Unit Overview

Effective writing depends on something more than basic composition skills, the ability to identify a topic, and the ability to frame a paragraph.  Writing that communicates effectively is written in a personal/social context that takes into account the nature of active listening (encoding), interpreting (decoding), and transmitting (the writing process).  Additionally, it requires an intuitive understanding of the working community that now extends around the world.  Writing effectively has become increasingly an exercise in nuance and subtlety.

Chapters 1 introduces the critical elements of the communication process and their complex relationships in a digital environment.

Chapter 2 explores the contexts of globalization and diversity and factors required for communicating successfully in teams often across cultures.

Chapter 3 reviews the characteristics of non-verbal communication.

Chapter 4 first explores the writing process in a business setting, emphasizing the importance of meeting the needs and expectations of the receiver.

Chapter 4.3 addresses stylistic issues and the conventions of cogent writing for the shop, the office, the plant, the organization, or the agency.

Assignments
Read Chapters 1 - 4
Complete Exercises 1a and 1b