MKT309 - Business Communication
Garrett, Spring 2014, In-class
This syllabus & course schedule is subject to change.
Business and professional communication: job search skills; collaboration; communication technology; verbal and
non-verbal strategies. Emphasis on effective persuasion, interpersonal, intercultural, and organizational strategies
through business styles, formats and presentations.
Course Instructor:
Ms. Dianne Garrett
377 Bryan Building
336.334.4473 (leave a message which is emailed to me)
drgarret@uncg.edu (best way to contact me)
Office hours: T/R at 1:45pm – 2:45pm (usually)
Twitter: Dianne_Garrett
RSS on the class website
Additional Support: The UNCG Writing Center, The UNCG Speaking Center
Credits: 3 hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing and admission to approved program.
Course Overview & Philosophy:
You are graded both on WHAT you say (content) and HOW you say it (delivery). In this class, we’ll practice our
writing, speaking and relating skills. This Writing Intensive & Speaking Intensive course is performance-based.
Since knowledge and skills improve through practice, you are graded on your performance activities, not on effort.
Said another way, you are measured on your resulting production.
This course is designed for your learning success:
1. It is sequenced – the learning of one topic leads to the next. (Don’t miss an assignment.)
2. It is sequenced at a steady pace which helps you not to procrastinate.
3. It is designed for a spirit of collaborative learning. Everyone helps everyone learn.
4. It is designed to offer you about five times the amount of feedback. Feedback is a key to learning.
5. You have activities that are practice and non-graded which prepare you for the graded assignments.
Our Bryan School mission is to develop students who stand out in the business world in two aspects: principled
leadership and exceptional problem-solving. This course will help you in both goals.
The Bryan School of Business and Economic Student Learning Goals:
1. Students will be skilled in critical thinking and decision-making, as supported by the appropriate use of
analytical and quantitative techniques.
2. Students can recognize and assess the ethical and social dimensions of management activities and evaluate
their impact on management decisions.
3. Students can communicate clearly and correctly, and can demonstrate collaborative and leadership skills.
4. Students understand the core organizational functions and activities and how they interrelate to accomplish
an organization’s major goals through effective processes.
5. Students can evaluate the role global markets have on management decisions and formulate appropriate
strategies to improve performance in the world economy.
MGT309 Student Outcomes: After successful completion of this course, you should:
1. Understand the importance of effective communication in the workplace.
2. Identify communication strategies to business situations.
3. Create responses to communication needs.
4. Conduct business research for evidence-based writings & presentations.
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“I went to the gym when I wanted to, and I went to the gym when I didn’t want to.” Muhammad Ali
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Use accurate documentation of sources.
Write concise and organized documents using the appropriate format.
Use the three step writing process.
Write reports based on the evaluation of data.
Develop and demonstrate effective oral presentations with verbal and nonverbal proficiencies.
Course Requirements:
1. Course text: Writing That Works by Oliu, Brusaw, and Alred, 11th edition
ISBN-10: 1-4576-1113-9 / ISBN-13: 978-1-4576-1113-1
Recommended text: Make to Stick by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
ISBN: 978-1-4000-6428-1
2. Recommended reference for writing rules: Stunk & White’s Elements of Style. Find it for FREE in our UNCG
library database at http://www.bartleby.com/141/.
3. Read and reference the course material on dgarrettcomm.com, our class website.
4. Mobius SLIP, Social Learning Information Platform, http://www.ctasit.com/Students.
5. Use your UNCG email account.
6. Check Blackboard for any adverse weather conditions as they occur.
7. You are expected to adhere to the UNCG Honor Code which can be found online at
http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu/. As your professor, I will hold you to your integrity.
8. Please review the faculty/student guidelines at http://www.uncg.edu/bae/faculty_student_guidelines.pdf.
The Student Code of Conduct short link is http://sa.uncg.edu/handbook/student-code-of-conduct.
9. Disruptive Behavior in the classroom: Any behavior that inhibits the learning process and or is
disruptive to the classroom environment will not be tolerated. Examples include but are not limited to:
excessive talking, eating, usage of cell phones, iPods, pagers, etc. inappropriate use of laptops, disrespect
for speakers (including classmates, guests, and instructor), sarcasm or aggressive language and or actions.
Instructors have the sole-authority to withdraw a student for disruptive behavior. Note: it is imperative that
you read, understand, and adhere to this policy which can be found online at
http://sa.uncg.edu/handbook/wp-content/uploads/disruptive_policy.pdf.
Course Policies & Procedures:
1. Attend class - some information is delivered orally only. In business, if you don’t show up on the
job, you will often get fired. In 309, if you don’t show up, YOU lower your grade. You choose
the consequences. I do not spend class time recording attendance.
