Teaching Business Communication

The rise of digital, social, and visual media has fundamentally transformed how businesses communicate with their audiences and build meaningful connections. To prepare students for success in this fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape, it’s essential that business communication textbooks address the critical skills needed to navigate these mediums effectively. From crafting impactful digital messages to leveraging social platforms and creating compelling visuals, today’s professionals require a robust foundation.

This quiz helps you evaluate whether your current textbook covers the essential AI-driven tools and strategies students need to succeed. Answer the following 20 “yes” or “no” questions to see how your textbook measures up in preparing students for the future of business communication.

1. Does your textbook explain how AI tools optimize email subject lines for engagement and clarity?  

2. Does your textbook show how AI automates email drafting and improves tone and readability?  

3. Does your textbook include how AI-driven messaging systems enhance collaboration and productivity?  

4. Does your textbook highlight how AI analytics help track and improve digital media performance?  

5. Does your textbook discuss how AI generates audience-specific digital content efficiently?  

6. Does your textbook explain how AI tools assist in creating, scheduling, and managing social media posts?

7. Does your textbook demonstrate how AI analyzes social media engagement metrics to refine strategies?  

8. Does your textbook include guidance on using AI for sentiment analysis in social media monitoring?  

9. Does your textbook show how AI supports A/B testing to evaluate and improve social media content?  

10. Does your textbook explore how AI tools enhance influencer outreach and campaign management?  

11. Does your textbook explain how AI generates visual content, such as infographics, tailored to audience needs?  

12. Does your textbook demonstrate how AI streamlines the creation of visually appealing slides and presentations?  

13. Does your textbook include examples of AI tools that assist with data visualization for reports and presentations?  

14. Does your textbook teach how AI can create culturally sensitive and inclusive visual content?  

15. Does your textbook explore the role of AI in simplifying video production for digital media?  

16. Does your textbook explain how AI tools improve accessibility with features like captions and alt text for visuals?  

17. Does your textbook discuss how AI identifies trends and patterns in social media data?  

18. Does your textbook highlight ethical considerations of using AI in social media and digital marketing?  

19. Does your textbook show how AI personalizes social media responses for customer engagement?  

20. Does your textbook provide case studies or examples of AI’s role in creating impactful digital, social, and visual media?  

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it’s time to face reality: your textbook is out of date and failing to keep pace with today’s business communication demands.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven landscape, students require a textbook that not only keeps pace with innovation but empowers them to leverage AI as a transformative tool. Imagine the impact of an approach that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge AI concepts into your course, equipping your students with the practical skills and forward-thinking mindset needed to excel in the real world. Elevate your curriculum and set your students apart by preparing them to thrive in an AI-powered future.

Business communication instructors and their students can step into the future of business communication with the new, groundbreaking 16th edition of Business Communication Today— where artificial intelligence meets time-tested principles. For the first time, artificial intelligence (AI) is seamlessly integrated into every chapter, making this the first business communication text on the market to offer comprehensive AI coverage. Order an examination copy today.
 

From a student's frustration with complex design software emerged one of technology's most transformative success stories. Melanie Perkins, while teaching graphic design at university in Perth, Australia, observed her students spending entire semesters just learning where buttons were located in professional design programs. This pain point sparked a revolutionary idea: what if design could be accessible to everyone?

Along with co-founders Cliff Obrecht and Cameron Adams, Perkins turned this vision into Canva, a platform that has democratized design for the digital age. What began as a modest solution for yearbook creation has exploded into a global phenomenon, with nearly 200 million users across 190 countries creating 15 billion designs in over 100 languages.

Canva's timing couldn't be better, positioning itself at the confluence of two powerful trends reshaping business communication: the dominance of visual content and the rise of artificial intelligence. The platform has become indispensable for professionals across industries, from marketing to human resources, who need to create polished visual materials without traditional design training.

While professional graphic designers remain essential for complex creative work, Canva has pioneered what it calls the "visual economy" – a world where basic design capabilities are becoming as fundamental as email skills in the workplace. Through AI-enabled tools and intuitive interfaces, Canva has transformed design from an exclusive professional skill into an accessible language that anyone can speak, fundamentally changing how we communicate in the digital age.

NOTE: This story about Canva is a summarization of the chapter-opening vignette, Communication Close-Up, that appears exclusively in Chapter 9 of Business Communication Today, 16th Edition, by Bovee and Thill (Pearson). At the end of the chapter is a Communication Challenge that gives students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world scenario at Canva, enhancing critical thinking and practical application skills while reinforcing the key concepts covered in the chapter​.
 

