Lecture Notes for Business Communication Today, 15th Edition
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Syllabus foundation for Business Communication courses using
Business Communication Today, 15th Edition, by Bovée and Thill
This document provides a foundation for building your course syllabus. It includes several assessment rubrics, a
suggested course schedule, and other elements you might want to adapt for your course. Complete the empty
fields in brackets with as much information as you want to share with students.
[Course name]
[Course identifier]
[Term]
[Department/college]
[Course website]
Course mode: [Course mode (classroom/online/hybrid)]
Credits: [Credits]
Instructor Information
Instructor: [Instructor name]
Office: [Office location]
Office hours: [Office hours]
Virtual office hours: [Virtual office hours]
Email: [Instructor email]
Office telephone: [Instructor phone]
Contact guidance: [Contact guidance]
Instructor media: [Instructor media]
Instructor bio: [Instructor bio]
Course Overview
Welcome to Business Communication. This course offers the opportunity to develop skills that will serve you
throughout your career. In fact, improving your communication skills may be the single most important step you
can take in your career. You can have the greatest ideas in the world, but those ideas aren’t going anywhere if you
can’t express them clearly and persuasively. The world is full of ambitious entrepreneurs, clever marketing
strategists, sharp accountants, and smart engineers—but it is not full of effective communicators. View this as an
opportunity to stand out from your competition in the job market.
Business Communication Today, 15th Edition, by Bovée and Thill
This document provides a foundation for building your course syllabus. It includes several assessment rubrics, a
suggested course schedule, and other elements you might want to adapt for your course. Complete the empty
fields in brackets with as much information as you want to share with students.
[Course name]
[Course identifier]
[Term]
[Department/college]
[Course website]
Course mode: [Course mode (classroom/online/hybrid)]
Credits: [Credits]
Instructor Information
Instructor: [Instructor name]
Office: [Office location]
Office hours: [Office hours]
Virtual office hours: [Virtual office hours]
Email: [Instructor email]
Office telephone: [Instructor phone]
Contact guidance: [Contact guidance]
Instructor media: [Instructor media]
Instructor bio: [Instructor bio]
Course Overview
Welcome to Business Communication. This course offers the opportunity to develop skills that will serve you
throughout your career. In fact, improving your communication skills may be the single most important step you
can take in your career. You can have the greatest ideas in the world, but those ideas aren’t going anywhere if you
can’t express them clearly and persuasively. The world is full of ambitious entrepreneurs, clever marketing
strategists, sharp accountants, and smart engineers—but it is not full of effective communicators. View this as an
opportunity to stand out from your competition in the job market.
Syllabus foundation for Business Communication courses using
Business Communication Today, 15th Edition, by Bovée and Thill
This document provides a foundation for building your course syllabus. It includes several assessment rubrics, a
suggested course schedule, and other elements you might want to adapt for your course. Complete the empty
fields in brackets with as much information as you want to share with students.
[Course name]
[Course identifier]
[Term]
[Department/college]
[Course website]
Course mode: [Course mode (classroom/online/hybrid)]
Credits: [Credits]
Instructor Information
Instructor: [Instructor name]
Office: [Office location]
Office hours: [Office hours]
Virtual office hours: [Virtual office hours]
Email: [Instructor email]
Office telephone: [Instructor phone]
Contact guidance: [Contact guidance]
Instructor media: [Instructor media]
Instructor bio: [Instructor bio]
Course Overview
Welcome to Business Communication. This course offers the opportunity to develop skills that will serve you
throughout your career. In fact, improving your communication skills may be the single most important step you
can take in your career. You can have the greatest ideas in the world, but those ideas aren’t going anywhere if you
can’t express them clearly and persuasively. The world is full of ambitious entrepreneurs, clever marketing
strategists, sharp accountants, and smart engineers—but it is not full of effective communicators. View this as an
opportunity to stand out from your competition in the job market.
Business Communication Today, 15th Edition, by Bovée and Thill
This document provides a foundation for building your course syllabus. It includes several assessment rubrics, a
suggested course schedule, and other elements you might want to adapt for your course. Complete the empty
fields in brackets with as much information as you want to share with students.
[Course name]
[Course identifier]
[Term]
[Department/college]
[Course website]
Course mode: [Course mode (classroom/online/hybrid)]
Credits: [Credits]
Instructor Information
Instructor: [Instructor name]
Office: [Office location]
Office hours: [Office hours]
Virtual office hours: [Virtual office hours]
Email: [Instructor email]
Office telephone: [Instructor phone]
Contact guidance: [Contact guidance]
Instructor media: [Instructor media]
Instructor bio: [Instructor bio]
Course Overview
Welcome to Business Communication. This course offers the opportunity to develop skills that will serve you
throughout your career. In fact, improving your communication skills may be the single most important step you
can take in your career. You can have the greatest ideas in the world, but those ideas aren’t going anywhere if you
can’t express them clearly and persuasively. The world is full of ambitious entrepreneurs, clever marketing
strategists, sharp accountants, and smart engineers—but it is not full of effective communicators. View this as an
opportunity to stand out from your competition in the job market.
Be aware that the changing nature of employment is putting new pressure on communication skills, too. Many
companies now supplement their permanent workforces with independent contractors who are brought on for a
short period or even just a single project. Chances are you will spend some of your career as one of these
independent freelancers, working without the support network that an established company environment
provides. You will have to “sell yourself” into each new contract, communicate successfully in a wide range of work
situations, and take full responsibility for your career growth and success.
The good news: You can develop and fine-tune all the communication skills you’ll need in this course, so let’s get
started!
Class days and times: [Class days and times]
Important dates: Be aware of the following dates and plan accordingly:
First day of class:
Last day to drop the class:
Final project due:
Last day of class:
Course outcomes: The successful completion of this course will give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to
communicate in a professional context. Specific learning outcomes include the following:
1. Understanding the challenges of communicating in a professional context, including participating in teams
and communicating with diverse audiences
2. Communicating ethically with sensitive attention to business etiquette
3. Planning, writing, and producing a wide variety of messages and documents in the appropriate style for
each audience and situation
4. Conducting the research needed to support messages, documents, and presentations with relevant and
reliable information
5. Crafting a variety of brief message types that address a range of specific business communication needs
6. Crafting high-quality reports and proposals
7. Designing and creating basic visual elements, from charts and graphs to presentation slides
8. Creating and delivering presentations using slides or other visuals
9. Creating a package of job-search tools that you can use in your own job search, including an effective
résumé and a variety of supporting messages
10. Developing the insights and skills needed to succeed in job interviews
11. Using a variety of technologies to communicate efficiently and effectively
Course concept: This course seeks to replicate as closely as possible the opportunities, challenges, and
expectations of communicating in the contemporary workplace while also providing you with a protected and
supportive space in which to practice and develop your communication skills. No matter what your current levels
of communication skill and confidence, you will have the opportunity to improve with the support of your
instructor and your classmates.
The course combines lectures, discussions, individual and team writing projects, presentations, and hands-on
practice with a variety of digital communication tools.
Prerequisites: [Prerequisites]
Expected skills: To succeed in this course, you will need to be minimally proficient with Microsoft Word (including
the ability to create, format, and print documents), Microsoft PowerPoint (including the ability to create
companies now supplement their permanent workforces with independent contractors who are brought on for a
short period or even just a single project. Chances are you will spend some of your career as one of these
independent freelancers, working without the support network that an established company environment
provides. You will have to “sell yourself” into each new contract, communicate successfully in a wide range of work
situations, and take full responsibility for your career growth and success.
The good news: You can develop and fine-tune all the communication skills you’ll need in this course, so let’s get
started!
Class days and times: [Class days and times]
Important dates: Be aware of the following dates and plan accordingly:
First day of class:
Last day to drop the class:
Final project due:
Last day of class:
Course outcomes: The successful completion of this course will give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to
communicate in a professional context. Specific learning outcomes include the following:
1. Understanding the challenges of communicating in a professional context, including participating in teams
and communicating with diverse audiences
2. Communicating ethically with sensitive attention to business etiquette
3. Planning, writing, and producing a wide variety of messages and documents in the appropriate style for
each audience and situation
4. Conducting the research needed to support messages, documents, and presentations with relevant and
reliable information
5. Crafting a variety of brief message types that address a range of specific business communication needs
6. Crafting high-quality reports and proposals
7. Designing and creating basic visual elements, from charts and graphs to presentation slides
8. Creating and delivering presentations using slides or other visuals
9. Creating a package of job-search tools that you can use in your own job search, including an effective
résumé and a variety of supporting messages
10. Developing the insights and skills needed to succeed in job interviews
11. Using a variety of technologies to communicate efficiently and effectively
Course concept: This course seeks to replicate as closely as possible the opportunities, challenges, and
expectations of communicating in the contemporary workplace while also providing you with a protected and
supportive space in which to practice and develop your communication skills. No matter what your current levels
of communication skill and confidence, you will have the opportunity to improve with the support of your
instructor and your classmates.
The course combines lectures, discussions, individual and team writing projects, presentations, and hands-on
practice with a variety of digital communication tools.
Prerequisites: [Prerequisites]
Expected skills: To succeed in this course, you will need to be minimally proficient with Microsoft Word (including
the ability to create, format, and print documents), Microsoft PowerPoint (including the ability to create
presentation slides using templates and making minor modifications to slides and templates), the college’s email
system, and the [insert name] course management platform. If you aren’t comfortable with any of these, please
make the effort now to learn the basics, as you would be expected to on the job. You will need basic keyboarding
skills. You are also expected to have basic proficiency in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. (You can refer to the
Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage in your textbook if you need to brush up on these basics.)
Weather and emergency closure information: [Emergency info]
Resources for students: [Student resources]
Course Materials
Textbook: Business Communication Today, 15th Edition, 2021, by Courtland L. Bovée and John V. Thill
Required additional materials: [Required materials]
Optional additional materials: [Optional materials]
Materials on library reserve: [Reserve materials]
Technology requirements: [Technology requirements]
Assignments and Grading
To help you polish business-ready communication skills, my expectations for your performance in this course will
mimic as closely as possible the expectations that employers will have for you on the job. These involve conducting
yourself in a professional manner and developing the skills needed to communicate effectively and efficiently.
Grading Structure and Policies
Your grade is the sum of four components:
50% Written communication
• The effectiveness of your writing in a variety of assignments, which can range from tweets and other
brief messages up to formal reports and proposals
• The demonstrated ability to conduct research, analyze and synthesize research findings, and
incorporate that data and information into your writing projects
• The design and production quality of both printed and digital documents
30% Oral communication and presentations
• The ability to plan, prepare, and deliver compelling presentations in both individual and team formats
• As with written assignments, the demonstrated ability to conduct research and apply the results as
needed to support your presentation efforts
• The design and production quality of presentation slides and handouts
10% Professionalism
• Your contribution to the success of your colleagues through constructive feedback, active listening,
and mutual respect
• Your conduct and participation in class
system, and the [insert name] course management platform. If you aren’t comfortable with any of these, please
make the effort now to learn the basics, as you would be expected to on the job. You will need basic keyboarding
skills. You are also expected to have basic proficiency in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. (You can refer to the
Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage in your textbook if you need to brush up on these basics.)
Weather and emergency closure information: [Emergency info]
Resources for students: [Student resources]
Course Materials
Textbook: Business Communication Today, 15th Edition, 2021, by Courtland L. Bovée and John V. Thill
Required additional materials: [Required materials]
Optional additional materials: [Optional materials]
Materials on library reserve: [Reserve materials]
Technology requirements: [Technology requirements]
Assignments and Grading
To help you polish business-ready communication skills, my expectations for your performance in this course will
mimic as closely as possible the expectations that employers will have for you on the job. These involve conducting
yourself in a professional manner and developing the skills needed to communicate effectively and efficiently.
