1. Provide examples of when you would use a formal report versus an informal report in business. What kind of information would you include in each? 2. When should you use a direct strategy to communicate information in a business report? When should you use an indirect strategy? 3. Why is persuasion important in communication? Name at least three effective persuasion techniques. 4. What can you do to gain attention when writing a sales message? 5. Explain the differences in using an informational versus an analytical report.6. What is a method you can use when doing primary research? Describe a technique used within your method of choice. 7. Choose two types of graphics and describe proper uses of each. 8. What are some tips for writing effective conclusions and recommendations within a report? Please list two conclusion tips and two recommendation tips. Give an example of where you might you use this kind of communication. 9. What can you do to make a report more effective? List at least three ways you can make your document more effective and appealing to the reader.10. Explain the difference between a Justification, Feasibility and Yardstick report? 11. What can you do to make an oral presentation more effective? Describe at least three actions you can take to keep your audience engaged. 12. When searching for a job, explain how to build your own network. Why is your network so important in the job search? Name at least one idea that you learned in this course that you plan to put into action for your next job search or interview. Applications – each worth 10 points 1. Persuasive Message After working a few years, you would like to extend your college education on a part-time basis. You know that your education can benefit your employer, but can’t really afford the fees for tuition or books. You have heard that many companies offer reimbursement for fees and books when employees complete approved courses with a grade of C or higher. Task – please write a persuasive communication to your employer requesting consideration for tuition reimbursement. Your communication should be one or two paragraphs in length and include benefits and/or value you believe this will bring to the company. 2. Problem and Purpose Statements When preparing reports, it is a good practice to prepare a purpose statement because it defines the focus of a report and provides a standard that keeps the project on target. Task – Identify a problem at your current job or a previous job, such as inadequate technology, low morale or a personnel problem (can be completely made up). Assume your boss agrees with your criticism and asks you to prepare a report. Write (a) two or three sentence describing the problem, (b) a problem question, and (c) a simple statement of purpose for your report. 3. Personal BrandTask – Name at least three things that you should include in an elevator speech.(This is a sales pitch about yourself and your qualifications). 4. Resume Success Task – Review the following objective and revise it to a more powerful objective. I have taken classes that prepare me to be an administrative assistant. Optional – At the beginning of the semester, we talked about tools in your business communications toolbox. What is a tool you have either added or enhanced in this semester? Any other feedback you would like to offer would be greatly appreciated.