2. Do not be late to class. While occasional life incidents affect our timeliness, habitual lateness is
noticed, is not acceptable. Habitual lateness shows disrespect for the class and instructor, and
leaving early is disruptive to the entire learning environment.
3. Turn off your cell phone when you first enter the room.
4. Mobius assignments open and close on a schedule. You are expected to adhere to the schedule.
No exceptions.
5. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: To establish reasonable accommodations,
students with disabilities are to contact the Office of Disability Services (334-5440) in the first
week of school.
6. Religious Observances: See your instructor if any class assignments conflict with your religious
practices.
7. Be prepared to bring your tablets or laptops to class for classwork, for note-taking, and class
assignments. You are, at all times, to be using them for class only. No Facebook checking, etc.
8. No eating in class. Drinking water in specific Bryan classrooms is permitted.
9. Submit all assignments as instructed – Student/Instructor Box or Mobius SLIP and/or hard copy.
10. Do not email any assignments to me; unless, you ask special permission, and I agree to that
delivery.
11. By enrolling in this course, you are agreeing to this timeline and responsibilities. All of us have
life situations to manage.
2
“I went to the gym when I wanted to, and I went to the gym when I didn’t want to.” Muhammad Ali
12. You need to do the Preparation & Participation work as scheduled in order to do your Mobius
work on-time. The Mobius deliverables have a strict deadline schedule and late work is
not accepted.
13. Email me with professionalism using appropriate tone. Always remember that I am your
authority and offer respect. Remember audience-centeredness too. I care about what you say
and how you say it. When you write me use appropriate paragraphing, capitalization, etc. If you
don’t, I may ask you to re-do your email before I answer your question.
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Final grades are rounded up to the next point at ‘.5’ and more only. For example, a 74.5 is rounded to a 75.
You are responsible to monitor your Blackboard grades.
Grades are non-negotiable.
Do not walk into the classroom during a student’s presentation; instead, wait till he/she is complete.
If you write using more than one passive voice construction after mid-term, I will reduce your Mobius grade
by a full letter grade. (Only exception is the Indirect Approach assignment.)
I review assignments in person only. Not via email. Visit during office hours or schedule an appointment
with me to personally review a paper.
Do not start packing your belongings until I indicate the class is complete.
Don’t say something electronically that you would not say in person to the instructor or to your classmates.
Smartphones are not acceptable vehicles for classroom exercises.
Do NOT ask for grade reconsideration at the end of course. No begs – for any reason, including an ‘A.’ Do
not tell me you are a 4.0 student with the intention to influence me to an ‘A’ grade.
Don’t misconstrue my comfort in the classroom as a relaxed standard.
No extra credit is offered on coursework.
No make-up work is offered.
Email Etiquette: I care about writing excellence and teach business writing, so when you write to me, do
your best. Include the following information:
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A greeting. For instance, Hi Professor Garrett.
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In-class or online section
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Strategic subject line that links to your first sentence
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Front-end loaded purpose.
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Use appropriate tone, at all times.
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Teaching Methods and Assignments:
The course website houses content, readings and templates. Blackboard is the administrative tool that informs to
course administration and some readings. You textbook is your course content and offers wonderful examples of
business documents. Direct communication with me is via email, phone, or in my office. Class time will be
interactive.
I frequently post to the class website (dgarrettcomm.com) information that helps you in your weekly assignments.
My suggestion is that you click the RSS feed and allow this helpful information to come directly to your inbox.
Additionally, I offer helpful information regarding communication and NeuroCommunication via Twitter. I invite you
to follow me.
Deliverables
Preparation/Participation/Verbal Quizzes
Speeches
Mobius Assignments
Self-critiques
Summative Portfolio with Letter of Transmittal
Total
Percentage of Final Grade
15%
15%
46%
6%
18%
100%
3
“I went to the gym when I wanted to, and I went to the gym when I didn’t want to.” Muhammad Ali
Preparation and Participation Activities: Post (via upload) these deliverables in the Student/Instructor
Box. All items posted on time that meet expectations/assignment target is ‘B’ work. Do all assignments,
graded or not-graded, as all the tasks are for your advancement. There is no such thing as busy work.
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Post (via upload) these deliverables in the Student/Instructor Box.
See the assignment list in Blackboard and/or on the course schedule.
Visit the Speaking Center for your first speech. Post of copy of the document they give you.
Visit the Writing Center during the second half of the course. Ask the consultant to send you a
copy of the email as well. Post of a copy of this email.
