Business Communication Essentials
Transcription
Business Communication Essentials
A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page iii Business Communication Essentials FIFTH EDITION Courtland L. Bovée Professor of Business Communication C. Allen Paul Distinguished Chair Grossmont College John V. Thill Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Global Communication Strategies Prentice Hall Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai London Madrid Milan Munich Paris Montreal Toronto Delhi Mexico City Sao Paulo Sydney Hong Kong Seoul Singapore Taipei Tokyo A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page v Contents in Brief Preface xii Prologue P-1 unit 1 䉴 CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2 unit 2 䉴 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION FOUNDATIONS 1 Understanding Business Communication in Today’s Workplace 2 Mastering Team Skills and Interpersonal Communication 29 THE THREE-STEP WRITING PROCESS 49 Planning Business Messages 50 Writing Business Messages 71 Completing Business Messages 95 unit 3 䉴 BRIEF BUSINESS MESSAGES 119 CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER 6 7 8 9 Crafting Messages for Electronic Media 120 Writing Routine and Positive Messages 153 Writing Negative Messages 180 Writing Persuasive Messages 209 unit 4 䉴 LONGER BUSINESS MESSAGES 237 CHAPTER 10 CHAPTER 11 CHAPTER 12 unit 5 䉴 Understanding and Planning Reports and Proposals 238 Writing and Completing Reports and Proposals 267 Developing Oral and Online Presentations 319 EMPLOYMENT MESSAGES AND JOB INTERVIEWS 347 CHAPTER 13 CHAPTER 14 Building Careers and Writing Résumés 348 Applying and Interviewing for Employment 374 APPENDIX A APPENDIX B APPENDIX C Format and Layout of Business Documents A-1 Documentation of Report Sources A-17 Correction Symbols A-23 Video Guide VG-1 Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage H-1 Answer Key AK-1 References R-1 Acknowledgments AC-1 Index I-1 v A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page vi Contents Preface xii Prologue P-1 unit 1 䉴 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION FOUNDATIONS 1 Understanding Business Communication in Today’s Workplace 2 CHAPTER 1 Understanding Why Communication Matters 3 Communication Is Important to Your Career 3 Communication Is Important to Your Company 3 What Makes Business Communication Effective? 4 Communicating in Today’s Global Business Environment 5 Understanding What Employers Expect from You 5 Communicating in an Organizational Context 5 Adopting an Audience-Centered Approach 6 Exploring the Communication Process 7 The Basic Communication Model 7 The Social Communication Model 8 Social Networks and Virtual Communities 32 Giving—and Responding to—Constructive Feedback 33 Making Your Meetings More Productive 33 Preparing for Meetings 33 Conducting and Contributing to Efficient Meetings 33 Using Meeting Technologies 34 Improving Your Listening Skills 36 Recognizing Various Types of Listening 37 Understanding the Listening Process 38 Overcoming Barriers to Effective Listening 38 Improving Your Nonverbal Communication Skills 39 Developing Your Business Etiquette 40 Business Etiquette in the Workplace 41 Business Etiquette in Social Settings 41 Business Etiquette Online 42 Chapter Review and Activities 43 Test Your Knowledge 44 Apply Your Knowledge 44 Practice Your Skills 45 Expand Your Skills 47 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 47 Committing to Ethical Communication 10 Distinguishing Ethical Dilemmas from Ethical Lapses 11 Making Ethical Choices 11 Communicating in a World of Diversity 11 The Advantages and Challenges of a Diverse Workforce 12 Key Aspects of Cultural Diversity 12 Advice for Improving Intercultural Communication 14 Using Communication Technology Effectively 20 Keeping Technology in Perspective 20 Using Tools Productively 21 Guarding Against Information Overload 21 Reconnecting with People Frequently 21 Planning Business Messages 50 CHAPTER 3 Understanding The Three-Step Writing Process 51 Analyzing the Situation 52 Defining Your Purpose 52 Developing an Audience Profile 53 Chapter Review and Activities 22 Gathering Information 54 Test Your Knowledge 23 Apply Your Knowledge 23 Practice Your Skills 23 Expand Your Skills 25 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 26 Uncovering Audience Needs 54 Providing Required Information 55 Mastering Team Skills and Interpersonal Communication 28 CHAPTER 2 Communicating Effectively in Teams 29 Advantages and Disadvantages of Teams 29 Characteristics of Effective Teams 29 Collaborating on Communication Efforts 30 Guidelines for Collaborative Writing 30 Technologies for Collaborative Writing 30 vi unit 2 䉴 THE THREE-STEP WRITING PROCESS 49 Selecting the Right Medium 55 Oral Media 55 Written Media 55 Visual Media 56 Electronic Media 57 Factors to Consider When Choosing Media 58 Organizing Your Message 59 Defining Your Main Idea 60 Limiting Your Scope 60 Choosing Between Direct and Indirect Approaches 61 Outlining Your Content 62 Building Reader Interest with Storytelling Techniques 63 A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page vii Contents Chapter Review and Activities 66 Test Your Knowledge 66 Apply Your Knowledge 66 Practice Your Skills 67 Expand Your Skills 69 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 69 Writing Business Messages 71 CHAPTER 4 Being Sensitive to Your Audience’s Needs 72 Using Lists and Bullets to Clarify and Emphasize 98 Adding Headings and Subheadings 98 Editing For Clarity and Conciseness 98 Editing for Clarity 98 Editing for Conciseness 100 Using Technology to Revise Your Message 104 Producing Your Message 105 Designing for Readability 105 Designing Multimedia Documents 107 Using Technology to Produce Your Message 109 Adopting the “You” Attitude 72 Maintaining Standards of Etiquette 72 Emphasizing the Positive 74 Using Bias-Free Language 74 Proofreading Your Message 109 Building Strong Relationships with Your Audience 76 Test Your Knowledge 112 Apply Your Knowledge 112 Practice Your Skills 112 Expand Your Skills 115 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 115 Establishing Your Credibility 76 Projecting Your Company’s Image 77 Controlling Your Style and Tone 77 Distributing Your Message 111 Chapter Review and Activities 111 Creating a Conventional Tone 77 Using Plain Language 79 Selecting Active or Passive Voice 79 unit 3 䉴 BRIEF BUSINESS MESSAGES 119 Composing Your Message: Choosing Powerful Words 80 CHAPTER 6 Balancing Abstract and Concrete Words 80 Finding Words That Communicate Well 81 Composing Your Message: Creating Effective Sentences 83 Choosing from the Four Types of Sentences 83 Using Sentence Style to Emphasize Key Thoughts 84 Composing Your Message: Crafting Coherent Paragraphs 84 Understanding the Elements of a Paragraph 84 Developing Paragraphs 86 Using Technology to Compose and Shape Your Messages 87 Chapter Review and Activities 88 Test Your Knowledge 89 Apply Your Knowledge 89 Practice Your Skills 89 Expand Your Skills 93 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 93 Completing Business Messages 95 CHAPTER 5 Revising Your Message: Evaluating The First Draft 96 Evaluating Your Content, Organization, and Tone 96 Evaluating, Editing, and Revising the Work of Other Writers 97 Revising to Improve Readability 97 Varying Your Sentence Length 97 Keeping Your Paragraphs Short 98 Crafting Messages for Electronic Media 120 Using Electronic Media for Business Communication 121 Media Choices for Brief Messages 121 The Human Side of Electronic Communication 123 Compositional Modes for Electronic Media 123 Communicating on Networking, UGC, and Community Q&A Sites 124 Social Networks 125 User-Generated Content Sites 130 Community Q&A Sites 130 Creating Effective E-Mail Messages 130 Planning E-Mail Messages 131 Writing E-Mail Messages 131 Completing E-Mail Messages 132 Creating Effective Instant Messages and Text Messages 133 Understanding the Benefits and Risks of IM 134 Adpating the Three-Step Process for Successful IM 134 Creating Effective Business Blogs 136 Understanding the Business Applications of Blogging 136 Adapting the Three-Step Process for Successful Blogging 137 MIcroblogging 140 Creating Effective Podcasts 141 Understanding the Business Applications