Business & Technical Communication Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering email communication, memos, business letters, résumés, technical definitions, descriptions, specifications, and oral presentations.

Email

The primary medium for workplace communication, offering speed, wide reach, and a digital paper trail.

Email Header

The standard top section of an email containing To, From, Subject, cc, and bcc.

Signature Block

A block appearing at the very end of most emails containing the sender's name and contact info.

Memos

Documents using compact formats to provide official internal documentation and signal a formal written record.

Transmittal Memo

One of the three common memo types used to accompany, explain, or send accompanying materials.

Summary/Follow-up Memo

A common memo type used to summarize discussions, decisions, or provide written follow-up to a meeting.

Business Letters

Formal external communications used to personalize relationships, convey dignity, represent the company, give official notice, and handle delicate scenarios.

Inquiry Letter

A common type of business letter written to ask questions or request specific information.

Claim Letter

A common type of business letter sent to request adjustment or resolution regarding a product or service issue.

Sales Letter

A common type of business letter written to persuade potential clients or customers to purchase products or services.

Adjustment Letter

A common type of business letter written in response to a claim letter to explain how an issue will be resolved.

Résumé

A personal ad giving an overview of an individual's background; core parts include contact info, objective, education, experience, and references.

Chronological Résumé

A résumé format that focuses on work experience, ideal for experienced job applicants.

Functional Résumé

A résumé format focusing on skills rather than work history, suited for candidates with employment gaps or limited work history.

Application Letter

A document written to explain how an applicant's credentials fit a job and to demonstrate professionalism.

Portfolio / E-portfolio

A collection containing a résumé and scanned examples of work.

Technical Definitions

Explanations that clarify specialized terms for unfamiliar audiences to ensure precision.

Parenthetical Definition

A brief explanation placed directly inside parentheses following a term.

Sentence Definition

A formal definition structure that states the term, its broader class, and its distinguishing features.

Expanded Definition

A detailed definition method utilizing strategies such as etymology, history, negation, operating principle, analysis of parts, visuals, comparison, and examples.

Technical Descriptions

Objective descriptions using visual details, precise language, and sequenced structure to explain what products or processes are.

Specifications (Specs)

Exacting technical descriptions prescribing strict performance, safety, and quality standards.

Technical Marketing Materials

Materials such as social media pages, brochures, fact sheets, and letters that leverage upbeat design to sell services.

Oral Presentations

Presentations using body language and interaction to inform or persuade, requiring audience analysis.

Extemporaneous Delivery

A delivery style where a speaker prepares carefully and speaks flexibly using brief notes rather than memorizing or reading a script.

Webinars

Web-based seminars used for online presentations and communication.

Skype

Real-time audio and video connection software used for remote communication and video conferencing.