BA 214 Business Communications

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Applies principles of written, oral, and non-verbal communication. Covers preparation of good news, bad news, and persuasive messages in applied situations using properly formatted letters, memoranda, and reports. Explores the job search process including resumes, cover letters, and interviews. Emphasizes written and oral assignments that may require individual and group work.

Prerequisite: BT 210 or WR 121Z, either with a grade of C or better; touch keyboarding at 30 wpm; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe the process of oral, written, and nonverbal communication and identify human relations barriers to effective communication.
Analyze the similarities and differences between communication inside and outside a company.
Evaluate human relations communication situations to determine the appropriate transmittal method, organization plan, tone, and word choice to use to achieve the purpose of the communication.
Critique business documents in order to meet workplace standards.
Compose and format the following documents using standard business style technology: A. Routine/pleasant letters B. Refusal letters C. Persuasive letters D. Memorandum E. Short report.
Demonstrate habits of regular attendance and meeting deadlines as would be appropriate for worksite standards.

Content Outline

Communication Process
- Importance of communication in business with “you” viewpoint
- Definitions of effective communication
- Sender/receiver model (with feedback)
- Barriers to communication
- Choice of medium (advantages/disadvantages of oral and written communication)
- Listening
- Nonverbal communication
- Intercultural communication
Impact of Technology on Communication
Ethics and Communication-the process of creating a meaning between two or more people.
Style Elements
- Clarity
- Word choice (general/specific, avoiding jargon, adapting level of difficulty)
- Active/passive voice
- Conciseness
- Positive language
- Emphasis
- Sentence variety
- Punctuation
Tone
- “You” viewpoint
- Nonbiased language
- Politically correct language
Overview of Writing Process
- Planning (purpose, audience analysis, content, organization)
- Drafting
- Revising
- Formatting (memos, letters, reports)
- Proofreading
Basic Documents
- Good news/pleasant/routine/special goodwill messages (letters/memos)
- Bad news messages (letters/memos)
- Persuasive/sales messages (letters/memos)
- Reports
Employment Search
- Preparing for search
- Resumes
- Cover letters
- Interview techniques
- Follow-up letters