Business communication instructors and their students can step into the future of business communication with the new, groundbreaking 16th edition of Business Communication Today by Courtland Bovee and John Thill—where artificial intelligence meets time-tested principles. For the first time, artificial intelligence (AI) is seamlessly integrated into every chapter, making this the first business communication textbook on the market to offer comprehensive AI coverage.

Neuroscience Meets Business Communication Education

This text integrates research-based principles from neuroscience to enhance learning.  This innovative approach aligns with how the brain learns, retains, and applies information, transforming how business communication is taught and mastered. Imagine students who don’t just memorize concepts but confidently apply them. With engagement soaring and retention deepening, your classroom is where communication skills are mastered for life. Give your students the neuroscience advantage. Join leading colleges and universities already seeing remarkable results with our neuroscience-based approach.

From a student's frustration with complex design software emerged one of technology's most transformative success stories. Melanie Perkins, while teaching graphic design at university in Perth, Australia, observed her students spending entire semesters just learning where buttons were located in professional design programs. This pain point sparked a revolutionary idea: what if design could be accessible to everyone?

Along with co-founders Cliff Obrecht and Cameron Adams, Perkins turned this vision into Canva, a platform that has democratized design for the digital age. What began as a modest solution for yearbook creation has exploded into a global phenomenon, with nearly 200 million users across 190 countries creating 15 billion designs in over 100 languages.

Canva's timing couldn't be better, positioning itself at the confluence of two powerful trends reshaping business communication: the dominance of visual content and the rise of artificial intelligence. The platform has become indispensable for professionals across industries, from marketing to human resources, who need to create polished visual materials without traditional design training.

While professional graphic designers remain essential for complex creative work, Canva has pioneered what it calls the "visual economy" – a world where basic design capabilities are becoming as fundamental as email skills in the workplace. Through AI-enabled tools and intuitive interfaces, Canva has transformed design from an exclusive professional skill into an accessible language that anyone can speak, fundamentally changing how we communicate in the digital age.

NOTE: This story about Canva is a summarization of the chapter-opening vignette, Communication Close-Up, that appears exclusively in Chapter 9 of Business Communication Today, 16th Edition, by Bovee and Thill (Pearson). At the end of the chapter is a Communication Challenge that gives students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world scenario at Canva, enhancing critical thinking and practical application skills while reinforcing the key concepts covered in the chapter​.
 

Business communication instructors and their students can step into the future of business communication with the new, groundbreaking 16th edition of Business Communication Today by Courtland Bovee and John Thill—where artificial intelligence meets time-tested principles. For the first time, artificial intelligence (AI) is seamlessly integrated into every chapter, making this the first business communication textbook on the market to offer comprehensive AI coverage.

Neuroscience Meets Business Communication Education

This text integrates research-based principles from neuroscience to enhance learning.  This innovative approach aligns with how the brain learns, retains, and applies information, transforming how business communication is taught and mastered. Imagine students who don’t just memorize concepts but confidently apply them. With engagement soaring and retention deepening, your classroom is where communication skills are mastered for life. Give your students the neuroscience advantage. Join leading colleges and universities already seeing remarkable results with our neuroscience-based approach.

A mischievous cat makes a daring escape from a fishmonger’s shop, clutching its prize—a fresh fish gleaming in its jaws. This playful scene captures the potential of AI-generated imagery, blending creativity and realism seamlessly to tell unexpected visual stories.

AI-powered image generation continues to advance, offering cutting-edge tools that transform creative processes across industries. Business communication specialists can now leverage these platforms for various tasks, including content creation and business communication instruction. Some offer their services for free. Below are key developments and innovative tools shaping the current landscape.

Key AI Image Generators

1. DALL-E 3: This version boasts enhanced photorealism and superior text interpretation, integrated into Microsoft’s Designer and Bing Image Creator. It’s ideal for crafting precise visuals that enhance business communication instruction, from presentation graphics to product illustrations.

2. Ideogram: This tool excels in generating both visuals and text-rich images. With its Magic Prompt feature, users can optimize input prompts, making it highly effective for educational settings, such as developing infographics and instructional materials.

3. Craiyon: Known for accessibility, Craiyon offers a free platform that allows quick visual prototyping. It can be a valuable resource for educators looking to create visual aids for classroom activities or business communication instruction sessions.

4. Canva AI: Canva’s AI features facilitate the creation of branded communications. Its templates and image-generation tools streamline content development, making it a go-to for instructors managing social media pages or newsletters.