of Podcasting 141 Adapting the Three-Step Process for Successful Podcasting 141 vii A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD viii 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page viii Contents Chapter Reivew and Activities 143 Test Your Knowledge 144 Apply Your Knowledge 144 Practice Your Skills 144 Expand Your Skills 147 Cases 148 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 151 Writing Routine and Positive Messages 153 CHAPTER 7 Strategy for Routine Requests 154 Stating Your Request Up Front 154 Explaining and Justifying Your Request 155 Requesting Specific Action in a Courteous Close 155 Common Examples of Routine Requests 155 Continuing with a Clear Statement of the Bad News 186 Closing on a Positive Note 187 Sending Negative Messages on Routine Business Matters 187 Making Negative Announcements on Routine Business Matters 187 Refusing Routine Requests 188 Handling Bad News About Transactions 188 Refusing Claims and Requests for Adjustment 188 Sending Negative Employment Messages 192 Refusing Requests for Recommendation Letters 192 Rejecting Job Applications 192 Giving Negative Performance Reviews 194 Terminating Employment 194 Sending Negative Organizational News 195 Asking for Information or Action 155 Asking for Recommendations 155 Making Claims and Requesting Adjustments 157 Responding to Negative Information in a Social Media Environment 196 Strategy for Routine Replies and Positive Messages 157 Test Your Knowledge 199 Apply Your Knowledge 199 Practice Your Skills 199 Expand Your Skills 201 Cases 202 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 206 Starting with the Main Idea 157 Providing Necessary Details and Explanation 160 Ending with a Courteous Close 160 Common Examples of Routine Replies and Positive Messages 160 Answering Requests for Information or Action 160 Granting Claims and Requests for Adjustment 160 Providing Recommendations and References 164 Creating Information Messages 164 Announcing Good News 165 Fostering Goodwill 166 Chapter Review and Activities 170 Test Your Knowledge 170 Apply Your Knowledge 170 Practice Your Skills 171 Expand Your Skills 173 Cases 174 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 178 Writing Negative Messages 180 CHAPTER 8 Using the Three-Step Writing Process for Negative Messages 181 Step 1: Planning Negative Messages 181 Step 2: Writing Negative Messages 182 Step 3: Completing Negative Messages 182 Using the Direct Approach for Negative Messages 182 Opening with a Clear Statement of the Bad News 183 Providing Reasons and Additional Information 183 Closing on a Positive Note 184 Using the Indirect Approach for Negative Messages 184 Opening with a Buffer 184 Providing Reasons and Additional Information 185 Chapter Review and Activities 198 Writing Persuasive Messages 209 CHAPTER 9 Using the Three-Step Writing Process for Persuasive Messages 210 Step 1: Planning Persuasive Messages 210 Step 2: Writing Persuasive Messages 212 Step 3: Completing Persuasive Messages 213 Developing Persuasive Business Messages 213 Framing Your Arguments 213 Balancing Emotional and Logical Appeals 215 Reinforcing Your Position 215 Anticipating Objections 216 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Persuasive Communication 216 Common Examples of Persuasive Business Messages 216 Persuasive Requests for Action 217 Persuasive Presentation of Ideas 217 Persuasive Claims and Requests for Adjustments 217 Developing Marketing and Sales Messages 217 Assessing Audience Needs 218 Analyzing Your Competition 219 Determining Key Selling Points and Benefits 219 Anticipating Purchase Objections 219 Crafting a Persuasive Appeal 220 Writing Promotional Messages for Social Media 223 Maintaining High Ethical and Legal Standards 225 A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page ix Contents Chapter Review and Activities 226 Drafting Online Content 276 Test Your Knowledge 227 Apply Your Knowledge 227 Practice Your Skills 227 Expand Your Skills 230 Cases 231 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 235 Collaborating on Wikis 277 unit 4 䉴 LONGER BUSINESS MESSAGES 237 Understanding and Planning Reports and Proposals 238 CHAPTER 10 Applying the Three-Step Writing Process to Reports and Proposals 239 Analyzing the Situation 240 Gathering Information 242 Selecting the Right Medium 242 Organizing Your Information 243 Supporting Your Messages with Reliable Information 243 Planning Your Research 244 Locating Data and Information 244 Evaluating Information Sources 245 Using Your Research Results 245 Conducting Secondary Research 247 Finding Information at a Library 247 Finding Information Online 247 Documenting Your Sources 249 Conducting Primary Research 249 Conducting Surveys 249 Conducting Interviews 250 Planning Informational Reports 250 Organizing Informational Reports 251 Organizing Website Content 251 Planning Analytical Reports 253 Focusing on Conclusions 253 Focusing on Recommendations 254 Focusing on Logical Arguments 255 Planning Proposals 255 Chapter Review and Activities 259 Test Your Knowledge 260 Apply Your Knowledge 260 Practice Your Skills 260 Expand Your Skills 262 Cases 262 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 265 Understanding the Wiki Philosophy 277 Adapting the Three-Step Process for Successful Wiki Writing 277 Illustrating Your Reports with Effective Visuals 278 Choosing the Right Visual for the Job 279 Designing Effective Visuals 286 Completing Reports and Proposals 287 Revising Reports and Proposals 287 Producing a Formal Report 287 Producing a Formal Proposal 303 Proofreading Reports and Proposals 305 Distributing Your Reports and Proposals 308 Chapter Review and Activities 309 Test Your Knowledge 310 Apply Your Knowledge 310 Practice Your Skills 310 Expand Your Skills 311 Cases 312 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 317 Developing Oral and Online Presentations 319 CHAPTER 12 Planning a Presentation 320 Analyzing the Situation 321 Selecting the Right Medium 321 Organizing Your Presentation 321 Developing a Presentation 326 Adapting to Your Audience 326 Composing Your Presentation 326 Enhancing Your Presentation with Effective Visuals 328 Choosing Structured or Free-Form Slides 329 Writing Readable Content 330 Designing Graphics for Slides 331 Selecting Design Elements 332 Adding Animation and Multimedia 333 Completing a Presentation 333 Finalizing Slides and Support Materials 333 Choosing Your Presentation Method 334 Practicing Your Delivery 336 Delivering a Presentation 336 Overcoming Anxiety 336 Handling Questions Responsively 337 Embracing the Backchannel 338 Giving Presentations Online 339 Chapter Review and Activities 340 Writing and Completing Reports and Proposals 267 CHAPTER 11 Writing Reports and Proposals 268 Adapting to Your Audience 268 Composing Reports and Proposals 268 Test Your Knowledge 341 Apply Your Knowledge 341 Practice Your Skills 341 Expand Your Skills 342 Cases 343 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 343 ix A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD x 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page x Contents unit 5 䉴 EMPLOYMENT MESSAGES AND JOB INTERVIEWS 347 Building Careers and Writing Résumés 348 CHAPTER 13 Finding the Ideal Opportunity in Today’s Job Market 349 Writing the Story of You 349 Learning to Think Like an Employer 349 Researching Industries and Companies of Interest 349 Translating Your General Potential into a Specific Solution for Each Employer 351 Taking the Initiative 351 Building Your Network 351 Seeking Career Counseling 352 Avoiding Mistakes 352 Planning Your Résumé 353 Analyzing Your Purpose and Audience 354 Gathering Pertinent Information 354 Selecting the Best Medium 354 Organizing Your Résumé Around Your Strengths 354 Addressing Areas of Concerns 357 Writing Your Résumé 358 Keeping Your Résumé Honest 358 Adapting Your Résumé to Your Audience 359 Composing Your Résumé 359 Completing Your Résumé 363 Revising Your Résumé 363 Producing Your Résumé 363 Proofreading Your Résumé 367 Distributing Your Résumé 367 Understanding the Interviewing Process 380 The Typical Sequence of Interviews 380 Common Types of Interviews 380 Interview Media 381 What Employers Look for in an Interview 383 Preemployment Testing and Background Checks 383 Preparing for a Job Interview 