Agenda

Document analysis discussion and practice

Abstracts and summariesPresentation work timeMid-term self-review

Document analysis

Answer the questions about mission statements

Read the mission statement in your packet (copies provided for up to four group members)

Discuss problems and recommend solutions in your mission statement

Present your analysis using the transparency that is provided

Each group has different documents!

Executive summary

Context: beginning of proposal or long report

Purpose: summarize all findings or recommendations; explain methodology

Uses: let busy executives know what a report says without reading all of it; let readers know if they need to read the full document

Summary

Context: prepared for a manager or executive who doesn’t have time to read or listen to original

Purpose: summarize all findings, recommendations, methodology; may also indicate tone or style if relevant

Uses: concisely record written documents, presentations, etc. that may be of use to a reader who generally will not see the original

Abstract

Context: conference program, academic article/dissertation, overview of proposed research or project

Purpose: explain methodology and background, build interest in the key deliverable; does not “give away” key findings or recommendations

Uses: facilitate searches of databases, promote lectures, conference speakers, or projects

Presentation work time

Spend 5-10 minutes with your partner Discuss what kind of document you want

to analyzePrepare for your abstract that is due 3/8Beginning now, you may sign up for a

presentation time slot, but you must have chosen your document(s) to sign up

Mid-term review

Course goals: How are we doing? Self-assessment: How are you doing?

Mid-term review:Course goals

Analyze receiver needs and business situations to choose effective message channels

Persuasively articulate and support a positionSelect, organize, and present information to

achieve objectivesUnderstand uses and limits of technologyCritically evaluate your own and others’ writingDevelop a repertoire of strategies that

facilitate communication

Midterm review:Self assessment

Please write me a memo that addresses the following questions: How are you doing on the goals you set for yourself in

the Baseline Evaluation Portfolio?

What, if anything, has changed in your thinking about business communication?

What areas do you see as most critical for you to work on in the next six weeks?

Revision opportunity

You may revise any ONE of the following for credit: Informative memo (Sniffles & Snuggles) Negative news letter (Bleachez) Computer use case (Kids ReACT) E-mail position memo (monitoring e-mail)

Revisions must include your original document with my comments (or evaluation sheet)

Revisions must incorporate significant change Points: up to 5 participation points Due: April 17 in class or earlier

This is an opportunity, not a requirement!

Assignment

Review Ch. 15 in EBCFinish your abstractSign up for a presentation time slot on my

office door (must sign up by March 9 - first come, first serve basis)