Grading will be completed at the end of term.
In-class Verbal Quizzes: Another reason to attend class is that I will randomly call on students to give a
verbal accounting of a reading. Be able to offer the following information:
1. Context: What was the reading about?
2. Detail(s): What specific detail(s) was impactful to you? Think for yourself and be ready to offer
your thoughts in a positive emotional tone.
3. Application: How will you apply this information?
Speeches: In this course you will complete three speeches: two extemporaneous and one impromptu.
Part of your grade is completing and submitting the preparation documents. During the speeches, you will
participate by offering positive feedback to the speaker and/or be a timekeeper.
3 minute planned speeches: introduction ¼ of time, body ½ of time, conclusion 1/8 of time.
If you elect to not complete your graded speaking work, you will fail the course as our course is speaking
intensive.
You may not make up a speech. Do not miss your selected time.
While you may pick your topics (within the assignment parameters) you are NOT to choose a topic related
to religion, sex, politics or one that has ANY negativity. If you break this rule, you choose an ‘F’ grade on
the assignment.
Speaking Tips
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If you are feeling intensive anxiety, I invite you to talk with me.
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Get to know everyone’s name in class. You will be quizzed on it. Building the relationships helps most
everyone feel more comfortable presenting.
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From CST105, you should know aspects of your delivery that need performance improvement. It is
better to work on one behavior at a time.
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If you speak with an accent, consider speaking a little slower to give the audience listening
interpretation time.
Mobius Social Learning Information Platform: (www.ctasit.com)
Mobius SLIP is a learning management technology tool that builds your critical thinking, creativity and
communication skills. By using this new technology, you are expected to advance your skills and therefore
result in advanced marketplace competiveness. UNCG business school is committed to graduating students
who are exceptional problem-solvers.
Your responsibility to each other is to offer your best information (critique) to help a colleague succeed.
While you have individual contribution, your contribution to others is significant. When you are part of a
team in business, you must learn how to offer your expertise and advance others at the same time. Mobius
provides you this environment for practice. Our intention is bettered community performance. You will see
many right ways and wrong ways of performance.
4
“I went to the gym when I wanted to, and I went to the gym when I didn’t want to.” Muhammad Ali
You must complete all three phases to score a passing grade for the assignment. You will (1) post your
deliverable (work document, video, etc.) as instructed, (2) give narrative feedback to your group peers with
a ranking, and (3) rank the usefulness of the feedback your received. Analytics are computed from the
scoring and are a base to your grade. After reviewing the Artifact, Benchmarks/Critiques, I will post your
final grade to Blackboard.
Each assignment has three responsibilities which have strict non-negotiable deadlines. The
Benchmark/Critique stage is equally important to the Artifact. Do NOT underestimate the value of the
feedback section to each other and to your achievement. Generally, it takes about the same amount of
time to do A and B. Component three generally takes about 15 minutes only. You can think of the Artifact
as the CREATION phase, and the Benchmarking/Critiques and Concordance as the EVALUATION phase.
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Deliverable A - Artifact (most often due on Tuesday 11:55pm)
Deliverable B - Benchmarking/ Critiques (which includes a self-critique) (mostly often due
Thursday 11:55pm)
Deliverable C- Concordance (most often due on Sunday11:55pm)
I review the peer scoring and post a final grade to Blackboard.
Do NOT show your name in your artifact or in your filename. The groups are purposely blind in
engagement.
The quality of your feedback is a significant part of your Mobius grade. Give excellent feedback which
means give helpful truthful information. It’s a good venue for practicing delivering negative information
which is very important in business. I often say those that are successful in business are people who
can deliver bad news that does not destroy relationships.
If you miss posting your Artifact, you can still participate in the Benchmark/Critique stage only and
therefore receive partial credit.
You will have a significant penalty for missing posting the Concordance which will result in a failure
score.
If you receive feedback that simply states ‘good job,’ you are to rate that feedback low (not helpful).
Empty flattery is a learning waste.
You will be asked to pay the license user fee when you post your first assignment.
Do not tell someone they did well and then rank them low on the Slider. It’s an integrity error.
Mobius has a plagiarism reporting feature. Triple check your citing work as you have multiple reviewers
checking your performance.
If you suspect a peer for plagiarism, please raise that flag and I will take it from there. The flag does
not affect any scoring decisions for the giver or the receiver.
You are to write an extensive and thoughtful four paragraph self-critique – an example will be provided.
This is a separately graded deliverable on each Mobius assignment.
Sometimes, students tell me that they believe peers are retaliating in their scoring, but that is not
possible. Peer scoring is not released till the unit is closed.
