Business Writing and Professional Communication Review

Vocabulary and key concepts from Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 15, covering business communication, intercultural awareness, professional writing styles, and job search strategies.

Reader Benefit

Supplying details and specifics that a writer anticipates the reader needs that impact him/her/them.

Signature Block

A convention used in letters where the writer has a closing word or phrase, followed by a typed name, 3 to 4 spaces, and his/her/their signature above the name.

Impersonal Construction

A writing style (e.g., "This request… is missing key numbers") used to avoid sounding accusatory and to prevent creating ill-will when giving negative news.

Five Basic Criteria for Business Messages

Clear, complete, correct, saves the reader time, and builds goodwill.

Drafting

The phase of the writing process focused on creating a rough version of your document.

Prewriting/Planning

The first step in the writing process.

Revising Phase

The phase in the writing process used to improve content, organization, and clarity.

You-Attitude

A principle achieved by putting good news first, avoiding overuse of the personal pronoun "I", and focusing on how to meet the audience's needs.

Message Clarity

The ease with which the audience understands the message.

Tailoring

To customize a message according to your audience's needs.

Hidden Negative

Expressions that convey negative connotations or meanings even if they do not use a direct word like "no."

Editing Phase

The phase during which a writer checks for grammatical and punctuation errors.

Follow-ups

Post-meeting actions that ensure action items are completed and responsibilities are clear.

Effective Collaboration

Working together towards a common goal and sharing responsibilities.

Polychronic

The preference of relationships over time in some cultures.

Denotation

The actual or literal meaning of a word.

Buffer

A positive statement used at the start of a negative message to subordinates and peers to delay the negative news.

Transparency

Providing full information to help build trust between the communicator and the audience when delivering negative news.

Information Overload

A condition resulting from a high volume of long e-mail messages.

Direct Request Pattern

A persuasive strategy used when the audience is expected to comply or is already convinced of your viewpoint.

Keywords

Specific terms used in a resume to help it pass automated screening processes.

Pathos

The aspect of persuasion that involves the emotional response of the audience.

Storytelling

A technique used to build emotional appeal in persuasive writing.

Networking

A practice considered by many experts to be the most crucial aspect of a successful job search.

LinkedIn

The online platform considered most useful for connecting with other professionals across a wide range of professions.

Problem-Solving Pattern

A persuasive strategy used if resistance from the audience is expected.

Solicited Letter

A job application letter written in response to a specific job advertisement.