Grading Structure and Policies
Your grade is the sum of four components:
50% Written communication
• The effectiveness of your writing in a variety of assignments, which can range from tweets and other
brief messages up to formal reports and proposals
• The demonstrated ability to conduct research, analyze and synthesize research findings, and
incorporate that data and information into your writing projects
• The design and production quality of both printed and digital documents
30% Oral communication and presentations
• The ability to plan, prepare, and deliver compelling presentations in both individual and team formats
• As with written assignments, the demonstrated ability to conduct research and apply the results as
needed to support your presentation efforts
• The design and production quality of presentation slides and handouts
10% Professionalism
• Your contribution to the success of your colleagues through constructive feedback, active listening,
and mutual respect
• Your conduct and participation in class
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• The quality of your interactions with your instructor, both in class and via digital communication
10% Exams, quizzes, and other assignments
Your final letter grade will be determined by the following scale:
% of total points Letter grade
93 and above A
90-92.9 A-
87-89.9 B+
83-86.9 B
80-82.9 B-
77-79.9 C+
73-76.9 C
70-72.9 C-
67-69.9 D+
63-66.9 D
60-62.9 D-
59.9 and below F
% of total points Letter grade
90 and above A
80-89.9 B
70-79.9 C
60-69.9 D
59.9 and below F
[Viewing grades online]
10% Exams, quizzes, and other assignments
Your final letter grade will be determined by the following scale:
% of total points Letter grade
93 and above A
90-92.9 A-
87-89.9 B+
83-86.9 B
80-82.9 B-
77-79.9 C+
73-76.9 C
70-72.9 C-
67-69.9 D+
63-66.9 D
60-62.9 D-
59.9 and below F
% of total points Letter grade
90 and above A
80-89.9 B
70-79.9 C
60-69.9 D
59.9 and below F
[Viewing grades online]
Loading page 5...
Assessment Criteria
Here are the assessment criteria for all three phases of the course: written assignments, oral communication and
presentations, and professionalism.
1. Written assignments (print and digital) are evaluated according to these nine criteria, along a spectrum from
ineffective to effective to exceptional; note that message in this context refers to all written assignments,
regardless of length or media.
Assessment Spectrum: Written Assignments
Criteria Ineffective Effective Exceptional
Audience orientation: Does the writing reflect
the “you” attitude? Does it deliver the
information the reader needs in a way that is
sensitive to personal, organizational, and
cultural expectations?
Focuses on the writer’s needs
more than the reader’s or shows
little or no respect of reader’s
needs
Reflects sincere attention to the
reader’s needs and expectations
Looks beyond the obvious in
terms of meeting reader’s needs;
sensitive to nuances of culture,
organizational hierarchy, status,
and other variables
Research, information fluency, critical
thinking: Is the message based on solid
research that was used appropriately and
effectively? Does the writing reflect critical
thinking? Does the writer maintain a clear line
between reporting and editorializing? Are
sources properly documented?
Based on little or no research,
relies on unverified or poor-
quality sources, draws misguided
conclusions, commits logical
fallacies; fails to document
sources appropriately; mixes
opinions with factual reporting
Based on solid and appropriate
level of research; uses critical
thinking to evaluate information
and produce logical conclusions
and recommendations;
documents sources properly
Goes beyond expected level and
type of research to find unusual
sources of information; offers
original or unexpected insights
Message structure: Is the message organized
effectively at the macro level? Does it progress
logically from one idea to the next? Does it
have an effective introduction that establishes
its purpose and an effective conclusion that
meets the reader’s needs?
Lacks a coherent, logical flow
from beginning to end; lacks an
effective introduction or
conclusion
Logically organized, whether it
uses the direct or indirect
approach; the introduction
establishes purpose and draws
readers in; the conclusion is
complete and effective
Organization is tight and clear,
with no chance for readers to get
bored or confused
Paragraph structure: Are paragraphs unified
(focusing on a single topic) and coherent
(presenting ideas in a logically connected
way)? Do they feature topic sentences to
introduce each new idea and support
sentences to expand, justify, or clarify that
idea? Are transitions used effectively to help
readers follow the flow of ideas?
Paragraphs are incoherent or
rambling, lack a clear topic
sentence, lack support sentences,
or attempt to cover too many
ideas; paragraphs lack internal
transitions from sentence to
sentence or external transitions
from paragraph to paragraph
Paragraphs focus on a single idea,
use topic sentences to introduce
that idea, and provide a sufficient
number of supporting sentences;
transitions are used effectively to
help readers move from thought
to thought
The writing uses an variety of
creative techniques to develop
paragraphs and provides smooth
transitions at the macro and
micro levels
Sentence style and structure: Are sentences
constructed correctly? Are sentences easy to
follow? Does the writing use an effective
blend of sentence types and lengths?
Sentences are structured
incorrectly; the writing relies on
overly simplistic sentence
structure; sentences are
overcomplicated or difficult to
digest
Sentences are structured
correctly; the writing uses the
most effective sentence types for
each idea; a balance of types and
lengths keeps the writing
interesting
The writing rises above
functional, workaday language
with sentences that convey ideas
in compelling and creative ways—
without calling attention to itself
Word choices: Does the writer make effective
word choices? Are words used correctly? Has
the writer made an effort to find the most
powerful words to use—without resorting to
obscure or stuffy language? Does the writing
feature plain language/plain English?
Words are used incorrectly or
inappropriately; word choices
reflect little effort or imagination;
writing attempts to dazzle with
obscure or overblown word
choices; writing uses biased terms
Words are used correctly and
appropriately; some effort was
made to find words that convey
ideas powerfully; writing uses
bias-free language
Language is precise, compelling,
and memorable while still being
appropriate for the situation
Readability, tone, formality: Is the message
easy to read and easy to grasp? Are the tone
and level of formality appropriate for the
situation?
Message is difficult to understand
or written with a style that is
inappropriate for the situation
Message is easy to read and
comprehend; tone and formality
are appropriate for the situation
Message goes beyond merely
functional to become inviting and
enjoyable to read
Grammar, mechanics, punctuation, spelling:
Does the writing follow professional
expectations for quality and adherence to
generally accepted standards? (Refer to the
Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage
in your textbook.)
Numerous errors in grammar,
punctuation, mechanics, and
spelling
No errors that are likely to inhibit
message comprehension or
reflect negatively on the writer
Perfect in every detail
Design and production quality: Does the
document design follow guidelines discussed
in the textbook or in class? Was the message
produced with professional-grade attention to
quality and detail? (Refer to the chapter on
Completing Business Messages in your
textbook.)
Lacks a coherent, reader-focused
design; design choices are
haphazard or ill-advised;
production is amateurish,
careless, or otherwise
substandard
Design choices and production
quality help the reader consume
and grasp the message, and they
position the writer as a
knowledgeable professional
Design and production match the
best of professional-grade
business messages and
documents
Here are the assessment criteria for all three phases of the course: written assignments, oral communication and
presentations, and professionalism.
1. Written assignments (print and digital) are evaluated according to these nine criteria, along a spectrum from
ineffective to effective to exceptional; note that message in this context refers to all written assignments,
regardless of length or media.
Assessment Spectrum: Written Assignments
Criteria Ineffective Effective Exceptional
Audience orientation: Does the writing reflect
the “you” attitude? Does it deliver the
information the reader needs in a way that is
sensitive to personal, organizational, and
cultural expectations?
Focuses on the writer’s needs
more than the reader’s or shows
little or no respect of reader’s
needs
Reflects sincere attention to the
reader’s needs and expectations
Looks beyond the obvious in
terms of meeting reader’s needs;
sensitive to nuances of culture,
organizational hierarchy, status,
and other variables
Research, information fluency, critical
thinking: Is the message based on solid
research that was used appropriately and
effectively? Does the writing reflect critical
thinking? Does the writer maintain a clear line
between reporting and editorializing? Are
sources properly documented?
Based on little or no research,
relies on unverified or poor-
quality sources, draws misguided
conclusions, commits logical
fallacies; fails to document
sources appropriately; mixes
opinions with factual reporting
Based on solid and appropriate
level of research; uses critical
thinking to evaluate information
and produce logical conclusions
and recommendations;
documents sources properly
Goes beyond expected level and
type of research to find unusual
sources of information; offers
original or unexpected insights
Message structure: Is the message organized
effectively at the macro level? Does it progress
logically from one idea to the next? Does it
have an effective introduction that establishes
its purpose and an effective conclusion that
meets the reader’s needs?
Lacks a coherent, logical flow
from beginning to end; lacks an
effective introduction or
conclusion
Logically organized, whether it
uses the direct or indirect
approach; the introduction
establishes purpose and draws
readers in; the conclusion is
complete and effective
Organization is tight and clear,
with no chance for readers to get
bored or confused
Paragraph structure: Are paragraphs unified
(focusing on a single topic) and coherent
(presenting ideas in a logically connected
way)? Do they feature topic sentences to
introduce each new idea and support
sentences to expand, justify, or clarify that
idea? Are transitions used effectively to help
readers follow the flow of ideas?
Paragraphs are incoherent or
rambling, lack a clear topic
sentence, lack support sentences,
or attempt to cover too many
ideas; paragraphs lack internal
transitions from sentence to
sentence or external transitions
from paragraph to paragraph
Paragraphs focus on a single idea,
use topic sentences to introduce
that idea, and provide a sufficient
number of supporting sentences;
transitions are used effectively to
help readers move from thought
to thought
The writing uses an variety of
creative techniques to develop
paragraphs and provides smooth
transitions at the macro and
micro levels
Sentence style and structure: Are sentences
constructed correctly? Are sentences easy to
follow? Does the writing use an effective
blend of sentence types and lengths?
Sentences are structured
incorrectly; the writing relies on
overly simplistic sentence
structure; sentences are
overcomplicated or difficult to
digest
Sentences are structured
correctly; the writing uses the
most effective sentence types for
each idea; a balance of types and
lengths keeps the writing
interesting
The writing rises above
functional, workaday language
with sentences that convey ideas
in compelling and creative ways—
without calling attention to itself
Word choices: Does the writer make effective
word choices? Are words used correctly? Has
the writer made an effort to find the most
powerful words to use—without resorting to
obscure or stuffy language? Does the writing
feature plain language/plain English?
Words are used incorrectly or
inappropriately; word choices
reflect little effort or imagination;
writing attempts to dazzle with
obscure or overblown word
choices; writing uses biased terms
Words are used correctly and
appropriately; some effort was
made to find words that convey
ideas powerfully; writing uses
bias-free language
Language is precise, compelling,
and memorable while still being
appropriate for the situation
Readability, tone, formality: Is the message
easy to read and easy to grasp? Are the tone
and level of formality appropriate for the
situation?
Message is difficult to understand
or written with a style that is
inappropriate for the situation
Message is easy to read and
comprehend; tone and formality
are appropriate for the situation
Message goes beyond merely
functional to become inviting and
enjoyable to read
Grammar, mechanics, punctuation, spelling:
Does the writing follow professional
expectations for quality and adherence to
generally accepted standards? (Refer to the
Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage
in your textbook.)
Numerous errors in grammar,
punctuation, mechanics, and
spelling
No errors that are likely to inhibit
message comprehension or
reflect negatively on the writer
Perfect in every detail
Design and production quality: Does the
document design follow guidelines discussed
in the textbook or in class? Was the message
produced with professional-grade attention to
quality and detail? (Refer to the chapter on
Completing Business Messages in your
textbook.)
Lacks a coherent, reader-focused
design; design choices are
haphazard or ill-advised;
production is amateurish,
careless, or otherwise
substandard
Design choices and production
quality help the reader consume
and grasp the message, and they
position the writer as a
knowledgeable professional
Design and production match the
best of professional-grade
business messages and
documents
Loading page 6...
2. Oral communication and presentations are evaluated according to these eight criteria, along a spectrum from
ineffective to effective to exceptional.
Assessment Spectrum: Oral Communication and Presentations
Criteria Ineffective Effective Exceptional
Audience orientation: Does the presentation
reflect the “you” attitude? Does it deliver the
information the audience needs in a way that
is sensitive to personal, organizational, and
cultural expectations?