384 Learning About the Organization 384 Thinking Ahead About Questions 384 Bolserting Your Confidence 385 Polishing Your Interview Style 386 Presenting a Professional Image 388 Being Ready When You Arrive 389 Interviewing for Success 390 The Warm-Up 390 The Question-and-Answer Stage 390 The Close 391 Interview Notes 392 Following Up After an Interview 392 Thank-You Message 392 Message of Inquiry 392 Request for a Time Extension 393 Letter of Acceptance 394 Letter of Declining a Job Offer 395 Letter of Resignation 395 Chapter Review and Activities 396 Test Your Knowledge 396 Apply Your Knowledge 396 Practice Your Skills 397 Expand Your Skills 398 Cases 399 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 400 Chapter Review and Activities 368 Test Your Knowledge 369 Apply Your Knowledge 369 Practice Your Skills 369 Expand Your Skills 370 Cases 371 Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 371 Applying and Interviewing for Employment 374 CHAPTER 14 Submitting Your Résumé 375 Writing Application Letters 375 Following Up After Submitting a Résumé 379 APPENDIX A Format and Layout of Business Documents A-1 APPENDIX B Documentation of Report Sources A-17 APPENDIX C Correction Symbols A-23 Video Guide VG-1 Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage H-1 Answer Key AK-1 References R-1 Acknowledgments AC-1 Index I-1 A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xi Real-Time Updates—Learn More Real-Time Updates “Learn More” is a unique feature that students will see strategically located throughout the text, connecting them with dozens of carefully selected online media items. These elements—categorized by the icons shown below representing podcasts, PDF files, articles/websites, videos, and PowerPoint presentations—complement the text’s coverage by providing contemporary examples and valuable insights from successful professionals. Smart advice for brainstorming sessions Wrap your mind around mind mapping Get helpful tips on creating an outline for any project Practical advice for thorough proofreading REAL-TIME UPDATES Learn More by Reading This Article Guidelines for trouble-free blogging Take the quiz: Are you an ethical decision maker? Building credibility online Grammar questions? Click here for help Integrating social media in a global corporation Tweets from the boss: CEOs on Twitter Get expert tips on writing (or requesting) a letter of recommendation Simple rules for writing effective thank-you notes Make sure your logic can stand on solid ground See your way into the invisible Internet Get to the CORE of online research Get clear answers to murky copyright questions Step-by-step advice for developing a successful business plan Data Visualization and Infographics Gateway: A comprehensive collection for business communicators 100 Twitter tools for job searchers Follow these people to a new career Try these Facebook applications in your job search Find the keywords that will light up your résumé How much are you worth? 10 11 77 90 121 141 164 168 215 248 248 249 60 60 62 110 REAL-TIME UPDATES Learn More by Reading This PDF Steps you can take to help reduce information overload Social networks for professionals Get detailed advice on using bias-free language See why visual design is a lot more than just “eye candy” 21 32 75 279 251 REAL-TIME UPDATES 283 351 352 353 360 379 REAL-TIME UPDATES Learn More by Listening to This Podcast Violating ethical expectations in social media 124 Keep audiences engaged with engaging presentations 328 Learn More by Watching This Video Step-by-step advice for recording your first podcast Take some of the sting out of delivering bad news Persuasion skills for every business professional Tips and techniques for writing business proposals Way beyond bullet points: A stunning example of free-form slide design Maximize the rewards of the backchannel and minimize the risks Tweet your way to a sweet job Video interviewing on Skype Study the classics to ace your next interview 142 192 212 272 330 338 352 382 385 REAL-TIME UPDATES Learn More by Watching This Presentation An in-depth look at intercultural communication Take a fast course in listening skills Don’t let etiquette blunders derail your career 13 38 43 xi A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/30/10 3:00 PM Page xii Preface MAJOR CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS IN THIS EDITION (Please refer to the Instructor’s Manual for a detailed list of chapter-by-chapter changes and improvements in the fifth edition.) Significant content additions In addition to numerous updates throughout, the following sections are all new or substantially revised with new material: 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 Understanding Why Communication Matters (in Chapter 1) The Social Communication Model (in Chapter 1) The Advantages and Challenges of a Diverse Workforce, including Age Differences, Religious Differences, and Ability Differences (in Chapter 1) Guarding Against Information Overload (in Chapter 1) Characteristics of Effective Teams (in Chapter 2) Technologies for Collaborative Writing (in Chapter 2) Social Networks and Virtual Communities (in Chapter 2) Business Etiquette Online (in Chapter 2) Building Reader Interest with Storytelling Techniques (in Chapter 3) Designing Multimedia Documents (in Chapter 5) Using Electronic Media for Business Communication (in Chapter 6) (new introduction to topic) The Human Side of Electronic Communication (in Chapter 6) Compositional Modes for Electronic Media (in Chapter 6) Communicating on Networking, UGC, and Community Q&A Sites (in Chapter 6) Social Networks Business Communication Uses of Social Networks Strategies for Business Communication on Social Networks User-Generated Content Sites Community Q&A Sites New two-page highlight feature: Business Communicators Innovating with Social Media (in Chapter 6) Announcing Good News (in Chapter 7) Giving Negative Performance Reviews (in Chapter 8) (substantially revised) Responding to Negative Information in a Social Media Environment (in Chapter 8) Online Monitoring Tools (in Chapter 10) Data Visualization (in Chapter 11) Ending with Clarity and Confidence (in Chapter 12) Choosing Structured or Free-Form Slides (in Chapter 12) Embracing the Backchannel (in Chapter 12) Finding the Ideal Opportunity in Today’s Job Market (in Chapter 13) Writing the Story of You (in Chapter 13) Learning to Think Like an Employer (in Chapter 13) Translating Your General Potential into a Specific Solution for Each Employer (in Chapter 13) Taking the Initiative to Find Opportunities (in Chapter 13) Building Your Network (in Chapter 13) (substantially revised) Avoiding the Easily Avoidable Mistakes (in Chapter 13) Composing Your Résumé (in Chapter 13) (revised with the latest advice on keywords) Printing a Scannable Résumé (in Chapter 13) (updated to reflect the decline of this format) Creating an Online Résumé (in Chapter 13) Following Up After Submitting a Résumé (in Chapter 14) (continued) xii A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xiii Preface Major Changes and Improvements in This Edition (continued) The social media revolution This edition includes up-to-date coverage of the social communication model that is redefining business communication and reshaping the relationships between companies and their stakeholders. Social media concepts and techniques are integrated throughout the book, from career planning to presentations. Here are some examples: 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 Social media questions, activities, and cases appear throughout the book, using Twitter, Facebook, and other media that have taken the business world by storm in the past couple of years. More than 30 examples of business applications of social media are illustrated and annotated to explain how companies use these tools. The social communication model is now covered in Chapter 1. A new two-page feature in Chapter 6 highlights the innovative uses of social media by a variety of companies. Social networking sites are now covered as a brief-message medium in Chapter 6. The Twitter-enabled backchannel, which is revolutionizing electronic presentations, is covered in Chapter 12. Social media tools are covered extensively in the career-planning Prologue and the