Teaching Business Communication

Change How You Listen During Business Communications

"Due to a general lack of awareness about the nature of listening, both speakers and listeners are using the same faulty assumptions. Speakers assume that the listener has heard what they said as they intended it. Listeners assume that they have interpreted accurately. In other words, both sides are sure they are right and are convinced that the communication was successfully transmitted. But if a problem arises out of a miscommunication, who is typically blamed for it?"

"I have noticed over the decades in my work with clients, from a variety of professions and cultures, that we all share something in common; if there is a miscommunication, most of us blame the listener for not listening correctly. I challenge that. . . ."

April 2, 2018

Read the full article by Sherwood Fleming (photo, left) . . .

9 Tools to Help You Create a Proposal [Free & Paid]

Looking for help with your next proposal?

Preparing a proposal is an important but often daunting task. From preparation, to design, to review, there are many stages to achieve a winning bid.

April 1, 2018

Recommended Book: Unleash the Power of Storytelling

I expect a book on communication—which is what storytelling is—to teach me something new or remind me of truths I had better not forget. Rob Biesenbach’s Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results surpassed my expectations,…

March 27, 2018

Do You Know That You Have a Unique Communication Style?

"Communication is like the air we breathe; it is transparent. When we are speaking our native language we all assume that how we communicate is good enough. Few of us consider that how we write, speak and listen has evolved over our lifetimes. There are five key influences that have formed our style: genetics, family, culture, education and profession. Here are the kinds of questions I have my clients explore when working with me. Answer them for yourself to discover the influences on your unique communication style."

March 26, 2018

Read the full article by Sherwood Fleming (photo, left) . . .

10 Etiquette Tips for Business Text Messages

Texting customers, colleagues, clients, and others is mainstream business behavior. But with regular use, there can be abuse. Don’t text just because you can. Text because people want or need to hear from you, and make the messages convenient for…

March 20, 2018

What is Technical Writing? [New Definition for 2018]

Are you looking to understand what technical writing is and how you can become more proficient?

Technical writing continues to be a highly coveted skill in the professional workplace. Demand is expected to grow at 10% from 2014 to 2024. This is faster than the average for all occupations.

In this article we will show you an average day for a technical writer, how to improve your skills when writing complex documents, and why the field is quickly changing.

March 19, 2018

This Is How I Went from Working on Dictionaries to Working in Tech

Abby Wolfe tells the story of Erin McKean (photo, left) who went from lexicographer to start-up founder.

March 19, 2018

Read the full article . . .

Online Magazine: Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course

Teaching a Modern Business Communication Couse is an online magazine by Bovee & Thill, authors of the leading textbooks in business communication, featuring resources for business communication and business writing instructors. Recent posts include

Do You Know the Key Topics That Are Disrupting Business Communication Course Content and Altering Lectures?
The Top Ten Words of the Year As Selected by Merriam-Webster
20 Words That You're Probably Using Incorrectly
27 Fascinating Maps That Show How Americans Speak English Differently Across the U.S.
If You Want Students to Pay Attention, Use an Ugly Font Like Comic Sans
27 Ways the Business Communication Course Can Help Your Students
12 Words You and Your Students May Be Mispronouncing

March 16, 2018

I.e. or E.g. — Which Do You Choose?

Do you use the abbreviations i.e. and e.g. in your business writing? Do you use them interchangeably, or does each expression have its place? How would you define them if a child asked you what they meant? To think about…

March 14, 2018

Professional Tone in Business Writing [A Guide for 2018]

tone in writing

“But, does it have the right tone?”

You’ve likely asked yourself this question, if not your colleagues or friends. And it’s not an easy one. Business writing is challenging not only to communicate the intention, but to communicate it in the right way.