Presentation focuses on the
writer’s needs more than the
audience’s or shows little or no
respect of reader’s needs
Presentation structure, content,
and delivery reflect sincere
attention to the audience’s needs
and expectations
Looks beyond the obvious in
terms of meeting the audience’s
needs; sensitive to nuances of
culture, organizational hierarchy,
stakeholder status, and other
variables
Research, information fluency, critical
thinking: Is the presentation based on solid
research that was used appropriately and
effectively? Does the information given reflect
critical thinking? Does the speaker maintain a
clear line between reporting and
editorializing? Are sources properly
documented?
Based on little or no research,
relies on unverified or poor-
quality sources, draws misguided
conclusions, commits logical
fallacies; fails to document
sources appropriately; mixes
opinions with factual reporting
Based on solid and appropriate
level of research; uses critical
thinking to evaluate information
and produce logical conclusions
and recommendations;
documents sources properly
Goes beyond expected level and
type of research to find unusual
sources of information; offers
original or unexpected insights
Presentation structure: Is the presentation
organized effectively at the macro level? Does
it progress logically from one idea to the next?
Does it have an effective introduction that
establishes its purpose and an effective
conclusion that meets the audience’s needs?
Does it fit time constraints?
Lacks a coherent, logical flow
from beginning to end; lacks an
effective introduction or
conclusion; runs too long or too
short
Logically organized, whether it
uses the direct or indirect
approach; the introduction
establishes purpose and draws
the audience in; the conclusion is
complete and effective;
presentation hits the agreed-
upon time limit
Organization is tight and clear,
with no chance for the audience
to get bored or confused; uses a
compelling blend of testimony,
narrative, examples, and
illustrations
Language choices: Does the speaker make
effective word choices? Are words used
correctly? Has the speaker made an effort to
find the most powerful words to use—without
resorting to obscure or stuffy language?
Words are used incorrectly or
inappropriately; word choices
reflect little effort or imagination;
speaker attempts to dazzle with
obscure or overblown word
choices; uses biased terms
Words are used correctly and
appropriately; some effort was
made to find words that convey
ideas powerfully; speaker uses
bias-free language
Language is precise, compelling,
and memorable while still being
appropriate for the situation
Tone and formality: Is the presentation easy
to follow and easy to grasp? Are the tone and
level of formality appropriate for the
situation?
Presentation is difficult to
understand or delivered in a style
that is inappropriate for the
situation
Presentation is easy to follow and
comprehend; tone and formality
are appropriate for the situation.
Presentation goes beyond merely
functional to become inviting and
enjoyable to listen to
Delivery: Does the speaker present in a
confident, conversational style, without
reading slides or notes? Does the speaker
exhibit poise and positive body language?
Speaker lacks poise and displays
negative body language;
presentation is clearly
unrehearsed; speaker relies too
heavily on notes or slides
Speaker is confident and positive
and talks with listeners rather
than at them; overall, the
presentation is smooth, with only
minor glitches that don’t distract
Speaker holds the audience at
rapt attention and leaves
listeners feeling inspired or
otherwise emotionally moved
Grammar, mechanics, punctuation, spelling:
Do slides and handouts follow professional
expectations for quality and adherence to
generally accepted standards?
Numerous errors in grammar,
punctuation, mechanics, and
spelling
No errors that are likely to inhibit
comprehension or reflect
negatively on the writer
Perfect in every detail
Design and production quality: Do
presentation slides and other visuals support
the spoken message? Do they educate and
inspire the audience? Do slides follow the
design guidelines discussed in the textbook or
in class? Was the presentation produced with
professional-grade attention to quality and
detail?
Lacks a coherent, audience-
focused design; design choices
are haphazard or ill-advised;
production is amateurish,
careless, or otherwise
substandard
Design choices and production
quality help the audience
consume and grasp the
information and position the
speaker as a knowledgeable
professional; slides are clear and
compelling
Design and production match the
best of professional-grade
business presentations; slides
exhibit an unusual level of
creativity and originality that
make them memorable without
distracting from the speaker
ineffective to effective to exceptional.
Assessment Spectrum: Oral Communication and Presentations
Criteria Ineffective Effective Exceptional
Audience orientation: Does the presentation
reflect the “you” attitude? Does it deliver the
information the audience needs in a way that
is sensitive to personal, organizational, and
cultural expectations?
Presentation focuses on the
writer’s needs more than the
audience’s or shows little or no
respect of reader’s needs
Presentation structure, content,
and delivery reflect sincere
attention to the audience’s needs
and expectations
Looks beyond the obvious in
terms of meeting the audience’s
needs; sensitive to nuances of
culture, organizational hierarchy,
stakeholder status, and other
variables
Research, information fluency, critical
thinking: Is the presentation based on solid
research that was used appropriately and
effectively? Does the information given reflect
critical thinking? Does the speaker maintain a
clear line between reporting and
editorializing? Are sources properly
documented?
Based on little or no research,
relies on unverified or poor-
quality sources, draws misguided
conclusions, commits logical
fallacies; fails to document
sources appropriately; mixes
opinions with factual reporting
Based on solid and appropriate
level of research; uses critical
thinking to evaluate information
and produce logical conclusions
and recommendations;
documents sources properly
Goes beyond expected level and
type of research to find unusual
sources of information; offers
original or unexpected insights
Presentation structure: Is the presentation
organized effectively at the macro level? Does
it progress logically from one idea to the next?
Does it have an effective introduction that
establishes its purpose and an effective
conclusion that meets the audience’s needs?
Does it fit time constraints?
Lacks a coherent, logical flow
from beginning to end; lacks an
effective introduction or
conclusion; runs too long or too
short
Logically organized, whether it
uses the direct or indirect
approach; the introduction
establishes purpose and draws
the audience in; the conclusion is
complete and effective;
presentation hits the agreed-
upon time limit
Organization is tight and clear,
with no chance for the audience
to get bored or confused; uses a
compelling blend of testimony,
narrative, examples, and
illustrations
Language choices: Does the speaker make
effective word choices? Are words used
correctly? Has the speaker made an effort to
find the most powerful words to use—without
resorting to obscure or stuffy language?
Words are used incorrectly or
inappropriately; word choices
reflect little effort or imagination;
speaker attempts to dazzle with
obscure or overblown word
choices; uses biased terms
Words are used correctly and
appropriately; some effort was
made to find words that convey
ideas powerfully; speaker uses
bias-free language
Language is precise, compelling,
and memorable while still being
appropriate for the situation
Tone and formality: Is the presentation easy
to follow and easy to grasp? Are the tone and
level of formality appropriate for the
situation?
Presentation is difficult to
understand or delivered in a style
that is inappropriate for the
situation
Presentation is easy to follow and
comprehend; tone and formality
are appropriate for the situation.
Presentation goes beyond merely
functional to become inviting and
enjoyable to listen to
Delivery: Does the speaker present in a
confident, conversational style, without
reading slides or notes? Does the speaker
exhibit poise and positive body language?
Speaker lacks poise and displays
negative body language;
presentation is clearly
unrehearsed; speaker relies too
heavily on notes or slides
Speaker is confident and positive
and talks with listeners rather
than at them; overall, the
presentation is smooth, with only
minor glitches that don’t distract
Speaker holds the audience at
rapt attention and leaves
listeners feeling inspired or
otherwise emotionally moved
Grammar, mechanics, punctuation, spelling:
Do slides and handouts follow professional
expectations for quality and adherence to
generally accepted standards?
Numerous errors in grammar,
punctuation, mechanics, and
spelling
No errors that are likely to inhibit
comprehension or reflect
negatively on the writer
Perfect in every detail
Design and production quality: Do
presentation slides and other visuals support
the spoken message? Do they educate and
inspire the audience? Do slides follow the
design guidelines discussed in the textbook or
in class? Was the presentation produced with
professional-grade attention to quality and
detail?
Lacks a coherent, audience-
focused design; design choices
are haphazard or ill-advised;
production is amateurish,
careless, or otherwise
substandard
Design choices and production
quality help the audience
consume and grasp the
information and position the
speaker as a knowledgeable
professional; slides are clear and
compelling
Design and production match the
best of professional-grade
business presentations; slides
exhibit an unusual level of
creativity and originality that
make them memorable without
distracting from the speaker
Loading page 7...
3. Professionalism is evaluated according to these three criteria, along a spectrum from ineffective to effective
to exceptional.
Assessment Spectrum: Professionalism
Criteria Ineffective Effective Exceptional
Class participation: Does student participate
in class discussions, offer helpful commentary,
and ask meaningful questions?
Rarely participates in class; uses
class discussions as a platform for
pontificating on irrelevant
matters; wastes class time asking
questions when answers can be
found in the textbook, course
website, or other forum
Actively participates in
discussions and projects, both in
class and online; doesn’t waste or
monopolize instructor’s time and
attention to the detriment of
classmates; contributes to group
projects
Brings an extra level of
preparation, insight, and personal
experience to class discussions
and activities
Respect and support for colleagues: Does
student contribute to the success of
colleagues through constructive feedback,
active listening, professional-grade etiquette,
and mutual respect?
Is late to class, interrupts class
discussions, belittles the efforts of
other students, offers little of
value in oral or written feedback;
doesn’t listen
Arrives on time and ready to
participate, contributes to the
success of classmates, listens
actively to instructor and
classmates, demonstrates
etiquette and respect
Finds ways to inspire colleagues
to higher performances, helps
teammates do their best work
Interaction with instructor: Does student
interact with instructor as one would with a
manager in the workplace?
Treats instructor with disrespect;
communicates in a careless,
overly familiar manner; uses
digital devices in class
inappropriately
Respects instructor’s position as
manager and leader of the
course, in the same way one
would show respect for a
manager on the job
Inspires the instructor in a
mutually rewarding exchange of
ideas and information
Course Policies
Attendance: [Attendance]
Late assignments: [Late assignments]
Make-up assignments: [Make-up assignments]
Social media: This course is a private space in which students can develop their skills in a supportive and
encouraging environment. Using social media to make public anything that takes place during class potentially
violates your classmates’ privacy and is therefore prohibited. If you have questions or concerns about the class,
please share them with your instructor. This is not only respectful but good practice for professional
communication.
Digital devices: Using a laptop, tablet, or phone to take notes during class is acceptable, as long as you do so
without disrupting class in any way. All device sounds must be silenced, including keyboard “clicks.” Above all else,
show respect for your instructor and your fellow learners. Under no circumstances are you allowed to make audio
or video recordings during class without permission.
Academic Integrity
[Code of conduct]
Student Accommodations
[Student accommodations]
to exceptional.
Assessment Spectrum: Professionalism
Criteria Ineffective Effective Exceptional
Class participation: Does student participate
in class discussions, offer helpful commentary,
and ask meaningful questions?
Rarely participates in class; uses
class discussions as a platform for
pontificating on irrelevant
matters; wastes class time asking
questions when answers can be
found in the textbook, course
website, or other forum
Actively participates in
discussions and projects, both in
class and online; doesn’t waste or
monopolize instructor’s time and
attention to the detriment of
classmates; contributes to group
projects
Brings an extra level of
preparation, insight, and personal
experience to class discussions
and activities
Respect and support for colleagues: Does
student contribute to the success of
colleagues through constructive feedback,
active listening, professional-grade etiquette,
and mutual respect?
Is late to class, interrupts class
discussions, belittles the efforts of
other students, offers little of
value in oral or written feedback;
doesn’t listen
Arrives on time and ready to
participate, contributes to the
success of classmates, listens
actively to instructor and
classmates, demonstrates
etiquette and respect
Finds ways to inspire colleagues
to higher performances, helps
teammates do their best work
Interaction with instructor: Does student
interact with instructor as one would with a
manager in the workplace?
Treats instructor with disrespect;
communicates in a careless,
overly familiar manner; uses
digital devices in class
inappropriately
Respects instructor’s position as
manager and leader of the
course, in the same way one
would show respect for a
manager on the job
Inspires the instructor in a
mutually rewarding exchange of
ideas and information
Course Policies
Attendance: [Attendance]
Late assignments: [Late assignments]
Make-up assignments: [Make-up assignments]
Social media: This course is a private space in which students can develop their skills in a supportive and
encouraging environment. Using social media to make public anything that takes place during class potentially
violates your classmates’ privacy and is therefore prohibited. If you have questions or concerns about the class,
please share them with your instructor. This is not only respectful but good practice for professional
communication.