two employment communication chapters (13 and 14). Compositional modes for electronic media For all the benefits they offer, social media and other innovations place new demands on business communicators. This edition introduces students to nine important modes of writing for electronic media. Personal branding As the workforce continues to evolve and with the employment likely to remain unstable for some time to come, it is more important than ever for students to take control of their careers. An important first step is clarifying and communicating their personal brands, a topic that is now addressed in the Prologue and carried through to the employment-message chapters. Storytelling techniques Storytelling might sound like an odd topic for a business communication course, but some of the most effective business messages, from advertising to proposals to personal branding, rely on storytelling techniques. Full implementation of objective-driven learning Every aspect of this new edition is organized by learning objectives, from the chapter content to the student activities in the textbook and online at mybcommlab.com. This structure makes planning and course management easier for instructors and makes reading, study, and practice easier for students. Deeper integration with mybcommlab This optional online resource now offers even more ways to manage course time and student activities (see page i). Multimedia resources Students can extend their learning experience with unique Real-Time Updates “Learn More” media elements that connect them with dozens of handpicked videos, podcasts, and other items that complement chapter content. New communication cases Communication cases give students the opportunity to solve real-world communication challenges using the media skills they’ll be expected to have in today’s workplace; more than one-third of the cases are new in this edition. New figures and more annotated model documents More than 50 new figures provide examples of the latest trends in business communication. Students can now learn from more than 60 annotated model documents, ranging from printed letters and reports to websites, blogs, and social networking sites. These examples feature many companies students probably recognize, including Adidas, Bigelow Tea, IBM, Patagonia, Red Bull, Segway, and Zappos. Critique the Professionals This new activity invites students to analyze an example of professional communication using the principles learned in each chapter. Communication Matters Communication skills are the single most important way students can advance their career prospects. This new chapter-opening feature offers thoughtprovoking ideas from successful professionals to help students grasp the essential value of business communication. xiii A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD xiv 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xiv Preface A UNIQUE ONLINE RESOURCE THAT REINFORCES LEARNING AND KEEPS CONTENT FRESH THROUGHOUT YOUR ENTIRE COURSE You no longer need to spend hours of your limited prep time searching for current examples, discussion materials, and classroom media. Business Communication Essentials’ Real-Time Updates solves the age-old problems of maintaining the currency of textbook content and providing you with a steady stream of new examples, lecture materials, and media to enliven your classes. This unique suite of web technologies, developed by the authors, automatically provides weekly content updates, including podcasts, PowerPoint presentations, online videos, PDF files, and articles. Simply visit the website whenever you need material—or get new items delivered to your desktop automatically via RSS newsreader. You can access Real-Time Updates through mybcommlab or by visiting http://realtimeupdates.com/bce5. 1 Read messages from the authors and access over 175 media items available only to instructors. (Students have access to their own messages, assignments, and media items.) 2 Click on any chapter to see the updates and media items for that chapter. 3 Scan headlines and click on any item of interest to read the article or download the media item. 4 Subscribe via RSS to individual chapters to get updates automatically for the chapter you’re currently teaching. 5 Media items are categorized by type so you can quickly find podcasts, videos, PowerPoints, and more. Every item is personally selected by the authors to complement the text and support in-class activities. A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xv Preface xv TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ONLY TEXTBOOK THAT THOROUGHLY INTEGRATES SOCIAL MEDIA SKILLS WITH ESSENTIAL BUSINESS ENGLISH For the sake of instructors and students everywhere, we are pleased that other textbooks are trying to catch up to the times with more coverage of the electronic media tools that have become central to the practice of business communication. However, many years of leading the market in presenting electronic media usage have taught us that merely adding a chapter on electronic media to a traditional textbook is not nearly enough. Electronic and social media are pervasive in business today, so they need to be thoroughly integrated into the business communication course. Just as significantly, the fundamental changes wrought by new media need to be integrated throughout the course 1. Various images inside the shed, such as this photo of company founder Yvon Chouinard, are hotspots that pull up stories about the company, its customers, and its products. 2. The second screen offers a brief summary of the story, with just enough detail to allow site visitors to grasp the main idea of the story without giving it all away. 3. The third screen offers a slightly expanded summary of the story. Note how this is the story of a single product but also the story of how the company’s design philosophy evolved. This multimedia web presentation from Patagonia in Chapter 3 provides a great example of using storytelling in business communication. 4. Website visitors who want more details can view a video or read a story about how Chouinard’s observation of Nepali porters led him to create a new product and change the company’s approach to product design. Persuasive communication about the product and the company occurs throughout this story, but it is subtle and unobtrusive. A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD xvi 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xvi Preface as well, including the way social media are changing the communication process, compositional modes, relationships between senders and receivers, marketing strategies, collaborative writing, oral presentations, job searches, and more. Beyond the research and presentation of new ideas and tools in our textbooks, we are among the most active users of social media in the entire field of business communication. This hands-on experience encompasses both public media and our own media innovations. Our public presence includes sponsorship of “Teaching Business Communication” instructors’ communities on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social networks and our new instructor tips and techniques blog at http://boveeandthillbusinesscommunicationblog.org. The unique media services we have developed include the Real-Time Updates content-updating service (http://real-timeupdates.com), the popular Business Communication Headline News service (http://businesscommunicationheadlinenews.com), and a simulator that lets students practice wiki skills in a private and secure environment. This deep base of experience informs every aspect of the latest edition of Business Communication Essentials. Of course, media skills are only one element of successful communication. Business Communication Essentials presents these technologies in the context of proven communication strategies and essential business English skills. The time-tested three-step writing process is used throughout the text, and every chapter gives students the opportunity to hone their communication skills and improve their awareness of grammar, mechanics, and proper usage. Students also get a solid grounding in ethics, etiquette, listening, teamwork, and nonverbal communication. Target Audience With its workbook format and balanced