BT 210 Professional Communication Skills

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces principles of written, oral, and non-verbal communication. Includes composition of business documents (letters, memoranda, agendas); use of reference tools; discussion of small groups; and preparation of written reports with documentation.

Prerequisite: BT 105 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Compare/contrast the importance of the following types of communication: oral, written, nonverbal.
Proofread and edit a variety of documents using various methods.
Apply correct business etiquette, grammar, and punctuation rules in composing, analyzing, and editing documents.
Utilize problem-solving skills and critical thinking strategies while communicating in the business environment.
Analyze the impact business ethics has on oral and written communication.
Adapt communication, as appropriate, to meet the needs of diverse groups.
Use reference tools to edit/compose short business documents.
Create a variety of properly formatted documents.
Organize and write a short report using an accepted method of documentation.
Understand the importance and the role of small groups in business.

Content Outline

Human Communication
- Written
- Oral
- Nonverbal
Communicating in Groups
- Defining purpose
- Audience analysis
- Roles of members
- Basic etiquette
- Listening
- Assertive and aggressive behavior
- G. Brainstorming
- H. Giving and receiving feedback
- I. Word choice for diverse populations
- J. Group think, problem solving, critical thinking
- K. Oral reports
III. Business Documents
- A. Proofreading methods
- B. Compose, analyze, and edit documents
- C. Reference tools
- D. Memoranda
- E. Letters
- F. Agendas
- G. Written short report with documentation