable during a presentation?
Which of the following behaviors is advisable during a presentation?
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What is important to keep in mind about the reader's perspective while writing a résumé?
What is important to keep in mind about the reader's perspective while writing a résumé?
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What is the second stage of recruiting focused on?
What is the second stage of recruiting focused on?
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What factor is essential for altering the reader's attitude during résumé writing?
What factor is essential for altering the reader's attitude during résumé writing?
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What common mistake should presenters avoid regarding humor?
What common mistake should presenters avoid regarding humor?
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What should a presenter do regarding room lighting?
What should a presenter do regarding room lighting?
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Which aspect should not be a major concern when drafting a résumé?
Which aspect should not be a major concern when drafting a résumé?
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What should be considered when developing the delivery methods of a presentation?
What should be considered when developing the delivery methods of a presentation?
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What is the primary goal of Informative Speaking?
What is the primary goal of Informative Speaking?
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Which method of delivery involves planning thoughts before speaking, but not the exact wording?
Which method of delivery involves planning thoughts before speaking, but not the exact wording?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Informal Oral Reports?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Informal Oral Reports?
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What is an important aspect of personal appearance during a professional presentation?
What is an important aspect of personal appearance during a professional presentation?
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Which statement is true regarding the structure of a formal presentation?
Which statement is true regarding the structure of a formal presentation?
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What should you avoid doing during a presentation to maintain engagement?
What should you avoid doing during a presentation to maintain engagement?
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Which is a goal of Persuasive Speaking?
Which is a goal of Persuasive Speaking?
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In what type of setting are Formal Oral Reports typically presented?
In what type of setting are Formal Oral Reports typically presented?
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What is an effective way to rehearse for a presentation?
What is an effective way to rehearse for a presentation?
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What is important to do with visual aids during a presentation?
What is important to do with visual aids during a presentation?
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How should you approach the conclusion of a presentation?
How should you approach the conclusion of a presentation?
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Which practice is recommended to avoid when delivering a presentation?
Which practice is recommended to avoid when delivering a presentation?
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What weight should you give to the time limit of your presentation?
What weight should you give to the time limit of your presentation?
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What is meant by the term 'poise' in the context of presentation delivery?
What is meant by the term 'poise' in the context of presentation delivery?
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What is one primary difference between writing at school and writing at work?
What is one primary difference between writing at school and writing at work?
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Why is it important to consider your readers when writing in a professional environment?
Why is it important to consider your readers when writing in a professional environment?
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In the context of professional writing, what does the term 'instrumental purposes' refer to?
In the context of professional writing, what does the term 'instrumental purposes' refer to?
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What percentage of engineers listed in the 'Engineers of Distinction' survey indicated writing ability is considered for advancement?
What percentage of engineers listed in the 'Engineers of Distinction' survey indicated writing ability is considered for advancement?
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How should the information in workplace communications be presented?
How should the information in workplace communications be presented?
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What is a common scenario when writing in a professional setting?
What is a common scenario when writing in a professional setting?
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What is a potential consequence of including extra information in a work memo?
What is a potential consequence of including extra information in a work memo?
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How can understanding the readers' perceptions affect the writing process?
How can understanding the readers' perceptions affect the writing process?
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Why is it important to analyze the effectiveness of writing pieces?
Why is it important to analyze the effectiveness of writing pieces?
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When presenting a written proposal, what should be a primary focus?
When presenting a written proposal, what should be a primary focus?
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What does writing under someone's name in a business context imply?
What does writing under someone's name in a business context imply?
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What should a successful workplace writing strategy include?
What should a successful workplace writing strategy include?
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What is the aim of writing for educational purposes in school?
What is the aim of writing for educational purposes in school?
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What factor might influence how readers react to workplace communications?
What factor might influence how readers react to workplace communications?
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Flashcards
Business and Technical Communication
Business and Technical Communication
A skill that equips students with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in various business settings.
Effective Written Communication
Effective Written Communication
Focus on planning and organizing effective written messages for different purposes.
Message Planning & Argument Development
Message Planning & Argument Development
The process of determining goals and crafting arguments before communicating.