coverage of basic business English, communication strategies, and cutting-edge technologies, Business Communication Essentials, Fifth Edition, is ideal for introductory business communication courses in any curriculum, in any format—in-class, online, or hybrid. Its compact, 14-chapter organization is particularly well suited to quarter calendars as well as to longer courses in which an instructor wants to have time available to supplement the text with service projects, business plan development, or other special activities. Colleges and universities vary in the prerequisites established for the business communication course, but we advise at least one course in English composition. Some coursework in business studies will also give students a better perspective on communication challenges in the workplace. However, we have taken special care not to assume any in-depth business experience, so Business Communication Essentials works quite well for students with limited work experience or business coursework. Full Support for AACSB Learning Standards The American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is a not-forprofit corporation of educational institutions, corporations, and other organizations devoted to the promotion and improvement of higher education in business administration and accounting. A collegiate institution offering degrees in business administration or accounting may volunteer for AACSB accreditation review. The AACSB makes initial accreditation decisions and conducts periodic reviews to promote continuous quality improvement in management education. Pearson Education is a proud member of the AACSB and is pleased to provide advice to help you apply AACSB Learning Standards. Curriculum quality is one of the most important criteria for AACSB accreditation. Although no specific courses are required, the AACSB expects a curriculum to include learning experiences in such areas as 䊏 䊏 䊏 Communication skills Ethical reasoning Analytic skills 䊏 䊏 䊏 Use of information technology Multicultural and diversity awareness Reflective thinking Throughout Business Communication Essentials, you’ll find student exercises and activities that support the achievement of these important goals. A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xvii Preface A TOTAL TEACHING AND LEARNING SOLUTION Business Communication Essentials is a fully integrated presentation of communication fundamentals. The concise, 14-chapter text provides clear advice, numerous examples for students to follow, and hundreds of student questions, activities, and projects. The integrated workbook “Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage” appears at the end of every chapter, with three levels of assessment and skill building in workplace applications and document critiques. The “Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage” serves as a convenient reference. These components work together at four levels to provide seamless coverage of the essentials, from previewing to developing to enhancing to reinforcing: 䊏 䊏 Previewing. Each chapter prepares students with clear learning objectives, an insightful “Communication Matters” quotation, and a brief discussion of how this real-world example highlights the principles covered in the chapter. Developing. Chapter content develops, explains, and elaborates on concepts with a concise, carefully organized presentation of textual and visual material. The three-step process of planning, writing, and completing is clearly explained and reinforced throughout the text in examples ranging from e-mail messages and formal reports to blog posts and social networking profiles. With its strong emphasis on exercises to improve grammar, punctuation, style, usage, and writing skills, this text offers students—especially those who lack proficiency in business English—the tools they need to succeed in today’s workplace. The headline doesn’t try to be clever or cute; instead, it instantly conveys important information to readers Fast access to reader comments and a retweet button that makes it easy for readers to share this post via Twitter help FreshBooks build a sense of community The graph shows which terms generated the fastest payments (shortest blue bars) and highest percentage paid (orange dots) One minor improvement would be to label (with words placed directly on the graph) the two best combinations, indicated with the green arrows, and the worst combination, indicated with the red circle, to save readers the time required to interpret the meaning of the colors and shapes This bold header quickly summarizes the nature of the analysis These clearly written paragraphs explain the two aspects of the analysis, and they speak the same language as business accounting professionals The article continues beyond here, but notice again the concise, straightforward wording of this subheading (the section explains that polite wording on invoices improves customer responsiveness) Students can learn from numerous annotated real-life examples, such as this FreshBooks blog post shown in Chapter 1. The opening paragraph explains the analysis was undertaken in order to help customers make more money in less time—a vital concern for every business Bold terms in the paragraph correspond to the variables in the graph above Notice that even though the writer uses the word “we” (the company) in several places, this message is fundamentally about “you” (the customer) xvii A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD xviii 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xviii Preface 䊏 䊏 Enhancing. Contemporary examples show students the specific elements that contribute to—or detract from—successful messages. More than 60 annotated model documents, featuring companies across a wide range of industries, demonstrate effective solutions to a wide variety of real-life communication challenges. Reinforcing. Student success in any communication course depends on practice, feedback, analysis, and reinforcement. With hundreds of realistic business English exercises and activities, Business Communication Essentials offers an unparalleled array of opportunities for students to practice vital skills and put newfound knowledge to immediate use. These resources are logically sorted by category, including “Test Your Knowledge,” “Apply Your Knowledge,” “Practice Your Skills,” and “Expand Your Skills.” Communication cases, most featuring real companies, encourage students to think about contemporary business issues as they put their skills to use in a variety of media, including blogging and podcasting. The integrated workbook “Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage” further reinforces student skills by helping them assess their current knowledge levels, improve individual sentences, and critique documents. At every stage of the learning experience, Business Communication Essentials provides the tools that instructors and students need to succeed. Features That Help Students Build Essential Knowledge and Skills Previewing Learning objectives (beginning of chapter) • Communication Matters (beginning of chapter; throughout chapter) • Chapter overviews (beginning of chapter) • Developing Concise presentations of fundamentals (within chapter) • Three-step writing process diagrams (within chapter) • Enhancing Reinforcing Real-life examples (within chapter) • Annotated model documents (within chapter) • Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage (end of book) • Learn More media resources (within chapter) • • mybcommlab (online) • • Marginal notes (within chapter) • Check Your Progress (end of chapter) • Test Your Knowledge questions (end of chapter) • Apply Your Knowledge questions (end of chapter) • Practice Your Skills exercise and activities (end of chapter) • Expand Your Skills activities (end of chapter/online) • Improve Your Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage (end of chapter) • Cases (following Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14) • Document Makeovers (online) • Interactive Study Guide (online) • Peak Performance Grammar and Mechanics (online) • Bovée/Thill wiki simulator (online) • Downloadable Quick Learning Guides (online) • A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xix Preface xix UP-TO-THE-MINUTE