I read the artifacts and the feedback as well. While not every post gets an instructor comment, know
that I am reading and watching. Don’t be a student who posts the same comments to every peer
thinking that I am not reading the works.
Research Report & Information Literacy: You will have a class in the library with our business librarian, Mr.
Steve Cramer. This is a course requirement. The research project assignment will be announced in
Blackboard, will be submitted via Mobius & your Summative Portfolio. The topic is cultural communication
intelligence.
Self-critiques: In Mobius, you are to write a four paragraph well-developed self-critique and reflection in
first person to me and you on each Mobius assignment. Offer ideas for improvement. This is graded
separately from your Mobius scores.
Writing Tips
5
“I went to the gym when I wanted to, and I went to the gym when I didn’t want to.” Muhammad Ali
Your peers and I give feedback to help you improve your writing and speaking; learn to welcome the
information. Take the feedback as a gift instead of sitting in any negative feelings that may result in you
underperforming (a lower grade). If you don’t understand your feedback, contact me instead of sitting in
frustration as the emotion of frustration may impede your thinking and therefore your learning.
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Remember too, it is your decision what information you apply and what information you don’t apply;
however, one hint to help decide which information to apply is to look for what is said to you in multiple
ways. This ability to discern helpful information is a vital business skill.
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All writing assignments are to be in at least three paragraphs (except the resume): an introduction, a
body (can be more than one), and a conclusion. If you write in less than three paragraphs, you’ll
receive an ‘F’ score on that assignment.
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Draft (or formative) assignments are not optional.
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All work (except the Job Search Unit) is to be completed in Tahoma 10 point font and single-spaced.
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Don’t change the formatting (including margins and font size) to attempt to create an illusion of
meeting the document requirements. I have read enough documents to discern this attempt.
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Don’t ask for re-do work as the course already has formative and summative rounds.
Summative Portfolio & Letter of Transmittal: You are to re-do your Mobius writing assignments and
turn them in hard copy and spiral bound (clear front and black back – usually costs less than $5). In
bettering your documents, simply correcting a few items will not be enough. Additionally, you are to cut
the word count by 15 to 20% (unless your feedback is that you need to boost your content.)
The composite work is to have a cover document - a letter of transmittal – a memo written to me
referencing contents from your self-critiques and your course goals. Additionally, you are to comment on
our three foci: business writing, business speaking and relating.
No other presentation format will be accepted. No late submissions will be accepted.
Grading: Your grades are held in the Blackboard Gradebook. Grades are non-negotiable.
Because this is a skills course, you are held accountable to skill development as learning progresses. This means
grading gets more rigorous as we move forward. An ‘A’ on the first assignment is not ‘A’ quality on the final
assignment, meaning as we progress through the course you are held accountable for higher level performance.
+
-
A – Exceeds
Expectations
B – Achieves
Expectations
100 - 97
96 - 94
93 - 90
89 - 87
86 - 84
83 - 80
A
Exceeds
Expectations
Expands assignment
into excellence, adds
creativity.
C – Working
Toward
Expectations
79 - 77
76 - 74
73 - 70
B
Meets Expectations
Complete all that is
required with high quality
D - Below
F–
Below
69 - 67
66 - 64
63 - 60
59>
C
Working Toward
Expectations
Complete the work with a
few areas for improvement
D/F
Below Expectations
Did not meet the assignment
requirements
6
“I went to the gym when I wanted to, and I went to the gym when I didn’t want to.” Muhammad Ali
+ (plus)
Exceeds Expectations
Null
Meets Expectations
(a few un-impactful errors)
1. (minus)
Working Toward Expectations
A few impactful errors
7
“I went to the gym when I wanted to, and I went to the gym when I didn’t want to.” Muhammad Ali
Course Schedule
Stay alert and as changes will be made as we move through the course. While some of your Preparation
assignments are listed here, reference Blackboard for your responsibilities. Mobius assignment information is located
in the Mobius Software and in Blackboard.
Date
Before Class: Preparation
Class Agenda
Show up.
Mobius & Assignments
Submit as assigned.
1.1
Jan 14
1.
2.
Welcome
How can I be successful in this course?
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Why is this class important?
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Review course, course responsibilities, etc.
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Course Goals
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Review Blackboard, Class Website
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Names
Academic Integrity
Goals
Current Resume (Student Profile)
Welcome
Can I really be comfortable public speaking?
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Complete Welcome, Decision Fatigue, Names
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Business Speaking & Nonverbal
Select a company that you would like to
work for. Review their website and
post your related thoughts.
3.
4.
