ADM 154 - Business Communication

1. Evaluate the communication process
   1. Identify communication barriers
   2. Discuss components of communication
   3. Describe characteristics of effective business writing
   4. Assess methods to improve listening skills
   5. Outline the process of communication
2. Critique the choice of words to make a point
   1. Select appropriate words
   2. Discuss the differences in the strength of words
   3. Explain concrete versus abstract words
   4. Explain active voice versus passive voice
   5. Use unbiased language
   6. Use precise, plain language
   7. Write sentences that are parallel and balanced.
   8. Write sentences that are concise
3. Evaluate appropriate techniques of style in writing effective sentences
   1. Construct documents with high skim value
   2. Assess sentence structure
4. Critique short, unified paragraphs that communicate ideas clearly
   1. Apply the writing process to written messages
   2. Evaluate is a paragraph is well written
5. Defend effective business messages that illustrate good news, bad news, persuasive, goodwill messages, claims, and adjustments
   1. Determine the goal of a written message and the reader’s reaction to that goal
   2. Select the appropriate organization pattern for written messages
   3. Review guidelines for mechanics of style
   4. Use proofreading and editing skills in producing written communication
   5. Incorporate the you-viewpoint to foster goodwill in business communication
   6. Use acceptable formats for business letters, memorandums, and emails
   7. Write effective business messages routine inquiries, routine responses, procedures, and policies
   8. Write direct claim messages and adjustment messages
   9. Write an effective buffer in an indirect message
   10. Prepare sales and marketing messages
   11. Discuss how businesses use podcasts, blogs, and wikis
   12. Explain various ways that businesses use social networks
6. Produce a complete, well-organized business report
   1. Construct various parts of formal and informal reports
   2. Describe the various types of reports and the purpose of each
   3. Illustrate information clearly by creating tables, graphs, charts, maps, and other graphic aids using the Microsoft Office Suite
   4. Use the Internet for locating source materials
7. Evaluate the role of oral communication in business
   1. Develop active listening techniques
   2. Use speech qualities effectively
   3. Define professionalism, business etiquette, and ethical behavior
   4. Practice professional telephone and voice mail etiquette
   5. Develop skills to be an effective team member
   6. Use body language effectively
   7. Explain how to organize information for an oral presentation
   8. Discuss techniques for conducting and participating in meetings
   9. Organize material for dictation
8. Evaluate the use of physical appearance, posture, facial expressions, gestures, and voice quality in oral communication
   1. Describe how to capture the attention of the audience
   2. Discuss how to build rapport with the audience
   3. Organize the body of the oral presentation
   4. Plan effective types of visual aids
   5. Summarize the oral presentation in an effective conclusion
9. Support the role of the electronic workplace as it affects communication
   1. Use electronic mail software
   2. Create documents using Microsoft Word
   3. Integrate information using the different application software in the Microsoft Office Suite
10. Analyze the importance of international business communication
    1. Discuss the complexity of cross-cultural communication
    2. Discuss how cultural differences affect communication