5. Runway AI: Specializing in video creation, Runway AI empowers business communication professionals to produce polished instructional videos and video presentations, essential for e-learning and digital communication strategies.

6. Imagine Art: Focused on creative output, Imagine Art enables users to produce diverse imagery for unique marketing campaigns and instructional presentations, supporting both corporate and educational environments【9†source】.

How AI Image Generators Can Be Used in Business Communication

• Visual Storytelling for Instruction: AI-generated images enhance the delivery of complex topics in business communication instruction by providing visual support that aids comprehension.

• Customized Marketing Campaigns: With tools like Canva AI and DALL-E 3, professionals can develop personalized visuals aligned with brand narratives or seasonal themes.

• Content Development and Social Media: These platforms streamline the creation of blog graphics, infographics, and social media visuals, ensuring a cohesive content strategy.

• Training and Educational Materials: Runway AI and Canva AI are instrumental in producing e-learning modules, instructional videos, and interactive presentations for business communication instruction.

• Rapid Prototyping and Brainstorming Sessions: Ideogram and Craiyon support idea visualization, making them useful in workshops, meetings, and educational settings for concept illustration and mockups.

AI image generation tools offer immense potential for enhancing business communication instruction and engaging with diverse audiences. As the technology evolves, these platforms empower professionals to blend creativity with efficiency, ensuring impactful communication across all channels. By integrating these tools into their work, instructors and communication specialists can create visually compelling and effective educational materials tailored to their audience’s needs.
 

How Excellence in Business Communication Prepares Students for the Age of AI Image Generation

Excellence in Business Communication is an ideal textbook for integrating AI image generation into business communication courses due to its focus on practical skills, emerging trends, and real-world application. This text emphasizes how digital tools enhance communication, aligning perfectly with the use of AI-generated visuals in professional and educational settings. As businesses increasingly adopt AI technologies for content creation, this book ensures students are well-prepared to navigate these innovations.

AI image generators, like DALL-E 3, Canva AI, and Runway AI, offer new ways to create engaging presentations, marketing content, and instructional materials. Excellence in Business Communication encourages students to explore multimodal communication strategies, including visual and digital literacy, fostering the skills necessary to integrate these tools effectively.

The textbook's focus on ethics and responsible communication aligns with discussions on copyright and AI usage, critical issues as students learn to generate and use AI-based content. Through activities that simulate real-world scenarios, the book encourages students to apply AI tools creatively while maintaining professionalism.

By using this text alongside AI generators, students develop both technical proficiency and communication strategies essential in today’s AI-driven environment, ensuring they stay competitive and adaptive in evolving business environments.

 
Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful business. In today's fast-paced world, understanding how our brains process information is crucial for crafting compelling messages, influencing decisions, and fostering productive relationships. Neuroscience, the study of the brain and nervous system, offers valuable insights into how we can optimize communication strategies to achieve these goals.

Decoding Decision-Making: Leveraging Loss Aversion

At the core of every business decision lies the brain's intricate decision-making process. Neuroscience reveals that our brains often rely on shortcuts and heuristics, also known as "mental rules of thumb," to simplify complex choices. This can lead to biases, but understanding these mechanisms allows us to frame information in ways that resonate with our brains' decision-making centers.

One powerful strategy is leveraging loss aversion, the tendency for individuals to feel the pain of a loss more strongly than the pleasure of an equivalent gain. By framing a proposal in terms of what customers stand to lose if they don't choose your product or service, you can create a sense of urgency and increase the likelihood of a positive decision. For example, a marketing campaign could highlight the potential consequences of not updating to a new software version, rather than simply focusing on the benefits of the upgrade. This concept of loss aversion was first demonstrated by Kahneman and Tversky in their seminal work on prospect theory (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979).

Capturing Attention and Memory: Chunking and Visuals

The brain's capacity for attention is limited, making it challenging to convey information effectively in a world of constant distractions. Neuroscience-informed strategies can help us overcome this obstacle. Chunking information into smaller, manageable units, allows the brain to process it more readily, improving both attention and memory. For example, a complex presentation can be broken down into key points, each with its own supporting information, making it easier for the audience to follow and remember.

Visual aids, like diagrams, charts, and images, are particularly effective for engaging the brain and enhancing retention. Studies have shown that visual information is processed faster and remembered more easily than text alone. A sales pitch that utilizes visuals to illustrate key data points or product features will be more memorable and impactful than one solely reliant on words. The effectiveness of visual aids in communication is supported by research on the picture superiority effect, which shows that pictures are remembered better than words (Paivio & Csapo, 1973).

