In the tradition of an advice columnist (e.g., for formatting examples see Dear AbbyLinks to an external site., Ask a ManagerLinks to an external site., Cary TennisLinks to an external site., Go Ask Alice Links to an external site.), you will write a question from a person seeking advice as well as a response from a fictional advice columnist who is an expert on communication theories. To conduct this assignment, you will need to first decide on any theory from the course that interests you and come up with a problem that can be explained using the theory. Then, from the perspective of a reader of the column, present your question in writing to the advice columnist. Finally, from the viewpoint of the advice columnist, you will provide a written answer to help the reader come to a greater understanding of the predicament faced as you weave your chosen theory into your response. Be sure to follow the Technical Requirements and Scoring Guide below as you craft your letters. Be creative and have fun!
Technical Requirements
.docx or .pdf file submitted to Turnitin
12 point, Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins
2 single-spaced pages max
1st and 2nd person point of view (I, me, we, you)
Formal letter greetings and closings (e.g., Dear Doc Martin; Gentle Reader; Signed, Sleepless in Seattle; Dear Sleepless; etc.)
Scoring Guide
Explain the main communication problem(s) facing the reader seeking advice. It can involve a problem with a romantic partner, family member, small group, intercultural interaction, or concern about the reader’s use of social media or mass media consumption. Provide enough details in your explanation for the columnist to be able to provide specific advice in response. (3 points)
Introduce a communication theory from the textbook into the columnist’s response to the reader. You should write about the theory in a direct way by identifying the theory, using key terms associated with the theory, and explaining how it addresses the reader’s conundrum. (3 points)
Apply the theory to the reader’s story. Use the theory to examine the reasons the problem exists, and to provide a rationale for solutions you want to recommend. Explain the theory and define terms as needed. After all, your reader is not a communication expert like you. Provide examples from the reader’s story and explain why the theory helps to enlighten the reader about them. (3 points)
Recommend steps the reader can take to resolve the problem or change the reader’s thinking about the problem. This should be a concrete solution that the reader can start working on right away. (3 points)
Proofread and edit your writing to ensure a polished yet entertaining document. Vary your word choice. Be concise. Transition smoothly from one idea to the next. Correct spelling and grammatical errors. Correspondence between the reader and the columnist should be professional, respectful, and sincere in tone. Have fun with the names and details and be as creative as you want with the problem – as long as you can clearly apply the theory. Follow the Technical Requirements above. (3 points)
