Module 7 Speech and Communications

Steps to Choose a Topic

-consider how much you like the possible topics and pick one that interests you

-research your topic

-narrow the topic down to an appropriate length and focus

Thesis

the central point of your presentation

Information in a Presentation must

relate back to the thesis statement

Mind Mapping

Brain-storming Technique that organizes your central topic at the middle of the map and shows possible ideas that are related to your topic branching out from it

Steps to avoid Overwhelm while mind mapping

1. pick a narrow topic

2. practice making maps

Requirements of an Outline

-Introduction

-Body

-Conclusion

Introduction

explanatory section at the start of a presentation

Body

the section(s) with the main information you’re presenting

Conclusion

end section of a presentation that summarizes everything you’ve presented

Steps to Hone your speaking style

-Keep in mind that you should be clear and concise

-Understand the information you’re presenting

-Proofread your work

-Have someone else proofread it

Brainstorming styles to solve a problem

-1 Reverse Brainstorming

-2 Gap Filling

-3 Drivers Analysis

Reverse Brainstorming

Identify your problem and figure out ways to cause problems so you can start fixing possible causes

Gap Filling

Explain where you are and where you need to be

Drivers Analysis

Identify a problem then figure out what is driving the problem to happen

Brainstorming styles for group brainstorming

-1 Brain Netting

-2 Brain Writing

Brain Netting

online brainstorming using online communication tools to collaborate and brainstorm options

Brain Writing

people anonymously write down an idea on a note card, then choose a notecard at random to start the conversation

Brainstorming style for when you’re stuck

• “What If” Brainstorming

“What If” Brainstorming

changing the scenario they’re facing to try and generate ideas

Conversational Writing

less formal writing that is more fluid and doesn’t follow all grammar rules

Business Writing

formal writing that strictly follows grammar rules and is used for correspondence between people in a professional setting

Steps to professional email construction

-1 formally and politely address your audience

-2 concisely explain the reason for your email and any context about the issue

-3 If you need a response tell them how and when the response is needed

Work Texting Etiquette

-1 make sure all involved are comfortable communicating by text

-2 do not misuse texts, treat them like emails

-3 be professional

Professional Writing’s Best Practices

-1 Know the purpose of your writing

-2 Know your audience

-3 Practice writing regularly

Steps to Netiquette

-1 Remember you’re talking to real people, not computers

-2 Act the way you would in person

-3 Be forgiving of mistakes

-4 Make yourself look good (be respectful, polite, kind)

Business Proposal

a document written to persuade someone to buy a specific product

Requirements of a Business Proposal

-1 Introduction that summarizes what the product is and why it would be beneficial to the buyer

-2 Should clearly outline the terms of the product and what should be exchanged

-3 Should explain what needs to be done and give a timeline

Steps to write a Proposal

-1 read the proposal request

-2 start writing

-3 edit and format the proposal

Business Report

summary of business practices presented in a formal setting

Steps to Writing a Business Report

-1 identify the objective of your report

-2 know your audience

-3 gather data to support your claims

-4 organize and edit the report

-5 have a conclusion with specific steps to address issues

-6 write a summary of your report

When to write a proposal or report

-when you’re asked to

-when you have the opportunity to advance your job

-when it will reflect well on you

Visual aid

a visual representation of information meant to complement and enhance a presentation

Steps to Effective Visual Aids

-1 Make it readable

-2 Include only important information

-3 Practice your presentation

Steps To Proposals

-1 you have an idea

-2 you tell your boss the idea

-3 they ask you to make a proposal

-4 if the idea is implemented, write a report

Successful Ideas …

-Increase productivity

-Decrease cost

-Or both

For ideas to be recognized

prove why it will save time an money

Steps to take After a Proposal

-Track the results of your idea’s implementation

-Present a report to show the results

Ethical Considerations of Report Writing

-Be honest about the information

-Don’t make data up

-Make sure it helps your team and company as well as yourself

Steps to Writing a Proposal

-1 Identify the problem

-2 Identify solutions to the problem

-3 Write the proposal