Digital devices: Using a laptop, tablet, or phone to take notes during class is acceptable, as long as you do so
without disrupting class in any way. All device sounds must be silenced, including keyboard “clicks.” Above all else,
show respect for your instructor and your fellow learners. Under no circumstances are you allowed to make audio
or video recordings during class without permission.
Academic Integrity
[Code of conduct]
Student Accommodations
[Student accommodations]
Loading page 8...
Course Schedule
(Here is a sample schedule for a 16-week course. If you use MyLab Business Communication, additional activities
are available online, including Mini Sims, Team Sims, video exercises, and grammar quizzes.)
Week Subject Reading: Textbook chapters Suggested activities
1 Introduction to
Professional
Communication
Prologue: Building a Career with
Your Communication Skills
Chapter 1. Professional
Communication in a Digital,
Social, Mobile World
1-17. Write a paragraph introducing yourself
1-18. Write four tweets that encourage other students to take this course
1-19. Analyze the effectiveness of an online video
1-29. Distinguish ethical dilemmas from ethical lapses
2 Collaboration and
Business Etiquette
Chapter 2. Collaboration,
Interpersonal Communication,
and Business Etiquette
2-17. Collaborate on a 10-minute presentation on the potential
disadvantages of social media in business
2-24. Evaluate your listening skills
2-25. Analyze the nonverbal signals of a printed business message
2-26. Write a memo to your employees on workplace etiquette
3 Communicating with
Diverse Audiences
Chapter 3. Communication
Challenges in a Diverse, Global
Marketplace
3-18. Assess your attitudes to other generations in the workplace
3-21. Evaluate company Facebook pages for phrases that might be
confusing to nonnative speakers
3-22. Evaluate American slang terms that might confuse people from
other countries
3-23. Improve a podcast script for international audiences
4 Planning Business
Messages
Chapter 4. Planning Business
Messages
4-18. Develop an effective outline from a bullet list of information points
4-23. Compare the Facebook pages of three competing companies
4-24. Plan a response to negative public information about your company
4-29. Use storytelling techniques to convey a cautionary tale of business
ethics
5 Writing & Completing
Business Messages
Chapter 5. Writing Business
Messages
Chapter 6. Completing Business
Messages
5-30 through 5-39. Revise sentences to better reflect the “you” attitude
5-94. Write and analyze paragraphs developed from suggested topic
sentences
6-19. Revise sentences to improve readability
6-94. Analyze the design of two popular financial news websites
6 Writing for Digital Media Chapter 7. Digital Media 7-18. Evaluate an instant messaging exchange between a customer and
customer support agent
7-21. Revise an email message on a new company policy
7-30. Redesign a press release to make it more mobile friendly
7-38. Record a podcast explaining why your college is a great place to get
an education
7 Writing for Social Media Chapter 8. Social Media 8-19. Revise a blog post to make it more effective
8-20. Analyze a company’s social media communication style
8-29. Evaluate a classmate’s social media presence for employer red flags
8-30. Write a blog post for first-time attendees to the San Diego Comic-
Con convention
8-32. Write a series of tweets to summarize a business article or news
release
8 Creating Visual Media Chapter 9. Visual Media 9-19. Analyze three business visuals and find ways to improve their design
9-26. Explore the ethics of manipulating audience perception through
photography
9-27. Using mapping tools, create a facility-planning visual
9-30. Plan and shoot B-roll footage for a promotional video
9 Writing Routine and
Positive Messages
Chapter 10. Writing Routine and
Positive Messages
10-37. Write an email message indicating your interest in a team
leadership position
10-40. Write an email message requesting a refund for an unsatisfactory
service
10-43. Write a message to a customer apologizing for a dreadful mistake
your company made and offering to make it right
(Here is a sample schedule for a 16-week course. If you use MyLab Business Communication, additional activities
are available online, including Mini Sims, Team Sims, video exercises, and grammar quizzes.)
Week Subject Reading: Textbook chapters Suggested activities
1 Introduction to
Professional
Communication
Prologue: Building a Career with
Your Communication Skills
Chapter 1. Professional
Communication in a Digital,
Social, Mobile World
1-17. Write a paragraph introducing yourself
1-18. Write four tweets that encourage other students to take this course
1-19. Analyze the effectiveness of an online video
1-29. Distinguish ethical dilemmas from ethical lapses
2 Collaboration and
Business Etiquette
Chapter 2. Collaboration,
Interpersonal Communication,
and Business Etiquette
2-17. Collaborate on a 10-minute presentation on the potential
disadvantages of social media in business
2-24. Evaluate your listening skills
2-25. Analyze the nonverbal signals of a printed business message
2-26. Write a memo to your employees on workplace etiquette
3 Communicating with
Diverse Audiences
Chapter 3. Communication
Challenges in a Diverse, Global
Marketplace
3-18. Assess your attitudes to other generations in the workplace
3-21. Evaluate company Facebook pages for phrases that might be
confusing to nonnative speakers
3-22. Evaluate American slang terms that might confuse people from
other countries
3-23. Improve a podcast script for international audiences
4 Planning Business
Messages
Chapter 4. Planning Business
Messages
4-18. Develop an effective outline from a bullet list of information points
4-23. Compare the Facebook pages of three competing companies
4-24. Plan a response to negative public information about your company
4-29. Use storytelling techniques to convey a cautionary tale of business
ethics
5 Writing & Completing
Business Messages
Chapter 5. Writing Business
Messages
Chapter 6. Completing Business
Messages
5-30 through 5-39. Revise sentences to better reflect the “you” attitude
5-94. Write and analyze paragraphs developed from suggested topic
sentences
6-19. Revise sentences to improve readability
6-94. Analyze the design of two popular financial news websites
6 Writing for Digital Media Chapter 7. Digital Media 7-18. Evaluate an instant messaging exchange between a customer and
customer support agent
7-21. Revise an email message on a new company policy
7-30. Redesign a press release to make it more mobile friendly
7-38. Record a podcast explaining why your college is a great place to get
an education
7 Writing for Social Media Chapter 8. Social Media 8-19. Revise a blog post to make it more effective
8-20. Analyze a company’s social media communication style
8-29. Evaluate a classmate’s social media presence for employer red flags
8-30. Write a blog post for first-time attendees to the San Diego Comic-
Con convention
8-32. Write a series of tweets to summarize a business article or news
release
8 Creating Visual Media Chapter 9. Visual Media 9-19. Analyze three business visuals and find ways to improve their design
9-26. Explore the ethics of manipulating audience perception through
photography
9-27. Using mapping tools, create a facility-planning visual
9-30. Plan and shoot B-roll footage for a promotional video
9 Writing Routine and
Positive Messages
Chapter 10. Writing Routine and
Positive Messages
10-37. Write an email message indicating your interest in a team
leadership position
10-40. Write an email message requesting a refund for an unsatisfactory
service
10-43. Write a message to a customer apologizing for a dreadful mistake
your company made and offering to make it right
Loading page 9...
Week Subject Reading: Textbook chapters Suggested activities
10-54. Write a social media post thanking the local community for helping
your company during an emergency
10 Writing Negative
Messages
Chapter 11. Writing Negative
Messages
11-39. Write an email message rejecting a proposal from one of your top
employees
11-41. Reject a customer’s request for a replacement product
11-42. Write a message announcing the end of a popular employee
volunteering program
11-52. Respond to a negative review of your company on Yelp
11 Writing Persuasive
Messages
Chapter 12. Writing Persuasive
Messages
12-36. Write a message to persuade management to consider job sharing
12-40. Write a message persuading your CEO to reconsider a ban on social
media at work
12-44. Write a message asking for a meeting with a potential investor in
your small business
12-59: Write a message promoting a new band
12 Planning Reports and
Proposals
Chapter 13. Finding, Evaluating,
and Processing Information
Chapter 14. Planning Reports and
Proposals
13-42. Summarize a recent article from a leading business publication
14-18: Prepare the work plan for an analytical report on exhibiting at
South by Southwest
14-25. Prepare an outline for an information report on campus parking
problems
14-38. Plan an informational report for a restaurant chain’s new
emergency procedures
13 Producing Professional-
Quality Reports and
Proposals
Chapter 15. Writing and
Completing Reports and
Proposals
Appendix B. Documentation of
Report Sources
15-21. Write a short report on the effect Fortnite has had on the video
game industry.
15-22. Write a short report on the youth player development model used
by USA Hockey
15-29. Write an analytical report on a fintech company’s efforts to reach
people who don’t use traditional banking services
15-41. Write a proposal to launch a formal mentoring program at your
company
14 Designing and Delivering
Business Presentations
Chapter 16. Developing
Presentations in a Social Media
Environment
Chapter 17. Enhancing
Presentations with Slides and
Other Visuals
16-21. Deliver a speech on the prospects on a company you believe is
poised for rapid grow
17-23. Create a presentation that tells the history of an iconic company
17-25. Develop a PechaKucha presentation with 20 slides displayed for 20
seconds each
17-27. Prepare a presentation on community-supported agriculture
programs in your area
15 Planning Your Career
and Developing Your
Résumé
Chapter 18. Building Careers and
Writing Résumés
18-24. Research the “hot button” issues in a particular industry or job
category
18-25. Compare your current résumé with the requirements of your
dream job
18-27. Partner with a classmate to help write each other’s introductory
résumé statements
18-24. Draft a summary for your LinkedIn profile
16 Applying for Jobs and
Polishing Your
Interviewing Skills
Chapter 19. Applying and
Interviewing for Employment
19-28. Write an application letter for a job opening in your target
profession
19-30. Research a job opportunity and develop a list of insightful
interview questions
19-32. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions
19-34. Write a letter requesting more time from a company that has
offered you a job
10-54. Write a social media post thanking the local community for helping
your company during an emergency
10 Writing Negative
Messages
Chapter 11. Writing Negative
Messages
11-39. Write an email message rejecting a proposal from one of your top
employees
11-41. Reject a customer’s request for a replacement product
11-42. Write a message announcing the end of a popular employee
volunteering program
11-52. Respond to a negative review of your company on Yelp
11 Writing Persuasive
Messages
Chapter 12. Writing Persuasive
Messages
12-36. Write a message to persuade management to consider job sharing
12-40. Write a message persuading your CEO to reconsider a ban on social
media at work
12-44. Write a message asking for a meeting with a potential investor in
your small business
12-59: Write a message promoting a new band
12 Planning Reports and
Proposals
Chapter 13. Finding, Evaluating,
and Processing Information
Chapter 14. Planning Reports and
Proposals
13-42. Summarize a recent article from a leading business publication
14-18: Prepare the work plan for an analytical report on exhibiting at
South by Southwest
14-25. Prepare an outline for an information report on campus parking
problems
14-38. Plan an informational report for a restaurant chain’s new
emergency procedures
13 Producing Professional-
Quality Reports and
Proposals
Chapter 15. Writing and
Completing Reports and
Proposals
Appendix B. Documentation of
Report Sources
15-21. Write a short report on the effect Fortnite has had on the video
game industry.
15-22. Write a short report on the youth player development model used
by USA Hockey
15-29. Write an analytical report on a fintech company’s efforts to reach
people who don’t use traditional banking services
15-41. Write a proposal to launch a formal mentoring program at your
company
14 Designing and Delivering
Business Presentations
Chapter 16. Developing
Presentations in a Social Media
Environment
Chapter 17. Enhancing
Presentations with Slides and
Other Visuals
16-21. Deliver a speech on the prospects on a company you believe is
poised for rapid grow
17-23. Create a presentation that tells the history of an iconic company
17-25. Develop a PechaKucha presentation with 20 slides displayed for 20
seconds each
17-27. Prepare a presentation on community-supported agriculture
programs in your area
15 Planning Your Career
and Developing Your
Résumé
Chapter 18. Building Careers and
Writing Résumés
18-24. Research the “hot button” issues in a particular industry or job
category
18-25. Compare your current résumé with the requirements of your
dream job
18-27. Partner with a classmate to help write each other’s introductory
résumé statements
18-24. Draft a summary for your LinkedIn profile
16 Applying for Jobs and
Polishing Your
Interviewing Skills
Chapter 19. Applying and
Interviewing for Employment
19-28. Write an application letter for a job opening in your target
profession
19-30. Research a job opportunity and develop a list of insightful
interview questions
19-32. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions
19-34. Write a letter requesting more time from a company that has
offered you a job
Loading page 10...
