The BASICS OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATION focuses on the business communication principles and their written applications. Short, concise content delivers a thorough approach, with clear-cut examples and exercises to reinforce learning.

Preface

CHAPTER 1 Understanding the Communication Process

 Communication in the Workplace

 Communication Characteristics

 The Written Communication Process

 Barriers to Communication

 Why Use Written Communication?

CHAPTER 2 Planning Written Business Messages

 Plan Before You Write

 Step 1: Determine Your Goals

 Step 2: Analyze the Situation and Receiver

 Step 3: Select the Distribution Method

 Step 4: Identify Content

 Step 5: Gather Materials and Organize the Message

CHAPTER 3 Developing Business Messages

 Applying the 4Cs of Good Business Writing

 Writing in a Positive, Unbiased, Reader-Focused Tone

 Drafting Business Messages

 Revising, Editing, and Proofreading Business Messages

CHAPTER 4 Writing Positive and Neutral News Messages

 The Direct Approach

 Writing Requests

 Writing Replies

 Writing Unsolicited Informational Messages

CHAPTER 5 Writing Bad News Messages

 Types of Bad News Messages

 The Indirect Approach

 Applying the Indirect Approach to Bad News Messages

 The Direct Approach

 Proper Use of Technology

CHAPTER 6 Writing Persuasive Messages

 The Indirect Approach

 Types of Persuasive Messages

CHAPTER 7 Writing Employment and Special Messages

 Employment Communication

 Goodwill Messages

 Minutes of a Meeting

 News Releases

Appendix A Message Format Guidelines

Appendix B Editing Symbols

Appendix C Frequently Confused/Misused Words

Thinking it Through Solutions

Index