CONTENT WITH CONTINUOUS UPDATES Bovée/Thill texts integrate print and online media in unprecedented ways to create a standout instructional package. In the past, it was virtually impossible to keep text content up to date and to provide instructors with lecture material on late-breaking business events and trends. The unique electronic update service “Real-Time Updates” uses web and newsfeed technologies to meet both challenges. We provide online updates to key content areas every weekday during the school year, so students and instructors are always kept up to date on important topics. At strategic points in every chapter, students are directed to the “Real-Time Updates” website to learn about the latest news or a major event pertaining to a particular aspect of the chapter. UNMATCHED COVERAGE OF ESSENTIAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES Bovée and Thill continues to lead the field with its unmatched coverage of communication technologies, reflecting the expectations and opportunities in today’s workplace: 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 aggregators applicant tracking systems assistive technologies automated bots automated reputation analysis backchannel blogs cloud computing community Q&A websites computer animation content management systems crowdsourcing data visualization digital image manipulation electronic documents electronic forms electronic presentations electronic résumé production e-mail e-mail hygiene enterprise instant messaging e-portfolios extranets geographic information systems groupware and shared online workspaces information architecture instant messaging intellectual property rights 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 interactivity Internet telephony (VoIP) interview simulators intranets knowledge management systems lifestreaming linked and embedded documents location-based social networking media curation microblogs mobile blogs multimedia documents multimedia presentations multimedia résumés newsfeeds online brainstorming systems online research techniques online survey tools online video podcasts PowerPoint animation Really Simple Syndication (RSS) research management software screencasts search and metasearch engines search engine optimization security and privacy concerns in electronic media sentiment analysis 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 social bookmarking social commerce social media social media news releases social media résumés social networking syndication of social media content tagging templates and style sheets teleconferencing and telepresence text messaging translation software unified communications user-generated content websites video blogs video interviews video podcasts video résumés videoconferencing virtual communities virtual meetings virtual whiteboards virtual worlds Web 2.0 web content management systems web directories webcasts website accessibility wikis A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD xx 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xx Preface COURSE PLANNING GUIDE Although Business Communication Essentials follows a conventional sequence of topics, it is structured so that you can address topics in whatever order best suits your needs. For instance, if you want to begin by reviewing grammar, you can ask students to read Chapter 5,“Completing Business Messages” and then the “Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage.” Conversely, if you want to begin with employment-related communication, you can start with the Prologue, “Building a Career with Your Communication Skills,” followed by Chapters 13 and 14. The following table suggests a sequence and a schedule for covering the chapters in the textbook, with time allocations based on the total number of class hours available. Hours Devoted to Each Chapter Chapter Number and Title 30-Hour Course 45-Hour Course 60-Hour Course Prologue: Building a Career with Your Communication Skills 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 Understanding Business Communication in Today’s Workplace 1 1 1 2 Mastering Team Skills and Interpersonal Communication 2 2 2 3 Planning Business Messages 2 3 4 4 Writing Business Messages 2 3 4 C Correction Symbols 0.5 0.5 0.5 5 Completing Business Messages 2 3 4 Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 1 2 2 6 Crafting Messages for Electronic Media 2 3 6 A Format and Layout of Business Documents 1 1 1 7 Writing Routine and Positive Messages 2 2 3 8 Writing Negative Messages 2 2 3 9 Writing Persuasive Messages 2 2 3 B Documentation of Report Sources 1 1 2 10 Understanding and Planning Reports and Proposals 2 5 6 11 Writing and Completing Reports and Proposals 2 4 6 12 Developing Oral and Online Presentations 1 4 4 13 Building Careers and Writing Résumés 2 3 4 14 Applying and Interviewing for Employment 2 3 4 INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES The multimedia Business Communication Essentials package helps instructors take full advantage of the latest advances in instructional technology. mybcommlab mybcommlab (www.mybcommlab.com) is a series of text-specific, easily customizable online courses for Prentice Hall textbooks in business communication. This system gives you the tools you need to deliver all or a portion of your course online, whether your students are in a course setting or working from home. The online tools in mybcommlab, such as simulations, videos, interactive lectures, and a multimedia textbook, help students identify the areas where they need extra help mastering the content. Instructors can use mybcommlab’s homework and test managers to select and assign online exercises correlated directly to the textbook, and they can also create and assign their own online exercises and import TestGen® tests for added flexibility. The online grade book for mybcommlab is designed to automatically track students’ homework and test results and give the instructor control over the calculation of final grades. Instructors can also add offline (paper-and-pencil) grades to the grade book. A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xxi Preface Business Communication Headline News Stay on top of hot topics, important trends, and new technologies with Business Communication Headline News (www.businesscommunicationheadlinenews.com), voted the most comprehensive business communication site on the Internet. Every weekday during the school year, we offer fresh lecture content and provide a wide range of research and teaching tools on the website—including a custom web search function that we created expressly for business communication research. Take advantage of the newsfeeds to get late-breaking news in headlines with concise summaries. You can scan incoming items in a matter of seconds and simply click through to read the full articles that interest you. All articles and accompanying multimedia resources are categorized by topic and chapter for easy retrieval at any time. This free service offers numerous ways to enhance lectures and student activities: 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 Keep current with the latest information and trends in the field Easily update your lecture notes with fresh material Create visuals for your classroom presentations Supplement your lectures with cutting-edge handouts Gather podcasts, online video, and other new media examples to use in the classroom Enhance your research projects with the newest data Compare best practices from other instructors Improve the quality and effectiveness of your teaching by reading about new teaching tips and techniques At the website, you also get free access to these powerful instructional resources: 䊏 䊏 Business Communication Web Search, featuring a revolutionary approach to searching developed by Bovée and Thill that lets you quickly access more than 325 search engines. The tool uses a simple and intuitive interface engineered to help business communication instructors find precisely what they want, whether it’s PowerPoint files, PDF files, Microsoft Word documents, Excel files, videos, or podcasts. Real-Time Updates are newsfeeds and content updates tied directly to specific points throughout the text. Each content update is classified by the type of media featured: article, video, podcast, PowerPoint, or