Agenda
Roll call and enrollment
Course overview
Introduction to key concepts
Futura case discussion
LHC 320 Course Information
 Professor: Andrea Perry
 Phone: 936-1332
 E-mail:
aandrea@umich.edu
 Office: D3260
 Hours: T,Th 12-1
 Assignments
 CourseTools
Course goals
Analyze communication situations and choose
effective message channels
Select and organize information to achieve
objectives
Use technology effectively
Develop a set of writing strategies
Evaluate written and oral documents
Create effective arguments
Getting to know you
Pick a partner whom
you do not know
Talk for 5-10 minutes
Prepare a 1-2 minute
professional
introduction of your
partner
What is “good writing”?
 In a group of three or four,
come up with a prioritized list
of the five most important
characteristics of “good
writing”
 Answer the question, “Are
these characteristics of all
good writing?”
 Which ones do you think apply
most strongly to business
writing? Why?
 Be prepared to report to the
class
Effective business writing...
Is focused on an objective
Is focused on the reader’s needs
Can’t be separated from the situation
Can look very different at different times
Futura Case discussion
 In a small group (3-5
people), read the Futura
Case
 Begin by discussing what
action(s) you would take
in this situation
 Tuesday we will complete
the questions
Assignment
Read Chapter 1 and Appendix B in EBC
Write a draft of the memo part of the Baseline
Evaluation Portfolio
Drafts should be typed, double-spaced, and
ready for peer review (accurate spelling, no
typos, coherent thought)
Baseline Evaluation Portfolio
 Due January 11
 Part 1: biographical statement
A brief, professional self-introduction
Examples: look at annual reports, loan proposals, SEC filings,
book jackets
 Part 2: sample of real-world business writing
Examples: choose a cover letter, thank you, acceptance letter,
memo or report from internship, etc.
 Part 3: descriptive memo (draft due January 9)
An analysis of your writing in context
Think about writing you’ll do in your career
Baseline Evaluation Portfolio
Audience: professor
Objective: to create a positive, professional
“first impression”
Context: academic (this class)
Channel: written documents