A: Format and Layout of Business Documents 1
Appendix A: Format and Layout of Business Documents
This appendix offers practical guidelines for producing professional-grade documents. The advice applies
primarily to printed pieces but is also applicable to documents rendered as PDFs or other digital formats.
APPENDIX OUTLINE
First Impressions
Paper
Customization
Appearance
Letters
Standard Letter Parts
Heading
Date
Inside Address
Salutation
Body
Complimentary Close
Signature Block
Additional Letter Parts
Letter Formats
Envelopes
Addressing the Envelope
Folding to Fit
International Mail
Memos
Reports
Margins
Headings
Page Numbers
Learning Catalytics is a “bring your own device” student engagement, assessment, and classroom
intelligence system. It allows instructors to engage students in class with real-time diagnostics. Students
can use any modern, web-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to access it. For more
information on using Learning Catalytics in your course, contact your Pearson representative.
Appendix A: Format and Layout of Business Documents
This appendix offers practical guidelines for producing professional-grade documents. The advice applies
primarily to printed pieces but is also applicable to documents rendered as PDFs or other digital formats.
APPENDIX OUTLINE
First Impressions
Paper
Customization
Appearance
Letters
Standard Letter Parts
Heading
Date
Inside Address
Salutation
Body
Complimentary Close
Signature Block
Additional Letter Parts
Letter Formats
Envelopes
Addressing the Envelope
Folding to Fit
International Mail
Memos
Reports
Margins
Headings
Page Numbers
Learning Catalytics is a “bring your own device” student engagement, assessment, and classroom
intelligence system. It allows instructors to engage students in class with real-time diagnostics. Students
can use any modern, web-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to access it. For more
information on using Learning Catalytics in your course, contact your Pearson representative.
Loading page 11...
A: Format and Layout of Business Documents 2
LECTURE NOTES
First Impressions
Create a positive first impression with your choice of
Paper
Customization
Appearance
Paper
Key aspects of paper include
Weight (20-pound is most common, but 16- and 24-pound versions are also used)
Cotton content (25 percent cotton or higher is preferred for formal letters)
Size:
Standard size: 8½ by 11 inches (for U.S.; most other countries use metric sizes)
Legal size: 8½ by 14 inches
Personal size: 7 by 10 inches
Color; white is the standard color for business purposes, but neutral colors such as ivory
and gray are also acceptable for some uses
Customization
Customized stationery has letterhead with information such as the firm’s
Name
Logo
Address
Phone number
Fax number
General email address
Website URL
Social media URLs
Appearance
For the best appearance
Center letters on the page and set all margins at 1-inch minimum.
For routine business documents, left justify all lines of text..
LECTURE NOTES
First Impressions
Create a positive first impression with your choice of
Paper
Customization
Appearance
Paper
Key aspects of paper include
Weight (20-pound is most common, but 16- and 24-pound versions are also used)
Cotton content (25 percent cotton or higher is preferred for formal letters)
Size:
Standard size: 8½ by 11 inches (for U.S.; most other countries use metric sizes)
Legal size: 8½ by 14 inches
Personal size: 7 by 10 inches
Color; white is the standard color for business purposes, but neutral colors such as ivory
and gray are also acceptable for some uses
Customization
Customized stationery has letterhead with information such as the firm’s
Name
Logo
Address
Phone number
Fax number
General email address
Website URL
Social media URLs
Appearance
For the best appearance
Center letters on the page and set all margins at 1-inch minimum.
For routine business documents, left justify all lines of text..
Loading page 12...
A: Format and Layout of Business Documents 3
Include the proper spacing after punctuation:
One space after periods and colons
One space after commas, semicolons, and the periods in a person’s initials
No spaces in abbreviations for organizations, even with periods (U.S.A., not U. S. A.)
As needed, take advantage of the many special symbols available with your computer’s
selection of fonts (for currencies, technical units, and so on).
Letters
Standard Letter Parts
Standard letter parts include the following
Heading
Date
Inside address
Salutation
Body
Complimentary close
Signature block
Your heading depends on the type of paper you use:
Generally, use letterhead.
If no letterhead is available, start 13 lines from the top of the page (2-inch margin).
The date’s position depends on the type of heading you use:
Place the date at least one blank line beneath the letterhead.
If you aren’t using a letterhead, place the date immediately below (without any extra line
space).
The form for U.S. correspondence is typically July 14, 2021, but some organizations use
the 14 July 2021 format.
When communicating internationally, you may also experience some confusion over
time.
Make sure your references to time are as clear as possible, and be sure you clearly
understand your audience’s time references.
The inside address is placed one or more lines below the date (depending on the length of the letter)
and includes the following:
Addressee’s name, preceded by the addressee’s courtesy title (Dr., Mr., Ms.)
Addressee’s organizational title
Name of department
Include the proper spacing after punctuation:
One space after periods and colons
One space after commas, semicolons, and the periods in a person’s initials
No spaces in abbreviations for organizations, even with periods (U.S.A., not U. S. A.)
As needed, take advantage of the many special symbols available with your computer’s
selection of fonts (for currencies, technical units, and so on).
Letters
Standard Letter Parts
Standard letter parts include the following
Heading
Date
Inside address
Salutation
Body
Complimentary close
Signature block
Your heading depends on the type of paper you use:
Generally, use letterhead.
If no letterhead is available, start 13 lines from the top of the page (2-inch margin).
The date’s position depends on the type of heading you use:
Place the date at least one blank line beneath the letterhead.
If you aren’t using a letterhead, place the date immediately below (without any extra line
space).
The form for U.S. correspondence is typically July 14, 2021, but some organizations use
the 14 July 2021 format.
When communicating internationally, you may also experience some confusion over
time.
Make sure your references to time are as clear as possible, and be sure you clearly
understand your audience’s time references.
The inside address is placed one or more lines below the date (depending on the length of the letter)
and includes the following:
Addressee’s name, preceded by the addressee’s courtesy title (Dr., Mr., Ms.)
Addressee’s organizational title
Name of department
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A: Format and Layout of Business Documents 4
Address
Order and layout choices vary from country to country
For the salutation, be sure to
Use first name for colleagues and close business associates (if culturally appropriate).
Use a title and last name for all other correspondence.
Spell names correctly.
Use a polite description (such as “Dear Alumni,” “Dear Colleague,” “Ladies and
Gentlemen,” or “Dear Accounting Department”) if the recipient’s name is unknown.
Use double spacing before and after.
The body is almost always single spaced, with one blank line before and after the salutation, between
paragraphs, and before the complimentary close.
The body may include indented lists, entire paragraphs indented for emphasis, and even subheadings.
If it does, all similar elements should be treated in the same way.
Place the complimentary close on the second line below the body.
The signature block
Includes the sender’s name and title
Is placed three lines below the complimentary close
Additional Letter Parts
Additional letter parts are optional; use the following as needed:
Addressee notation
Attention line
Subject line
Second-page heading
Company name
Reference initials
Enclosure notation
Copy notation
Mailing notation
Postscript
The addressee notation (such as “PERSONAL” or “CONFIDENTIAL”)
Is typed in capital letters
Is placed two lines above the inside address
Address
Order and layout choices vary from country to country
For the salutation, be sure to
Use first name for colleagues and close business associates (if culturally appropriate).
Use a title and last name for all other correspondence.
Spell names correctly.
Use a polite description (such as “Dear Alumni,” “Dear Colleague,” “Ladies and
Gentlemen,” or “Dear Accounting Department”) if the recipient’s name is unknown.
Use double spacing before and after.
The body is almost always single spaced, with one blank line before and after the salutation, between
paragraphs, and before the complimentary close.
The body may include indented lists, entire paragraphs indented for emphasis, and even subheadings.
If it does, all similar elements should be treated in the same way.
Place the complimentary close on the second line below the body.
The signature block
Includes the sender’s name and title
Is placed three lines below the complimentary close
Additional Letter Parts
Additional letter parts are optional; use the following as needed:
Addressee notation
Attention line
Subject line
Second-page heading
Company name
Reference initials
Enclosure notation
Copy notation
Mailing notation
Postscript
The addressee notation (such as “PERSONAL” or “CONFIDENTIAL”)
Is typed in capital letters
Is placed two lines above the inside address
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A: Format and Layout of Business Documents 5
Use an attention line when the inside address does not include the name of a specific person.
The subject line tells the recipient at a glance what the letter is about.
The second-page heading
Needs to be used whenever an additional page is required
Often specifies the recipient
Lists the date
Gives the page number
If you include the company name in the signature block, place it a double space below the
complimentary close.
Reference initials show who helped prepare the letter and
Are typed at the left margin
Are placed a double space below the last line of the signature block
The enclosure notation is placed one or two lines below the reference initials.
The cc (courtesy copy) notation appears below the enclosure notation (or reference initials).
The mailing notation (Special Delivery, Registered Mail) usually follows the reference initials and
enclosure notation, and comes before the copy notation.
The Postscript begins with one of the following:
P.S.
PS.
PS:
Nothing
Letter Formats
Letters have three basic formats:
Block formats place all lines at the left margin.
Modified block formats place the date, complimentary close, and signature block in the
center and may or may not indent the first line of paragraphs.
Simplified format weaves the reader’s name into the first line or two of the body, often
includes a subject line in capital letters, and uses no salutation.
Letter elements are always separated by at least one blank line, and the printed (or typewritten) name
is always separated from the line above by at least three blank lines to allow space for a signature.
Use an attention line when the inside address does not include the name of a specific person.
The subject line tells the recipient at a glance what the letter is about.
The second-page heading
Needs to be used whenever an additional page is required
Often specifies the recipient
Lists the date
Gives the page number
If you include the company name in the signature block, place it a double space below the
complimentary close.
Reference initials show who helped prepare the letter and
Are typed at the left margin
Are placed a double space below the last line of the signature block
The enclosure notation is placed one or two lines below the reference initials.
The cc (courtesy copy) notation appears below the enclosure notation (or reference initials).
The mailing notation (Special Delivery, Registered Mail) usually follows the reference initials and
enclosure notation, and comes before the copy notation.
The Postscript begins with one of the following:
P.S.
PS.
PS:
Nothing
Letter Formats
Letters have three basic formats:
Block formats place all lines at the left margin.
Modified block formats place the date, complimentary close, and signature block in the
center and may or may not indent the first line of paragraphs.
Simplified format weaves the reader’s name into the first line or two of the body, often
includes a subject line in capital letters, and uses no salutation.
Letter elements are always separated by at least one blank line, and the printed (or typewritten) name
is always separated from the line above by at least three blank lines to allow space for a signature.
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A: Format and Layout of Business Documents 6
For letters, the standard (or mixed) punctuation style
Places a colon after the salutation (or a comma if the letter is social or personal)
Places a comma after the complimentary close
For letters, the open punctuation style
Does not use a colon or comma after the salutation
Does not use a colon or comma after the complimentary close
Envelopes
Letterhead envelopes use the same paper stock and the same color ink as letterhead stationery:
Standard business size: No. 10 (9½ inches long)
Smaller size: No. 6¾
Addressing the Envelope
The address on the envelope is always single-spaced with all lines aligned on the left.
Elements that can be included in the address (from smallest division to largest) include
Name and title of recipient
Name of department or subgroup
Name of organization
Name of building
Street address, suite number, or post office box number
City, state or province, and ZIP code or postal code
Name of country (if letter is being sent abroad)
Envelope elements should conform to post office specifications, especially for mass mailings.