PDF. Additional sections on the site include Instructor Messages and Instructor Media (both password protected), Student Messages, and Student Assignments. You can subscribe to Business Communication Headline News and get delivery by e-mail, MyYahoo or Google homepage, RSS newsreader, mobile phone, instant messenger, MP3, Twitter, Facebook, and a host of other options. NEW! Bovée & Thill Business Communication blog With the launch of Business Communication Essentials, Fifth Edition, we are also launching a new blog with original articles (www.boveeandthillbusinesscommunicationblog.org). This blog helps instructors focus their teaching to help their students’ learning be more efficient and effective. Articles discuss a wide variety of topics, including new topics instructors should be teaching their students, resources instructors can use in their classes, solutions to common teaching challenges, and great examples and activities instructors can use in class. Authors’ E-Mail Hotline for Faculty Integrity, excellence, and responsiveness are our hallmarks. That means providing you with textbooks that are academically sound, creative, timely, and sensitive to instructor and student needs. As an adopter of Business Communication Essentials, you are invited to use our E-mail Hotline (hotline@businesscommunicationblog.com) if you ever have a question or concern related to the text or its supplements. xxi A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD xxii 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xxii Preface INSTRUCTOR’S RESOURCE CENTER At www.pearsonhighered.com/educator, instructors can access a variety of digital and presentation resources available with this text in downloadable format. Registration is simple and gives you immediate access to new titles and new editions. As a registered faculty member, you can download resource files and receive immediate access and instructions for installing course management content on your campus server. If you ever need assistance, our dedicated technical support team is ready to help with the media supplements that accompany this text. Visit http://247pearsoned.custhelp .com/ for answers to frequently asked questions and toll-free user support phone numbers. The following supplements are available to adopting instructors (for detailed descriptions, please visit www.pearsonhighered.com/educator): 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 Instructor’s Manual Test Item File TestGen Test Generating Software (converted for use in BlackBoard, WebCT, Angel, D2L, and Moodle) PowerPoint Slides Image Library Custom Videos on DVD STUDENT RESOURCES Business Communication Essentials supports students with a variety of supplements designed to save them time and money: 䊏 䊏 䊏 䊏 mybcommlab. Students use www.mybcommlab.com to test their understanding of the concepts presented in the text through study plans, videos, mini-simulations, PowerPoints, Document Makeovers, and critical thinking questions. Quick Learning Guides. We prepared these downloadable, two-page study guides to help students study for exams or review important concepts whenever they need a quick refresher. They are available on the Real-Time Updates site at http://real-timeupdates .com. CourseSmart eTextbooks Online. CourseSmart is an exciting new choice for students looking to save money. As an alternative to purchasing the print textbook, students can purchase an electronic version of the same content and receive a significant discount off the suggested list price of the print text. With a CourseSmart eTextbook, students can search the text, make notes online, print out reading assignments that incorporate lecture notes, and bookmark important passages for later review. For more information or to purchase access to the CourseSmart eTextbook, visit www .coursesmart.com. Companion Website. This text’s Companion Website at www.pearsonhighered.com/ bovee offers free access to ungraded Document Makeovers, a list of featured websites, and the “English-Spanish Audio Glossary of Business Terms.” FEEDBACK We would appreciate hearing from you! Let us know what you think about this textbook by writing to college_marketing@prenhall.com. Please include “Feedback about Bovee/Thill BCE 5e” in the subject line. We review every comment we receive from instructors and use this feedback to make that sure future editions meet your needs in every way possible. A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xxiii Preface xxiii ABOUT THE AUTHORS Courtland L. Bovée and John V. Thill have been leading textbook authors for more than two decades, introducing millions of students to the fields of business and business communication. Their award-winning texts are distinguished by proven pedagogical features, extensive selections of contemporary case studies, hundreds of real-life examples, engaging writing, thorough research, and the unique integration of print and electronic resources. Each new edition reflects the authors’ commitment to continuous refinement and improvement, particularly in terms of modeling the latest practices in business and the use of technology. Professor Bovée has 22 years of teaching experience at Grossmont College in San Diego, where he has received teaching honors and was accorded that institution’s C. Allen Paul Distinguished Chair. Mr. Thill is a prominent communications consultant who has worked with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 multinationals to entrepreneurial start-ups. He formerly held positions with Pacific Bell and Texaco. Courtland Bovée and John Thill were recently awarded proclamations from the Governor of Massachusetts for their life-long contributions to education and for their commitment to the summer youth baseball program that is sponsored by the Boston Red Sox. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The fifth edition of Business Communication Essentials reflects the professional experience of a large team of contributors and advisors. We express our thanks to the many individuals whose valuable suggestions and constructive comments influenced the success of this book. Reviewers of Previous Editions Thank you to the following professors: Victoria Austin, Las Positas College; Faridah Awang, Eastern Kentucky University; Jeanette Baldridge, University of Maine at Augusta; Diana Baran, Henry Ford Community College; JoAnne Barbieri, Atlantic Cape Community College; Kristina Beckman, John Jay College; Judy Bello, Lander University; Carol Bibly, Triton College; Nancy Bizal, University of Southern Indiana; Yvonne Block, College of Lake County; Edna Boroski, Trident Technical College; Nelvia M. Brady, Trinity Christian College; Arlene Broeker, Lincoln University; David Brooks, Indiana University Southeast; Carol Brown, South Puget Sound Community College; Domenic Bruni, University of Wisconsin; Jeff Bruns, Bacone College; Gertrude L. Burge, University of Nebraska; Sharon Burton, Brookhaven College; Robert Cabral, Oxnard College; Dorothy Campbell, Brevard Community College; Linda Carr, University of West Alabama; Sharon Carson, St. Philip’s College; Rick Carter, Seattle University; Dacia Charlesworth, Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne; Jean Chenu, Genesee Community College; Connie Clark, Lane Community College; Jerrie Cleaver, Central Texas College; Clare Coleman, Temple University; M. Cotton, North Central Missouri College; Pat Cowherd, Campbellsville University; Pat Cuchens, University of Houston–Clear Lake; Walt Dabek, Post University; Cathy Daly, California State University–Sacramento; Linda Davis, Copiah–Lincoln Community College; Harjit Dosanjh, North Seattle Community College; Amy Drees, Defiance College; Lou Dunham, Spokane Falls Community College; Donna Everett, Morehead State University; Donna Falconer, Anoka–Ramsey Community College; Kate Ferguson Marsters, Gannon University; Darlynn Fink, Clarion University of Pennsylvania; Bobbi Fisher, University of Nebraska–Omaha; Laura Fitzwater, Community College of Philadelphia; Matthew Gainous, Ogeechee Technical College; Yolande Gardner, Lawson State Community College; Gina Genova, University of California–Santa Barbara; Lonny Gilbert, Central State University; Nancy Goehring, Monterey Peninsula College; Dawn Goellner, Bethel College; Robert