Composition: Successful Self Expression Section 1

What do denotations and connotations refer to in effective communication?

Denotations are the literal meaning of words, while connotations are the emotional or hidden meanings.

What are the five key questions to consider in a rhetorical situation?

Why am I communicating? Who is my audience? What format makes sense? When should I communicate? How will the message be received?

What are the essential qualities of business emails?

Professionalism, clarity, conciseness, proofreading, and structured format.

Why is proofreading important in business emails?

Proofreading helps avoid embarrassing errors that can cause misunderstandings.

What factors should be considered when writing emails?

Purpose, audience, format, timing, and message delivery.

When should email be used as a communication tool?

When the recipient is hard to reach, the information is non-urgent, or attachments need to be shared.

What are situations when email should not be used?

When messages are long, complex, emotional, or confidential.

What is the 'You Attitude' in effective emailing?

Writing from the perspective of the recipient, focusing on their needs and benefits.

What are the Four Keys to Effective Business Writing?

Audience, purpose, structure, and clarity.

What are the four types of workplace writing?

Instructional, Informational, Persuasive, and Transactional.

What defines instructional writing?

Writing that provides step-by-step guidance to help readers understand or complete a task.

What are common forms of instructional writing?

Process instructions and manuals.

What type of writing answers the questions 'How is this done?' and 'How can I do this?'?

Expository writing.

How should process writing be structured?

In chronological order, often using visual aids.

What distinguishes descriptive process texts from prescriptive process texts?

Descriptive texts explain how something happens, while prescriptive texts give direct instructions.

What is the primary purpose of informational writing in the workplace?

To convey or record specific information, often through reports.

What are common types of informational writing?

Reports, including credit, police, and sales reports.

What distinguishes analytical reports from descriptive reports?

Analytical reports analyze information and include conclusions; descriptive reports only document facts.

What are the three types of appeals in persuasive writing according to Aristotle?

Ethos (credibility), Pathos (emotional appeal), and Logos (logical appeal).

What is transactional writing?

Writing that involves everyday communication in the workplace, such as emails, invoices, or letters.

Why is accurate transmission of information important in transactional writing?

It is essential for sustained business success and clear communication.

What is cultural competence?

The ability to adapt to cultural differences and communicate effectively with diverse groups.

What factors shape cultural identity?

Location, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, history, and religion.

What does cross-cultural communication aim to achieve?

To recognize and address cultural differences for effective communication.

What is the role of clear and concise communication in the workplace?

It anticipates the audience’s understanding and addresses cultural barriers.

What should be avoided in cross-cultural writing?

Assumptions, jargon, idioms, and culture-specific references.

Why is it important to avoid gender-biased language?

To ensure inclusivity and prevent reinforcing stereotypes.

What is the benefit of using gender-neutral terms?

It respects diversity and avoids excluding individuals of diverse gender identities.

What is the main risk of ineffective cross-cultural communication in business?

It can lead to confusion, offense, broken relationships, and a loss of trust.

Why should complex language be avoided in cross-cultural communication?

It can cause misunderstandings and confusion among non-native speakers.

What should be the tone of an informational report?

Objective and neutral, focusing on facts.

How can humor act as a barrier in cross-cultural communication?

What’s funny in one culture can be offensive in another.

What is a key guideline for writing for a global audience?

Use simple language and avoid culturally specific references.

How can humor be a barrier in cross-cultural communication?

Humor varies across cultures; what's funny in one culture may be offensive in another.

What is a recommended practice when writing for a cross-cultural audience?

Use clear language and provide context.

What concept refers to the belief that one’s own culture is superior?

Ethnocentrism.

What is active voice in writing?

Active voice is when the subject performs the action directly (e.g., ‘The cat scratched Mya’).