To speed handling and delivery, be sure to use
The ZIP code + 4 in the United States
The postal code for all other countries
Folding to Fit
To fold letters properly
Fold the letter in thirds
Fold the bottom up first
Fold the top down over it
For letters, the standard (or mixed) punctuation style
Places a colon after the salutation (or a comma if the letter is social or personal)
Places a comma after the complimentary close
For letters, the open punctuation style
Does not use a colon or comma after the salutation
Does not use a colon or comma after the complimentary close
Envelopes
Letterhead envelopes use the same paper stock and the same color ink as letterhead stationery:
Standard business size: No. 10 (9½ inches long)
Smaller size: No. 6¾
Addressing the Envelope
The address on the envelope is always single-spaced with all lines aligned on the left.
Elements that can be included in the address (from smallest division to largest) include
Name and title of recipient
Name of department or subgroup
Name of organization
Name of building
Street address, suite number, or post office box number
City, state or province, and ZIP code or postal code
Name of country (if letter is being sent abroad)
Envelope elements should conform to post office specifications, especially for mass mailings.
To speed handling and delivery, be sure to use
The ZIP code + 4 in the United States
The postal code for all other countries
Folding to Fit
To fold letters properly
Fold the letter in thirds
Fold the bottom up first
Fold the top down over it
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A: Format and Layout of Business Documents 7
International Mail
For international mail, follow the instructions at www.usps.com/international.
Memos
Digital media have replaced most internal printed memos in many companies, but you may have occasion
to send printed memos from time to time.
When preparing a memo, include the title (MEMO, INTEROFFICE CORRESPONDENCE, or similar) at
the top of the page either centered or aligned with the left margin.
At the top of a memo, place introductory information such as
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT: or RE:
If a memo has wide distribution, type See distribution list or See below after the To: line, and place
recipient names at the bottom of the page (usually in alphabetical order except when high-ranking
officials deserve more prominent placement).
Courtesy titles need not be used in a memo, unless you would use one in person with the recipient.
The subject line should be short but informative.
For the body of the memo:
Start on the second or third line below heading.
Use single-spacing, with double spacing between paragraphs.
Handle lists, important passages, and subheadings as you do in letters.
Either indent paragraphs or make them flush left.
If the memo carries over to a second page, head the second page just as you head the second page of a
letter.
Although no complimentary close or signature block is required in a memo, the sender may initial the
memo beside his or her name or at the top or bottom of the memo.
Handle reference initials, enclosure notations, and copy notations just as you would in a letter.
Memos may be delivered by hand, interoffice mail, or post office.
International Mail
For international mail, follow the instructions at www.usps.com/international.
Memos
Digital media have replaced most internal printed memos in many companies, but you may have occasion
to send printed memos from time to time.
When preparing a memo, include the title (MEMO, INTEROFFICE CORRESPONDENCE, or similar) at
the top of the page either centered or aligned with the left margin.
At the top of a memo, place introductory information such as
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT: or RE:
If a memo has wide distribution, type See distribution list or See below after the To: line, and place
recipient names at the bottom of the page (usually in alphabetical order except when high-ranking
officials deserve more prominent placement).
Courtesy titles need not be used in a memo, unless you would use one in person with the recipient.
The subject line should be short but informative.
For the body of the memo:
Start on the second or third line below heading.
Use single-spacing, with double spacing between paragraphs.
Handle lists, important passages, and subheadings as you do in letters.
Either indent paragraphs or make them flush left.
If the memo carries over to a second page, head the second page just as you head the second page of a
letter.
Although no complimentary close or signature block is required in a memo, the sender may initial the
memo beside his or her name or at the top or bottom of the memo.
Handle reference initials, enclosure notations, and copy notations just as you would in a letter.
Memos may be delivered by hand, interoffice mail, or post office.
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A: Format and Layout of Business Documents 8
Reports
Always follow the organization’s standards for reports, if standards do exist. Otherwise, use the following
general guidelines.
Margins
Set margins as follows:
Top margin should be 2 inches from the top of the paper for prefatory parts,
supplementary parts, the first page of text, and the first page of each new chapter.
Top margin should be 1 inch from the top for all other pages.
Side and bottom margins should be at least 1 inch wide.
Allow room on the left margin for binding, if applicable.
Headings
For headings, use appropriate levels and be consistent.
Page Numbers
When numbering report pages
Do not number the first page of the report (title page).
Number prefatory parts using lowercase roman numerals (without dashes or periods).
Number prefatory parts 1 inch from the bottom, centered.
Number text pages using arabic numerals.
Number the first text page 1 inch from the bottom, centered.
Number succeeding text pages of left-bound reports 1 inch from the top, right-hand
margin.
Number top-bound reports and for special pages having 2-inch top margins, center the
page numbers at the bottom margin.
Reports
Always follow the organization’s standards for reports, if standards do exist. Otherwise, use the following
general guidelines.
Margins
Set margins as follows:
Top margin should be 2 inches from the top of the paper for prefatory parts,
supplementary parts, the first page of text, and the first page of each new chapter.
Top margin should be 1 inch from the top for all other pages.
Side and bottom margins should be at least 1 inch wide.
Allow room on the left margin for binding, if applicable.
Headings
For headings, use appropriate levels and be consistent.
Page Numbers
When numbering report pages
Do not number the first page of the report (title page).
Number prefatory parts using lowercase roman numerals (without dashes or periods).
Number prefatory parts 1 inch from the bottom, centered.
Number text pages using arabic numerals.
Number the first text page 1 inch from the bottom, centered.
Number succeeding text pages of left-bound reports 1 inch from the top, right-hand
margin.
Number top-bound reports and for special pages having 2-inch top margins, center the
page numbers at the bottom margin.
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B: Documentation of Report Sources 1
Appendix B: Documentation of Report Sources
This appendix offers advice on conforming to the three major citation styles: Chicago Humanities, APA,
and MLA.
APPENDIX OUTLINE
Chicago Humanities Style
In-Text Citation—Chicago Humanities Style
Bibliography—Chicago Humanities Style
APA Style
In-Text Citation—APA Style
List of References—APA Style
MLA Style
In-Text Citation—MLA Style
List of Works Cited—MLA Style
Learning Catalytics is a “bring your own device” student engagement, assessment, and classroom
intelligence system. It allows instructors to engage students in class with real-time diagnostics. Students
can use any modern, web-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to access it. For more
information on using Learning Catalytics in your course, contact your Pearson representative.
LECTURE NOTES
Providing information about your sources
Improves your own credibility as well as the credibility of the facts and opinions you present
Gives readers the means for checking your findings and pursuing the subject further
Is the accepted way to give credit to the people whose work you have drawn from.
If your employer uses a particular style for documentation, adopt and use that style.
Whatever style you use, be consistent.
All styles break bibliographic information into various parts:
Information about the author (name)
Information about the work (title, edition, volume number)
Information about the publication (place, publisher)
Information about the date
Information on relevant page ranges
Appendix B: Documentation of Report Sources
This appendix offers advice on conforming to the three major citation styles: Chicago Humanities, APA,
and MLA.
APPENDIX OUTLINE
Chicago Humanities Style
In-Text Citation—Chicago Humanities Style
Bibliography—Chicago Humanities Style
APA Style
In-Text Citation—APA Style
List of References—APA Style
MLA Style
In-Text Citation—MLA Style
List of Works Cited—MLA Style
Learning Catalytics is a “bring your own device” student engagement, assessment, and classroom
intelligence system. It allows instructors to engage students in class with real-time diagnostics. Students
can use any modern, web-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to access it. For more
information on using Learning Catalytics in your course, contact your Pearson representative.
LECTURE NOTES
Providing information about your sources
Improves your own credibility as well as the credibility of the facts and opinions you present
Gives readers the means for checking your findings and pursuing the subject further
Is the accepted way to give credit to the people whose work you have drawn from.
If your employer uses a particular style for documentation, adopt and use that style.
Whatever style you use, be consistent.
All styles break bibliographic information into various parts:
Information about the author (name)
Information about the work (title, edition, volume number)
Information about the publication (place, publisher)
Information about the date
Information on relevant page ranges
Loading page 19...
B: Documentation of Report Sources 2
Chicago Humanities Style
The Chicago Manual of Style recommends two types of documentation systems:
Documentary-note (or humanities) system
Gives bibliographic citations in notes (either footnotes or endnotes)
Is often used in literature, history, and the arts
Author-date system
Gives the author’s last name and the publication date in the text itself (usually enclosed in
parentheses)
Reserves full documentation for the reference list (or bibliography)
In-Text Citation—Chicago Humanities Style
Chicago’s humanities system relies on superscripts (arabic numerals placed just above the line of type
at the end of the reference).
Note preferences vary:
Some readers prefer footnotes so that they can simply glance at the bottom of the page for
information.
Some readers prefer endnotes because they make pages less cluttered.
Both footnotes and endnotes are handled automatically by today’s word-processing software.
A good compromise is to use footnotes for content notes and endnotes for source notes.
Content notes can serve several purposes:
To supplement the text with asides about a particular issue or event
To provide a cross-reference to another section of the report
To direct readers to a related source
Source notes are used to document
Direct quotations
Paraphrased passages
Visuals
Bibliography—Chicago Humanities Style
Because Chicago’s humanities style gives all necessary bibliographic information in the notes, a
bibliography is optional.
Chicago Humanities Style
The Chicago Manual of Style recommends two types of documentation systems:
Documentary-note (or humanities) system
Gives bibliographic citations in notes (either footnotes or endnotes)
Is often used in literature, history, and the arts
Author-date system
Gives the author’s last name and the publication date in the text itself (usually enclosed in
parentheses)
Reserves full documentation for the reference list (or bibliography)
In-Text Citation—Chicago Humanities Style
Chicago’s humanities system relies on superscripts (arabic numerals placed just above the line of type
at the end of the reference).
Note preferences vary:
Some readers prefer footnotes so that they can simply glance at the bottom of the page for
information.
Some readers prefer endnotes because they make pages less cluttered.
Both footnotes and endnotes are handled automatically by today’s word-processing software.
A good compromise is to use footnotes for content notes and endnotes for source notes.
Content notes can serve several purposes:
To supplement the text with asides about a particular issue or event
To provide a cross-reference to another section of the report
To direct readers to a related source
Source notes are used to document
Direct quotations
Paraphrased passages
Visuals
Bibliography—Chicago Humanities Style
Because Chicago’s humanities style gives all necessary bibliographic information in the notes, a
bibliography is optional.
Loading page 20...
B: Documentation of Report Sources 3
When using Chicago style, the bibliography may be titled
Bibliography
Reference List
Sources
Works Cited (if you include in your list only those sources you actually cited in your report)
Works Consulted (if you include uncited sources as well)
Because the reference list may also serve as a reading list, you might want to
Annotate each entry.
Subdivide the list into categories (either by type of reference or subject matter).
To prepare a bibliography using Chicago style, follow these major conventions:
For all entries
Exclude any page numbers already cited in source notes, except for journals, periodicals,
newspapers, and book chapter page ranges.
Alphabetize entries by the last name of the lead author.
Format entries as hanging indents.
Arrange the information in each entry as follows: author name, title information, publication
information, date, periodical page range.
Enclose article titles in quotation marks—capitalizing the first word, the last word, and all other
important words.
Italicize book, newspaper, journal, and magazine titles.
For journal articles, include the volume and issue number, enclose the year of publication in
parentheses and follow with a colon and page range.
For electronic references, use brackets when identifying them: [Online database] or [CD-ROM].
Explain how electronic references can be reached if it’s not obvious from the URL.
Give the access date for online references.
APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends the author-date system, which is popular in
physical, natural, and social sciences.
In-Text Citation—APA Style
To use the APA’s author-date system
Include the following in parentheses: author’s last name, year of publication, page number (if
you’re using a direct quotation).
Omit the author’s name from parenthetical material if you’ve already mentioned it in text.
Include personal communications and author interviews in text only (not in the reference list).