Harnessing the Power of Emotions: Crafting Messages that Connect

Emotions play a crucial role in how we perceive and process information. Research has shown that emotional responses often precede rational thought. By tapping into this connection, effective communicators can craft messages that evoke specific emotional states, enhancing engagement and receptivity.

For example, a company promoting a charitable cause might use visuals and storytelling to evoke feelings of empathy and inspire viewers to donate. Similarly, a sales presentation aimed at building excitement for a new product can use vivid language and imagery to create a sense of anticipation and desire. This approach aligns with the somatic marker hypothesis proposed by Damasio, which suggests that emotional processes guide behavior and decision-making (Damasio et al., 1996).

Mitigating Cognitive Biases: Recognizing and Counteracting Distortions

Cognitive biases, ingrained patterns of thinking, can significantly distort our perceptions and decisions. Understanding these biases allows communicators to develop strategies to mitigate their impact.

Confirmation bias, for example, leads us to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs. Presenting diverse viewpoints, even if they challenge our own, can help counter this bias and ensure that decisions are made based on a more complete understanding of the situation.

Anchoring effect refers to our tendency to rely heavily on the first piece of information we receive, even if it's irrelevant. Presenting data visually, with clear comparisons and trends, can help reduce the anchoring effect and promote a more objective analysis. The impact of cognitive biases on decision-making has been extensively studied by behavioral economists like Dan Ariely, who demonstrates how predictably irrational our choices can be (Ariely, 2008).

Building Trust and Credibility: Applying Neuroscience to Persuasion

Persuasion and influence are vital skills in the business world. Neuroscience offers valuable insights into the neural basis of trust and credibility, emphasizing the importance of factors like consistency, expertise, and social proof.

Communicating consistently, both verbally and nonverbally, builds a sense of reliability and trustworthiness. Sharing your expertise and demonstrating a genuine understanding of the audience's needs fosters credibility. Leveraging social proof, such as testimonials or endorsements from trusted sources, can also enhance the persuasiveness of your message. Research in social neuroscience has identified specific brain regions involved in trust and credibility assessment, such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (Krueger et al., 2007).

The Importance of Nonverbal Communication: Aligning Words with Actions

Nonverbal communication, encompassing facial expressions, gestures, and body language, often conveys more information than words alone. Neuroscience has revealed the intricate ways our brains process these signals, highlighting their impact on communication effectiveness.

Matching verbal and nonverbal cues creates a more coherent and impactful message. A confident handshake, a genuine smile, and open body language reinforce trust and engagement. Conversely, inconsistencies between verbal and nonverbal cues can create confusion and undermine credibility. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have shown that nonverbal cues activate specific brain regions associated with emotion processing and social cognition (Frith & Frith, 2006).

Adapting to Diverse Cognitive Preferences: Tailoring Communication for Maximum Impact

Information processing varies significantly among individuals. Some are visual learners who prefer images and diagrams, while others are auditory learners who respond well to spoken words and music. Still, others are kinesthetic learners who learn best through hands-on experience and physical movement.

Understanding these differences allows communicators to adapt their style to cater to diverse cognitive preferences. For example, a training session might incorporate a mix of visual presentations, interactive exercises, and hands-on activities to cater to a range of learning styles, ensuring that the information resonates with a broader audience. It's worth noting that the concept of learning styles, while popular, has been challenged by some researchers who argue for a more evidence-based approach to educational practices (Pashler et al., 2008).

Managing Stress for Optimal Performance: Leveraging Neuroscience to Improve Communication Under Pressure

Stress can significantly impact our cognitive function and communication effectiveness. Neuroscience provides insights into managing stress responses, helping us optimize performance in high-pressure situations like presentations or negotiations.

Techniques like controlled breathing, mindfulness exercises, and reframing negative thoughts can help calm the nervous system and improve focus, clarity, and communication skills. By learning to manage stress effectively, we can ensure that our communication remains clear, confident, and persuasive, even in challenging environments. Techniques like mindfulness meditation have been shown to reduce activity in the amygdala, a brain region associated with stress and emotional reactivity (Hölzel et al., 2010).

Fostering Effective Team Dynamics: The Neuroscience of Collaboration

Teamwork is essential for success in today's business world. Neuroscience highlights the importance of fostering states conducive to collaboration, such as increasing oxytocin levels, the "bonding hormone," through trust-building exercises and activities that promote shared goals and a sense of community.