Goldberg, Prince George’s Community College; Jeffrey Goldberg, MassBay Community College; Helen Grattan, Des Moines Area Community College; Barbara Grayson, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Deborah Griffin, University of Houston–Clear Lake; Alice Griswold, Clarke College; Bonnie Grossman, College of Charleston; Lisa Gueldenzoph, North Carolina A&T State University; Wally Guyot, Fort Hays State University; Valerie Harrison, Cuyamaca College; Tim Hartge, The University of Michigan–Dearborn; Richard Heiens, University of South Carolina–Aiken; Maureece Heinert, Sinte Gleska University; Leighanne Heisel, University of Missouri–St. Louis; Gary Helfand, University of Hawaii–West Oahu; Cynthia Herrera, Orlando Culinary Academy; Kathy Hill, Sam Houston State University; Pashia Hogan, Northeast State Tech Community College; Sarah Holmes, New England Institute of Technology; Ruth Hopkins Zajdel, Ohio University–Chillicothe; Michael Hricik, Westmoreland County Community College; Rebecca Hsiao, East Los Angeles College; Mary Ann Hurd, Sauk Valley Community College; Pat Hurley, Leeward Community College; Harold Hurry, Sam Houston State University; Marcia James, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater; Frank Jaster, Tulane University; Jonatan Jelen, Parsons The New School For Design; Irene Joanette Gallio, Western Nevada Community College; Mark Johnson, Rhodes State College; Joanne Kapp, Siena College; Jeanette A. Karjala, Winona State University; Christy L. Kinnion, Lenior Community College; Deborah Kitchin, City College of San A01_BOVE9715_05_SE_FMIE.QXD xxiv 11/20/10 4:05 PM Page xxiv Preface Francisco; Lisa Kirby, North Carolina Wesleyan College; Claudia Kirkpatrick, Carnegie Mellon University; Betty Kleen, Nicholls State University; Fran Kranz, Oakland University; Jana Langemach, University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Joan Lantry, Jefferson Community College; Kim Laux, Saginaw Valley State University; Ruth Levy, Westchester Community College; Nancy Linger, Moraine Park Technical College; Jere Littlejohn, University of Mississippi; Dana Loewy, California State University–Fullerton; Jennifer Loney, Portland State University; Susan Long, Portland Community College; Sue Loomis, Maine Maritime Academy; Thomas Lowderbaugh, University of Maryland–College Park; Jayne Lowery, Jackson State Community College; Lloyd Matzner, University of Houston–Downtown; Ron McNeel, New Mexico State University at Alamogordo; Dr. Bill McPherson, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Phyllis Mercer, Texas Woman’s University; Donna Meyerholz, Trinidad State Junior College; Annie Laurie I. Meyers, Northampton Community College; Catherine “Kay” Michael, St. Edward’s University; Kathleen Miller, University of Delaware; Gay Mills, Amarillo College; Julie Mullis, Wilkes Community College; Pamela Mulvey, Olney Central College; Jimidene Murphey, Clarendon College; Cindy Murphy, Southeastern Community College; Dipali Murti-Hali, California State University–Stanislaus; Shelley Myatt, University of Central Oklahoma; Cora Newcomb, Technical College of the Lowcountry; Ron Newman, Crafton Hills College; Linda Nitsch, Chadron State College; Leah Noonan, Laramie County Community College; Mabry O’Donnell, Marietta College; Diana Oltman, Central Washington University; Ranu Paik, Santa Monica College; Lauren Paisley, Genesee Community College; Patricia Palermo, Drew University; John Parrish, Tarrant County College; Diane Paul, TVI Community College; John T. Pauli, University of Alaska–Anchorage; Michael Pennell, University of Rhode Island; Melinda Phillabaum, Indiana University; Ralph Phillips, Geneva College; Laura Pohopien, Cal Poly Pomona; Diane Powell, Utah Valley State College; Christine Pye, California Lutheran University; Norma Pygon, Triton College; Dave Rambow, Wayland Baptist University; Richard David Ramsey, Southeastern Louisiana University; Charles Riley, Tarrant County College–Northwest Campus; Jim Rucker, Fort Hays State University; Dr. Suzan Russell, Lehman College; Calvin Scheidt, Tidewater Community College; Nancy Schneider, University of Maine at Augusta; Brian Sheridan, Mercyhurst College; Bob Shirilla, Colorado State University; Joyce Simmons, Florida State University; Gordon J. Simpson, SUNY Cobleskill; Jeff Smith, University of Southern California; Eunice Smith, Bismarck State College; Harvey Solganick, LeTourneau University–Dallas campus; Stephen Soucy, Santa Monica College; Linda Spargo, University of Mississippi; W. Dees Stallings, Park University; Angelique Stevens, Monroe Community College; Steven Stovall, Wilmington College; Alden Talbot, Weber State University; Michele Taylor, Ogeechee Technical College; Wilma Thomason, MidSouth Community College; Ed Thompson, Jefferson Community College; Lori Townsend, Niagara County Community College; Lani Uyeno, Leeward Community College; Wendy Van Hatten, Western Iowa Tech Community College; Jay Wagers, Richmond Community College; Jie Wang, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chris Ward, The University of Findlay; Dorothy Warren, Middle Tennessee State University; Glenda Waterman, Concordia University; Kellie Welch, Jefferson Community College; Mathew Williams, Clover Park Technical College; Beth Williams, Stark State College of Technology; Brian Wilson, College of Marin; Sandra D. Young, Orangeburg–Calhoun Technical College; Kathryn J. Lee, University of Cincinnati; Sylvia Beaver Perez, Nyack College; Ann E. Tippett, Monroe Community College; Camille Girardi-Levy, Siena College; Cynthia Drexel, Western State College of Colorado; Edgar Dunson Johnson III, Augusta State University; Danielle Scane, Orange Coast College; Lynda K. Fuller, Wilmington University; Lydia E. Anderson, Fresno City College; Anita Leffel, The University of Texas, San Antonio. Reviewers of “Document Makeover” Feature We sincerely thank the following reviewers for their assistance with the Document Makeover feature: Lisa Barley, Eastern Michigan University; Marcia Bordman, Gallaudet University; Jean BushBacelis, Eastern Michigan University; Bobbye Davis, Southern Louisiana University; Cynthia Drexel, Western State College of Colorado; Kenneth Gibbs, Worcester State College; Ellen Leathers, Bradley University; Diana McKowen, Indiana University; Bobbie Nicholson, Mars Hill College; Andrew Smith, Holyoke Community College; Jay Stubblefield, North Carolina Wesleyan College; Dawn Wallace, Southeastern Louisiana University. Reviewers of Model Documents The many model documents in the text and their accompanying annotations received invaluable review from Dacia Charlesworth, Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne; Diane Todd Bucci, Robert Morris University; Estelle Kochis, Suffolk County Community College; Sherry Robertson, Arizona State University; Nancy Goehring, Monterey Peninsula College; James Hatfield, Florida Community College at Jacksonville; Avon Crismore, Indiana University. Personal Acknowledgments We wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to our many friends, acquaintances, and business associates who provided materials or agreed to be interviewed so that we could bring the real world into the classroom. A very special acknowledgment goes to George Dovel, whose superb writing skills, distinguished background, and wealth of business experience assured this project of clarity and completeness. Also, recognition and thanks to Jackie Estrada for her outstanding skills and excellent attention to details. Her creation of the “Peak Performance Grammar and Mechanics” material is especially noteworthy. Jill Gardner’s professionalism and keen eye for quality were invaluable. We also feel it is important to acknowledge and thank the Association for Business Communication, an organization whose meetings and publications provide a valuable forum for the exchange of ideas and for professional growth. Additionally, we would like to thank the supplement authors who prepared material for this new edition. They include: Gina Genova, University of California, Santa Barbara; Jackie Estrada, University of California, San Diego; Lori Cerreto; Jay Stubblefield, North Carolina Wesleyan College; Myles Hassell, University of New Orleans; Gordon Laws at PreMediaGlobal; Luz Costa; and the teams at ANSRSource.