1.2
Jan 16
Read syllabus & course schedule
Post due dates to your personal
calendar, review class website &
Blackboard.
Be prepared to answer ‘What is the
most important item in the
syllabus?”
Be prepared to answer ‘What is
your ideal job?’ Be able to name a
company.
Read the WTW chapter on giving
instructions – what chapter is this?
2.1
Jan 21
Business Speaking, continued
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Review Mobius
2.2
Jan 23
Why is Audience-centeredness the most
important concept in the course?
Audience Analysis Worksheet
Audience Analysis Worksheet
5Minute Personality Test
3.1
Jan 28
Academic Writing to Business Writing – What is
the difference?
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3 - Speech 1
Mobius A1: Audience Analysis
Worksheet and Video Speech Case
Analysis.
3.2
Jan 30
How to DO business writing. Get ready for a long
list of actions.
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3 - Speech 1
4.1
Feb 4
The joy
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4.2
Feb 6
Review the documents. Be prepared to
offer your feedback.
5.1
Feb 11
5.2
Feb 13
What are the different writing strategies
of the authors? What writing tactics
reveal their personality?
and pain of feedback
Mobius & Giving Feedback
Self-critiques/Reflections
3 - Speech 1
Ms. Garrett’s Writing Grading Demonstration
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3 - Speech 1
Walk-the-little-girl-across the street
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3 - Speech 1
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Organization Preparation: CSW worksheet
Mobius A2: Goodwill
Let’s Practice: Workshop on Strategic
Organization of a Message
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Speech Analysis
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3 - Speech 1
Speeches Exercise
8
“I went to the gym when I wanted to, and I went to the gym when I didn’t want to.” Muhammad Ali
6.1
Feb 18
6.2
Feb 20
What is emotional intelligence? What is
emotional regulation?
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3 - Speech 1
Read the case.
Let’s Practice: Workshop On Strategic Tone,
Organization And Persuasion
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3 - Speech 2
7.1
Feb 25
7.2
Feb 27
Mobius A3: CSW & How to
Successful Business People deliver bad news
without destroying relationships.
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3 – Speech 1
Read the Research Report
assignment. Be prepared to offer
your thoughts and questions.
Let’s Practice: Workshop Negative Messaging
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3 - Speech 1
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Intro to Research Report
8.1
Mar 4
How can the Business Librarian help me on my
Research Project?
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3 - Speech 1
8.2
Mar 6
Let’s start: Creating a Workplan
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3 - Speech 1
Happy Spring Break
9.1
Mar
9+
Mobius A4: CSW & Tone
Emotional Inventory Worksheet
10.1
Mar 18
Audience-centeredness: Cultural Communication
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3 - Speech 2 – Special Topics Day
10.2
Mar 20
What? A Report Frame? What is that?
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3 - Speech 2
Mobius A5: CSW & Negative Case
Speech Planning 1 & Handout
Speech 1 video and comments
Speaking Center
CQ Assessment
Mobius A6: Research Business Paper
Work Plan
11.1
Mar 25
Find a job that you want to apply for.
How do I demonstrate I am ready for this job?
Application Letter
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3 - Speech 2
Mobius A7: Research Business Paper
Formative Frame
11.2
Mar 27
Research your chosen company.
How can the Business Librarian help me on my
job search? (Annual Report Review)
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3 - Speech 2
Job Solicitation and notation of top
three audience requirements. Read the
Letter to the Stockholders in the Annual
Report of your chosen company.
12.1
Apr 1
Craft my Persuasive Resume
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3 - Speech 2
12.2
Apr 3
Craft my Persuasive Resume
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3 - Speech 2
13.1
Apr 8
Let’s Polish: Workshop on Application
Letter/Resume
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3- Speech 2
13.2
Apr 10
Model the Way: Let’s look at Different Reports
Textbook, Annual Reports, Others
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3- Speech 2
14.1
Apr 15
Let’s Polish: Workshop on your Research Report
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3- Speech 2
14.2
Apr 17
How do I write a great Letter of
Transmittal/Reflection assignment?
Mobius A8: Resume & CSW &
Application Letter
Mobius A9: Research Business
Formative Report
9
“I went to the gym when I wanted to, and I went to the gym when I didn’t want to.” Muhammad Ali
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3- Speech 2
15.1
Apr 22
The Boss asks you to present in a meeting Impromptu Presenting
15.2
Apr 24
Wrap Up –
Review Course Objectives
Summative Portfolio with Letter of
Transmittal and CSW
Writing Center
Speech Planning 2
Speech 2 video and comments
10
“I went to the gym when I wanted to, and I went to the gym when I didn’t want to.” Muhammad Ali