When using Chicago style, the bibliography may be titled
Bibliography
Reference List
Sources
Works Cited (if you include in your list only those sources you actually cited in your report)
Works Consulted (if you include uncited sources as well)
Because the reference list may also serve as a reading list, you might want to
Annotate each entry.
Subdivide the list into categories (either by type of reference or subject matter).
To prepare a bibliography using Chicago style, follow these major conventions:
For all entries
Exclude any page numbers already cited in source notes, except for journals, periodicals,
newspapers, and book chapter page ranges.
Alphabetize entries by the last name of the lead author.
Format entries as hanging indents.
Arrange the information in each entry as follows: author name, title information, publication
information, date, periodical page range.
Enclose article titles in quotation marks—capitalizing the first word, the last word, and all other
important words.
Italicize book, newspaper, journal, and magazine titles.
For journal articles, include the volume and issue number, enclose the year of publication in
parentheses and follow with a colon and page range.
For electronic references, use brackets when identifying them: [Online database] or [CD-ROM].
Explain how electronic references can be reached if it’s not obvious from the URL.
Give the access date for online references.
APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends the author-date system, which is popular in
physical, natural, and social sciences.
In-Text Citation—APA Style
To use the APA’s author-date system
Include the following in parentheses: author’s last name, year of publication, page number (if
you’re using a direct quotation).
Omit the author’s name from parenthetical material if you’ve already mentioned it in text.
Include personal communications and author interviews in text only (not in the reference list).
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B: Documentation of Report Sources 4
List of References—APA Style
APA style recommends that the reference list include only those works that are cited in the report.
To prepare a list of references using APA style, follow these major conventions for all entries:
Format entries as hanging indents.
Reverse the order of author names (last name first), using initials for first and middle names.
Arrange the information in each entry as follows: author name, date, title information, publication
information, periodical page range.
Follow author name with the date of publication in parentheses.
List article titles from magazines, newspapers, and journals without underlines or quotation
marks, capitalizing the first word and proper nouns.
Italicize titles of books—capitalizing all important words.
For journal articles, include volume number (in italics), issue number (in parentheses), and the
page range.
Include personal communications only in text, not in reference lists.
For electronic references
Include author, publication date, article title, publication name, volume, date of retrieval, and
source.
Indicate the year of publication.
Specify the URL (it may be necessary to offer a truncated or higher-level URL to avoid using an
overly long or temporary URL).
APA citation guidelines for social media are still evolving. For the latest information, visit the
APA Style Blog at apastyle.apa.org/blog.
For online journals or periodicals that assign a digital object identifier (DOI), include that instead
of a conventional URL.
MLA Style
The Modern Language Association of America (MLA) style is used widely in the humanities, especially
for language and literature.
In-Text Citation—MLA Style
Include author’s last name and the page reference within the text (such as “Clifton 57”).
Omit the author’s name from parenthetical material if it’s already mentioned in the text.
List of Works Cited—MLA Style
The MLA Handbook no longer provides specific citation guidelines for every conceivable type of
media item.
List of References—APA Style
APA style recommends that the reference list include only those works that are cited in the report.
To prepare a list of references using APA style, follow these major conventions for all entries:
Format entries as hanging indents.
Reverse the order of author names (last name first), using initials for first and middle names.
Arrange the information in each entry as follows: author name, date, title information, publication
information, periodical page range.
Follow author name with the date of publication in parentheses.
List article titles from magazines, newspapers, and journals without underlines or quotation
marks, capitalizing the first word and proper nouns.
Italicize titles of books—capitalizing all important words.
For journal articles, include volume number (in italics), issue number (in parentheses), and the
page range.
Include personal communications only in text, not in reference lists.
For electronic references
Include author, publication date, article title, publication name, volume, date of retrieval, and
source.
Indicate the year of publication.
Specify the URL (it may be necessary to offer a truncated or higher-level URL to avoid using an
overly long or temporary URL).
APA citation guidelines for social media are still evolving. For the latest information, visit the
APA Style Blog at apastyle.apa.org/blog.
For online journals or periodicals that assign a digital object identifier (DOI), include that instead
of a conventional URL.
MLA Style
The Modern Language Association of America (MLA) style is used widely in the humanities, especially
for language and literature.
In-Text Citation—MLA Style
Include author’s last name and the page reference within the text (such as “Clifton 57”).
Omit the author’s name from parenthetical material if it’s already mentioned in the text.
List of Works Cited—MLA Style
The MLA Handbook no longer provides specific citation guidelines for every conceivable type of
media item.
Loading page 22...
B: Documentation of Report Sources 5
Instead, it offers general guidelines that you can adapt to each item you need to cite.
The MLA approach is built on three principles:
Include the basic identifiers common to most sources, such as author name(s), the title of the
work, and the date of publication or access.
Recognize that there can be multiple “right” ways to document a source, depending on the
circumstances.
If you have any doubt about what to include, do what is best for your readers.
Each entry can have up to nine parts if they are relevant to the project’s and readers’ needs, although
most on-the-job reports won’t need that many.
Author name(s):
Start with the lead author’s name in reverse order (last name first), using either full first name
or initials, followed by a period.
If the source has two authors, list the second author’s name in regular order.
If the source has three or more authors, reverse the first name, then follow it with a comma
and et al (“and others”).
If no author name is available, begin the citation with the title of the work and use the
organization’s name as the publisher.
Title of source:
Use the full title of the source, including any subtitles.
Capitalize every word except articles, prepositions, coordinating conjunctions, and the “to” in
infinitives, and put a period at the end of the title.
If the source is one of multiple items in a container, such as an article within a magazine or
on a website, put quotation marks around the title.
If it is not part of a larger entity, put the title in italics. This distinction applies to audio and
video material as well.
For email messages, use the subject line of the message as the title, enclosed in quotation
marks and capitalized as above.
For tweets, use the entire tweet, enclosed in quotation marks, and apply whatever
capitalization and punctuation appear in the original.
Title of container:
The MLA uses container to refer to any entity that contains multiple sources; containers
books, periodicals, and websites.
Capitalize container titles as described under source titles, and put a period at the end of
them.
If a source is embedded in more than one container, include information for all the containers.
Instead, it offers general guidelines that you can adapt to each item you need to cite.
The MLA approach is built on three principles:
Include the basic identifiers common to most sources, such as author name(s), the title of the
work, and the date of publication or access.
Recognize that there can be multiple “right” ways to document a source, depending on the
circumstances.
If you have any doubt about what to include, do what is best for your readers.
Each entry can have up to nine parts if they are relevant to the project’s and readers’ needs, although
most on-the-job reports won’t need that many.
Author name(s):
Start with the lead author’s name in reverse order (last name first), using either full first name
or initials, followed by a period.
If the source has two authors, list the second author’s name in regular order.
If the source has three or more authors, reverse the first name, then follow it with a comma
and et al (“and others”).
If no author name is available, begin the citation with the title of the work and use the
organization’s name as the publisher.
Title of source:
Use the full title of the source, including any subtitles.
Capitalize every word except articles, prepositions, coordinating conjunctions, and the “to” in
infinitives, and put a period at the end of the title.
If the source is one of multiple items in a container, such as an article within a magazine or
on a website, put quotation marks around the title.
If it is not part of a larger entity, put the title in italics. This distinction applies to audio and
video material as well.
For email messages, use the subject line of the message as the title, enclosed in quotation
marks and capitalized as above.
For tweets, use the entire tweet, enclosed in quotation marks, and apply whatever
capitalization and punctuation appear in the original.
Title of container:
The MLA uses container to refer to any entity that contains multiple sources; containers
books, periodicals, and websites.
Capitalize container titles as described under source titles, and put a period at the end of
them.
If a source is embedded in more than one container, include information for all the containers.
Loading page 23...
B: Documentation of Report Sources 6
Loading page 24...
B: Documentation of Report Sources 7
Other contributors:
If other named individuals were involved in the creation and production of the source, such as
editors or translators, include their role(s) and name(s).
Version:
If a source has been released in multiple versions, indicate that next.
For example, the third edition of a book would be denoted as “3rd ed.” followed by a comma.
Number:
If the source is part of a numbered sequence (such as volumes in an academic journal), and
this information is relevant to the project and important to readers, include that as well.
Publisher:
The publisher is the organization primarily responsible for producing the source material.
Publication and access dates:
Include the date or dates most meaningful to readers in the context of the project.
Use the day-month-year style, and include the time if that is relevant.
Periodicals, books, tweets, and email messages all have specific publication dates.
Website content and blog posts may or may not show a date. If an online source is undated,
use “Accessed” followed by the date you accessed the material.
Location:
This can refer to the specific location within a source or the source’s location within a
container.
For print sources, this usually involves page numbers.
Use “p.” to denote a single page and “pp.” to denote a range of pages.
For online sources, the location is usually the URL where the item can be found.
How much of the URL to include is a matter of judgment, based on how long the URL is,
whether your readers will want to access the source, and whether your document is print or
digital.
If the URL is extremely long, you might want to use the URL of the website’s homepage.
If a digital object identifier (DOI), is available, use it instead of a URL.
If any other information will help the reader or clarify the source of your information, include it as
well.
Other contributors:
If other named individuals were involved in the creation and production of the source, such as
editors or translators, include their role(s) and name(s).
Version:
If a source has been released in multiple versions, indicate that next.
For example, the third edition of a book would be denoted as “3rd ed.” followed by a comma.
Number:
If the source is part of a numbered sequence (such as volumes in an academic journal), and
this information is relevant to the project and important to readers, include that as well.
Publisher:
The publisher is the organization primarily responsible for producing the source material.
Publication and access dates:
Include the date or dates most meaningful to readers in the context of the project.
Use the day-month-year style, and include the time if that is relevant.
Periodicals, books, tweets, and email messages all have specific publication dates.
Website content and blog posts may or may not show a date. If an online source is undated,
use “Accessed” followed by the date you accessed the material.
Location:
This can refer to the specific location within a source or the source’s location within a
container.
For print sources, this usually involves page numbers.
Use “p.” to denote a single page and “pp.” to denote a range of pages.
For online sources, the location is usually the URL where the item can be found.
How much of the URL to include is a matter of judgment, based on how long the URL is,
whether your readers will want to access the source, and whether your document is print or
digital.
If the URL is extremely long, you might want to use the URL of the website’s homepage.
If a digital object identifier (DOI), is available, use it instead of a URL.
If any other information will help the reader or clarify the source of your information, include it as
well.
Loading page 25...
C: Correction Symbols 1
Appendix C: Correction Symbols
Today’s business professionals increasingly rely on digital markup features in word-processing software
and the commenting tools available in Adobe Acrobat, but familiarity with traditional proofreading marks
is still a useful skill for marking up printed documents.
Early in the term, direct students to this handy appendix at the end of the textbook. “Correction Symbols”
lists abbreviations for marking errors in content, style, grammar, usage, and mechanics and shows how
standard proofreading symbols are used. This system of marking written messages saves you from the time-
consuming task of writing out long comments when students make common errors. Moreover, students may
find that the list provides them with a useful shorthand for editing their own writing.
Appendix C: Correction Symbols
Today’s business professionals increasingly rely on digital markup features in word-processing software
and the commenting tools available in Adobe Acrobat, but familiarity with traditional proofreading marks
is still a useful skill for marking up printed documents.
Early in the term, direct students to this handy appendix at the end of the textbook. “Correction Symbols”
lists abbreviations for marking errors in content, style, grammar, usage, and mechanics and shows how
standard proofreading symbols are used. This system of marking written messages saves you from the time-
consuming task of writing out long comments when students make common errors. Moreover, students may
find that the list provides them with a useful shorthand for editing their own writing.
Loading page 26...
This work is protected by United States copyright laws and is provided
solely for the use of instructors in teaching their courses and assessing
student learning. Dissemination or sale of any part of this work (including
on the World Wide Web) will destroy the integrity of the work and is not
permitted. The work and materials from it should never be made available
to students except by instructors using the accompanying text in their
classes. All recipients of this work are expected to abide by these
restrictions and to honor the intended pedagogical purposes and the needs
of other instructors who rely on these materials.