Written Communication Section
Written Communication Section
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Oral Communication Section
Oral Communication Section
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Importance of Communication in Business
Importance of Communication in Business
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Simplifying Complex Information
Simplifying Complex Information
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Importance of Writing for Professionals
Importance of Writing for Professionals
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Instrumental Writing
Instrumental Writing
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Concise Writing in Work
Concise Writing in Work
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Multiple Perspectives on Writing Purpose
Multiple Perspectives on Writing Purpose
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Readers Create Meaning
Readers Create Meaning
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Situation's Impact on Reading
Situation's Impact on Reading
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Moment-by-Moment Reading Response
Moment-by-Moment Reading Response
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Analyzing Ineffective Writing
Analyzing Ineffective Writing
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Analyzing Effective Writing
Analyzing Effective Writing
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Writing as a Company Representative
Writing as a Company Representative
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Strategic Writing for Different Contexts
Strategic Writing for Different Contexts
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Situational Influence on Reception
Situational Influence on Reception
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Reader-Centered Writing
Reader-Centered Writing
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Building Understanding from Fragments
Building Understanding from Fragments
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Writing Under Employer Ownership
Writing Under Employer Ownership
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Addressing Diverse Audiences
Addressing Diverse Audiences
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Formal Oral Reports
Formal Oral Reports
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Informal Oral Reports
Informal Oral Reports
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Informative Speaking
Informative Speaking
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Persuasive Speaking
Persuasive Speaking
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Extemporaneous Delivery
Extemporaneous Delivery
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Impromptu Delivery
Impromptu Delivery
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Presentation Delivery
Presentation Delivery
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Eye Contact in Presentations
Eye Contact in Presentations
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Effective Voice Use
Effective Voice Use
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Pacing the Presentation
Pacing the Presentation
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Body Language in Presentations
Body Language in Presentations
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Appearance in Presentations
Appearance in Presentations
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Presentation Content
Presentation Content
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Rehearsing Presentations
Rehearsing Presentations
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Presentation Structure
Presentation Structure
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Defining Objectives
Defining Objectives
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Planning
Planning
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Drafting
Drafting
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Evaluating
Evaluating
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Revising
Revising
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Resume
Resume
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First Stage Resume Review
First Stage Resume Review
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Second Stage Resume Review
Second Stage Resume Review
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Final Result
Final Result
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Audience
Audience
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Desired Impact
Desired Impact
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Initial Attitude
Initial Attitude
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Desired Attitude
Desired Attitude
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Employer's Desired Traits
Employer's Desired Traits
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Targeted Terms
Targeted Terms
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What's the goal of a resume?
What's the goal of a resume?
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What are the essential questions a resume should answer?
What are the essential questions a resume should answer?
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How should a resume be structured?
How should a resume be structured?
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What should you emphasize in a resume?
What should you emphasize in a resume?
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What are the main types of resumes?
What are the main types of resumes?
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How is a conventional resume structured?
How is a conventional resume structured?
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How is a functional resume structured?
How is a functional resume structured?
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What are the key sections of a resume?
What are the key sections of a resume?
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What is the implicit claim of your resume?
What is the implicit claim of your resume?
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What evidence supports the claim in a resume?
What evidence supports the claim in a resume?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Business and Technical Communication
- Course objective: Equip students with clear and concise communication skills for diverse business situations.
- Focus: Planning and organizing written messages, identifying objectives, and developing logical arguments.
- Format: Two sections:
- Written Communication: Planning, structures, style (memos, letters, proposals, reports, procedures).
- Oral Communication: Planning and executing presentations, group behavior, meetings.
Books and Website
- Course materials: Modules.
- Module 1: Basics of Effective Technical and Business Communication.
- Module 2: Forms of Written Communication (reports, proposals, letters, memos, applications, resumes, instructions, specs).
- Module 3: Research and Writing.
- Module 4: Oral Communication.
Importance of Business and Technical Communication
- Real-world example: Naila, a dietitian, communicates kitchen reorganization ideas to the kitchen director, increasing efficiency and cost savings.
- Time allocation: Writing accounts for an average of 20% of a graduate's work week.
- Benefits of strong writing: Recognition, raises, promotions.
- Crucial in situations with limited direct communication with upper management. Writing becomes the primary evidence of one's skills and contribution.
- Employers value writing ability: Surveys show significant importance among graduates and engineers.
Purpose of Writing
- School vs. Work:
- School: Educational purposes (term papers, exams).
- Work: Instrumental purposes (achieving practical objectives).
- Content focus: School writing emphasizes breadth of knowledge, while work writing prioritizes only necessary information to avoid reader frustration and inefficiency.
- Audience: School communication is one-on-one, whereas work writing often requires broad and diverse audience(s).
- Employer ownership: It's common for communications to be written by staff but presented under someone else's name (Head of Department).
- Reader-centered approach: Prioritize understanding the readers' needs and motivations behind the communication. (Purpose, viewpoint). Success hinges on understanding & anticipating a reader's response.
Types of Communication (Oral)
- Formal Oral Reports: Prepared well in advance; well-rehearsed, structured delivery (large audiences).
- Informal Oral Reports: Smaller groups, high level audience interaction, relaxed delivery.
- Informative Speaking: Primary goal is audience learning (individual/group reports, oral briefings).
- Persuasive Speaking: Influence audience attitudes or actions.
Delivery Methods
- Extemporaneous: Planned, but wording is flexible at delivery time.
- Impromptu: Quick and unplanned presentations.
Delivery Guidelines
- Poise and Enthusiasm: Expressing interest while controlling gestures and nonverbal patterns.
- Eye Contact: Connect with listeners (avoid notes or a fixed spot).
- Voice Control: Maintain clear tone (avoid yelling or whispering).
- Time Management: Keeping to the schedule.
Making a Formal Presentation
- Content: Concise, interesting, and logical.
- Visual Aids: Use strategically, limiting too much content on one.
- Preparation:
- Objectives and main points.
- Structure: Start by explaining what you will talk about, what you've talked about, and what you've left out.
- Handling Questions: Avoid terse responses.
- Discussion: Allow for questions and clarification.
Writing a Resume and Letter of Application
- Defining Objectives:
- Desired outcomes, readers, desired influence on the reader.
- Planning:
- Content and organization
- Reader Needs: Understand how resumes are read and what the reader wants from you.
- Resume organization: Focus on experience (or accomplishments - functional resume).
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Explore the essentials of business and technical communication through this quiz. Focus on effective written and oral communication techniques, including planning, structure, and style for various formats such as reports and presentations. Enhance your skills in delivering clear messages in diverse business environments.