Enhancing empathy and social cognition within teams is crucial for effective communication and problem-solving. By developing the ability to understand and relate to others' perspectives, we can create a more supportive and collaborative environment where ideas can flow freely and challenges can be addressed effectively. Research on mirror neurons suggests that these specialized brain cells play a crucial role in empathy and social cognition, contributing to effective teamwork (Rizzolatti & Craighero, 2004).

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Understanding the Impact of Technology on Communication

The digital age has transformed how we communicate. Studies have shown that digital communication can affect our attention spans and information processing. By designing communication strategies that account for these effects, businesses can ensure that their messages remain effective in the digital realm.

For example, creating concise and visually appealing content, breaking down information into easily digestible chunks, and using interactive elements can help capture attention and engagement in a digital environment. Utilizing multimedia formats, such as videos or podcasts, can also provide a more stimulating and engaging experience, particularly for audiences with shorter attention spans. Studies on the effects of digital media on cognition have shown both positive and negative impacts, highlighting the need for balanced approaches to digital communication (Loh & Kanai, 2016).

Embracing Neuroscience for Enhanced Business Communication

The application of neuroscience to business communication offers a wealth of opportunities for improvement. By understanding the brain's mechanisms for decision-making, attention, emotion, and information processing, professionals can craft more effective messages, build stronger relationships, and drive better outcomes.

As research in this field continues to evolve, incorporating neuroscientific principles into communication strategies will become an essential component of organizational success.

From Theory to Practice: Implementing Neuroscience Through Excellence in Business Communication

Excellence in Business Communication is deeply rooted in the principles outlined by neuroscience research, as discussed above. By leveraging these insights, businesses can significantly enhance their communication strategies and overall effectiveness.

One key aspect of excellence in business communication is the ability to craft messages that resonate with the brain's decision-making processes. By understanding concepts like loss aversion, communicators can frame their proposals in ways that are more likely to elicit positive responses. For instance, a sales pitch that highlights the potential losses of not adopting a new technology may be more compelling than one that simply lists its benefits.

Another crucial element is the effective use of visual aids and information chunking. Excellence in business communication recognizes the brain's preference for visual information and its limited capacity for attention. Presentations that incorporate clear, relevant visuals and break down complex information into manageable chunks are more likely to be understood and remembered.

The role of emotions in communication is also central to excellence in this field. Skilled communicators understand the power of emotional connections and use storytelling and vivid imagery to create engaging, memorable messages. This approach aligns with neuroscientific findings on how emotions influence decision-making and information processing.

Moreover, excellence in business communication involves being aware of and mitigating cognitive biases. This might include presenting diverse viewpoints to counter confirmation bias or using data visualization to reduce the anchoring effect.

Adapting communication styles to suit diverse cognitive preferences and managing stress for optimal performance are also hallmarks of excellence in this area. By considering individual differences in information processing and implementing stress-management techniques, communicators can ensure their messages are received and understood by a wider audience.

In the digital age, excellence in business communication also means navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by technology. This involves creating content that captures attention in a digital environment while being mindful of the potential impacts on cognition and attention spans.

References

Ariely, D. (2008). Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions. New York: HarperCollins.

Damasio, A. R. (2005). Descartes' Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. New York: Penguin Books.

Damasio, A. R., Everitt, B. J., & Bishop, D. (1996). The somatic marker hypothesis and the possible functions of the prefrontal cortex. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 351(1346), 1413-1420.

Frith, C. D., & Frith, U. (2006). The neural basis of mentalizing. Neuron, 50(4), 531-534.

Hölzel, B. K., Carmody, J., Evans, K. C., Hoge, E. A., Dusek, J. A., Morgan, L., … & Lazar, S. W. (2010). Stress reduction correlates with structural changes in the amygdala. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 5(1), 11-17.

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1979). Prospect theory: An analysis of decision under risk. Econometrica, 47(2), 263-291.

Krueger, F., McCabe, K., Moll, J., Kriegeskorte, N., Zahn, R., Strenziok, M., … & Grafman, J. (2007). Neural correlates of trust. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(50), 20084-20089.

Loh, K. K., & Kanai, R. (2016). How has the Internet reshaped human cognition? The Neuroscientist, 22(5), 506-520.

Paivio, A., & Csapo, K. (1973). Picture superiority in free recall: Imagery or dual coding? Cognitive Psychology, 5(2), 176-206.

Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2008). Learning styles: Concepts and evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9(3), 105-119.

Rizzolatti, G., & Craighero, L. (2004). The mirror-neuron system. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 27, 169-192.