Please contact https://support.pearson.com/getsupport/s/contactsupport with any queries on this
content.
Copyright © 2021 by Bovée & Thill, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Manufactured in the United
States of America. This publication is protected by copyright, and permission should be obtained
from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or
transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise. For information regarding permissions, request forms, and the appropriate contacts
within the Pearson Education Global Rights and Permissions department, please visit
www.pearsoned.com/permissions/.
Microsoft and/or its respective suppliers make no representations about the suitability of the information contained in
the documents and related graphics published as part of the services for any purpose. All such documents and related
graphics are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. Microsoft and/or its respective suppliers hereby disclaim all
warranties and conditions with regard to this information, including all warranties and conditions of merchantability,
whether express, implied or statutory, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement. In no event shall
Microsoft and/or its respective suppliers be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages
whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tortious
action, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of information available from the services.
The documents and related graphics contained herein could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.
Changes are periodically added to the information herein. Microsoft and/or its respective suppliers may make
improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described herein at any time. Partial screen shots
may be viewed in full within the software version specified. Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of
the Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and other countries. This book is not sponsored or endorsed by or affiliated
with the Microsoft Corporation.
PEARSON, ALWAYS LEARNING, and MYLAB are exclusive trademarks owned by Pearson Education, Inc. or its
affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Unless otherwise indicated herein, any third-party trademarks, logos, or icons that may appear in this work are the
property of their respective owners, and any references to third-party trademarks, logos, icons, or other trade dress are
for demonstrative or descriptive purposes only. Such references are not intended to imply any sponsorship,
endorsement, authorization, or promotion of Pearson’s products by the owners of such marks, or any relationship
between the owner and Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates, authors, licensees, or distributors.
solely for the use of instructors in teaching their courses and assessing
student learning. Dissemination or sale of any part of this work (including
on the World Wide Web) will destroy the integrity of the work and is not
permitted. The work and materials from it should never be made available
to students except by instructors using the accompanying text in their
classes. All recipients of this work are expected to abide by these
restrictions and to honor the intended pedagogical purposes and the needs
of other instructors who rely on these materials.
Please contact https://support.pearson.com/getsupport/s/contactsupport with any queries on this
content.
Copyright © 2021 by Bovée & Thill, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Manufactured in the United
States of America. This publication is protected by copyright, and permission should be obtained
from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or
transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise. For information regarding permissions, request forms, and the appropriate contacts
within the Pearson Education Global Rights and Permissions department, please visit
www.pearsoned.com/permissions/.
Microsoft and/or its respective suppliers make no representations about the suitability of the information contained in
the documents and related graphics published as part of the services for any purpose. All such documents and related
graphics are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. Microsoft and/or its respective suppliers hereby disclaim all
warranties and conditions with regard to this information, including all warranties and conditions of merchantability,
whether express, implied or statutory, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement. In no event shall
Microsoft and/or its respective suppliers be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages
whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tortious
action, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of information available from the services.
The documents and related graphics contained herein could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.
Changes are periodically added to the information herein. Microsoft and/or its respective suppliers may make
improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described herein at any time. Partial screen shots
may be viewed in full within the software version specified. Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of
the Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and other countries. This book is not sponsored or endorsed by or affiliated
with the Microsoft Corporation.
PEARSON, ALWAYS LEARNING, and MYLAB are exclusive trademarks owned by Pearson Education, Inc. or its
affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Unless otherwise indicated herein, any third-party trademarks, logos, or icons that may appear in this work are the
property of their respective owners, and any references to third-party trademarks, logos, icons, or other trade dress are
for demonstrative or descriptive purposes only. Such references are not intended to imply any sponsorship,
endorsement, authorization, or promotion of Pearson’s products by the owners of such marks, or any relationship
between the owner and Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates, authors, licensees, or distributors.
Loading page 27...
Business Communication
Today
Fifteenth Edition
Courtland L. Bovee
John V. Thill
Instructor’s Manual
Today
Fifteenth Edition
Courtland L. Bovee
John V. Thill
Instructor’s Manual
Loading page 28...
1: Professional Communication in a Digital, Social, Mobile World 1-1
Chapter Guides
This section provides information about the chapters in the textbook and suggested solutions and answers
for the activities. Each Chapter Guide includes the following items:
Chapter outline
Lecture notes, with the Learning Objective included for each major section in the chapter
Answers to highlight box questions
Answers to Test Your Knowledge questions
Answers to Apply Your Knowledge questions
Answers to Practice Your Skills activities
Example solutions to cases (complete example solutions for short-message cases; solution
guidelines for long-message cases)
Part 1: Understanding the Foundations of Business Communication
The first three chapters give students a general understanding of why good communication skills are
important in business, how today’s communication is enhanced through technology, why effective
interpersonal communication can be difficult, how communication is used in teams, and how it can
overcome intercultural barriers. As you present this material, try to stimulate students to personalize basic
concepts. Encourage them to think about their own careers and the communication skills they’ll need to
be successful. Ask members of the class who have work experience to comment on the communication
requirements and challenges they have encountered.
Chapter Guides
This section provides information about the chapters in the textbook and suggested solutions and answers
for the activities. Each Chapter Guide includes the following items:
Chapter outline
Lecture notes, with the Learning Objective included for each major section in the chapter
Answers to highlight box questions
Answers to Test Your Knowledge questions
Answers to Apply Your Knowledge questions
Answers to Practice Your Skills activities
Example solutions to cases (complete example solutions for short-message cases; solution
guidelines for long-message cases)
Part 1: Understanding the Foundations of Business Communication
The first three chapters give students a general understanding of why good communication skills are
important in business, how today’s communication is enhanced through technology, why effective
interpersonal communication can be difficult, how communication is used in teams, and how it can
overcome intercultural barriers. As you present this material, try to stimulate students to personalize basic
concepts. Encourage them to think about their own careers and the communication skills they’ll need to
be successful. Ask members of the class who have work experience to comment on the communication
requirements and challenges they have encountered.
Loading page 29...
1: Professional Communication in a Digital, Social, Mobile World 1-2
Chapter 1: Professional Communication in a Digital, Social, Mobile World
Chapter 1 emphasizes the importance of effective communication, explains what it means to
communicate in a professional context, describes the communication process model and the ways social
media are changing the nature of business communication, outlines the effects of the mobile revolution,
advises students on how to use communication technology effectively, and offers guidance for making
ethical choices as a business communicator.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Understanding Why Communication Matters
Communication Is Important to Your Career
Communication Is Important to Your Company
What Makes Business Communication Effective?
Communicating as a Professional
Understanding What Employers Expect from You
Communicating in an Organizational Context
Adopting an Audience-Centered Approach
Exploring the Communication Process
The Conventional Communication Model
Barriers in the Communication Environment
Inside the Mind of Your Audience
How Audiences Receive Messages
How Audiences Decode Messages
How Audiences Respond to Messages
The Social Communication Model
Using Technology to Improve Communication
The Potential Benefits of Communication Technology
The Spectrum of Contemporary Communication Technology
Social and Workgroup Communication Systems
Mobile Communication
Intelligent Communication Technology
Committing to Ethical and Legal Communication
Forms of Unethical Communication
Withholding Information
Distorting Information
Plagiarizing
Distinguishing Ethical Dilemmas from Ethical Lapses
Ensuring Ethical Communication
Ensuring Legal Communication
Developing Skills for Your Career
Learning Catalytics is a “bring your own device” student engagement, assessment, and classroom
intelligence system. It allows instructors to engage students in class with real-time diagnostics. Students
can use any modern, web-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to access it. For more
information on using Learning Catalytics in your course, contact your Pearson representative.
Chapter 1: Professional Communication in a Digital, Social, Mobile World
Chapter 1 emphasizes the importance of effective communication, explains what it means to
communicate in a professional context, describes the communication process model and the ways social
media are changing the nature of business communication, outlines the effects of the mobile revolution,
advises students on how to use communication technology effectively, and offers guidance for making
ethical choices as a business communicator.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Understanding Why Communication Matters
Communication Is Important to Your Career
Communication Is Important to Your Company
What Makes Business Communication Effective?
Communicating as a Professional
Understanding What Employers Expect from You
Communicating in an Organizational Context
Adopting an Audience-Centered Approach
Exploring the Communication Process
The Conventional Communication Model
Barriers in the Communication Environment
Inside the Mind of Your Audience
How Audiences Receive Messages
How Audiences Decode Messages
How Audiences Respond to Messages
The Social Communication Model
Using Technology to Improve Communication
The Potential Benefits of Communication Technology
The Spectrum of Contemporary Communication Technology
Social and Workgroup Communication Systems
Mobile Communication
Intelligent Communication Technology
Committing to Ethical and Legal Communication
Forms of Unethical Communication
Withholding Information
Distorting Information
Plagiarizing
Distinguishing Ethical Dilemmas from Ethical Lapses
Ensuring Ethical Communication
Ensuring Legal Communication
Developing Skills for Your Career
Learning Catalytics is a “bring your own device” student engagement, assessment, and classroom
intelligence system. It allows instructors to engage students in class with real-time diagnostics. Students
can use any modern, web-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to access it. For more
information on using Learning Catalytics in your course, contact your Pearson representative.
Loading page 30...
1: Professional Communication in a Digital, Social, Mobile World 1-3
LECTURE NOTES
Section 1: Understanding Why Communication Matters
Learning Objective 1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to the
companies where you will work.
Communication is the process of transferring information and meaning between senders and receivers,
using one or more forms of media.
For communication to be considered successful, it also must transfer understanding.
Communication can happen in a variety of ways, including
Successful transfers of information and understanding
Negotiations in which the sender and receiver arrive at an agreed-on meaning
Unsuccessful attempts in which the receiver assembles a different message than the one the
sender intended
Communication Is Important to Your Career
Improving your communication skills may be the most important step you can take in your career.
Even great ideas won’t go anywhere without great communication.
As you take on leadership and management roles, communication becomes even more important.
The changing nature of employment is putting new pressure on communication skills, because you
must take responsibility for managing your own career.
Chances are you could spend part of your career as one of these independent freelancers, working
without the support network that an established company environment provides.
If you learn to write well, speak well, listen well, and recognize the appropriate way to communicate
in any situation, you’ll gain a major advantage that will serve you throughout your career.
Communication Is Important to Your Company
Communication is important to your company in three essentials ways:
Operations. Every company needs fast, effective communication between managers and staff,
within departments, between departments, and between the company and its external business
partners.
Intelligence. Companies need to keep a constant “ear to ground” to be alerted to new
opportunities, risks, and impending problems—both internally and externally.
Relationships. Just as in personal and social relationships, business relationships depend on
communication.
LECTURE NOTES
Section 1: Understanding Why Communication Matters
Learning Objective 1: Explain the importance of effective communication to your career and to the
companies where you will work.
Communication is the process of transferring information and meaning between senders and receivers,
using one or more forms of media.
For communication to be considered successful, it also must transfer understanding.
Communication can happen in a variety of ways, including
Successful transfers of information and understanding
Negotiations in which the sender and receiver arrive at an agreed-on meaning
Unsuccessful attempts in which the receiver assembles a different message than the one the
sender intended
Communication Is Important to Your Career
Improving your communication skills may be the most important step you can take in your career.
Even great ideas won’t go anywhere without great communication.
As you take on leadership and management roles, communication becomes even more important.
The changing nature of employment is putting new pressure on communication skills, because you
must take responsibility for managing your own career.
Chances are you could spend part of your career as one of these independent freelancers, working
without the support network that an established company environment provides.
If you learn to write well, speak well, listen well, and recognize the appropriate way to communicate
in any situation, you’ll gain a major advantage that will serve you throughout your career.
Communication Is Important to Your Company
Communication is important to your company in three essentials ways:
Operations. Every company needs fast, effective communication between managers and staff,
within departments, between departments, and between the company and its external business
partners.
Intelligence. Companies need to keep a constant “ear to ground” to be alerted to new
opportunities, risks, and impending problems—both internally and externally.
Relationships. Just as in personal and social relationships, business relationships depend on
communication.
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