Teaching Business Communication

Fear the Conversations You’re Not Having

“Challenging management and performance conversations regularly run off the rails. They are often muddled, mixed-up, and monumentally massacred. Nonetheless, at least people are attempting to talk about the tough topics—even if things occasionally go cattywampus (look it up!) with them. The conversations I genuinely worry about are the ones that aren’t taking place. As a leader, just thinking about what’s not getting talked about ]should scare the daylights out of you.”

February 14, 2019

Read the full article . . .

What Is the Best Quarter Abbreviation Format? (Q1, First Quarter, IVQ, 1st qtr)

As we kick off the first quarter of 2019, many of us are planning work and strategies across the year. Business typically breaks years down by quarters as we plan that work. A client from one of our courses recently asked a good question:

February 13, 2019

A Large Amount of Mistakes

Today I was reading an article online in Forbes. I expect Forbes to produce error-free articles, but an error popped out in this sentence: When you stop to think about it, the sheer amount of websites can also confuse and…

February 12, 2019

Does Humming Attract Birds? A Punctuation Problem

My friend Eric W., a great sign spotter, sent me this photo for your enjoyment. He asks, “What does it hum?” I ask you, “What is the problem with the heading below?” It’s an easy problem for a snowy Monday…

February 11, 2019

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Shy Away from Small Talk

"Casual conversations can sometimes lead us to moments of real connection. News director and radio host Kyle Kellams [photo, left] explains how."

February 11, 2019

Read the full article by Mary Halton at Ideas.Ted.com . . .

Teach Your Students How to Face New Business Communication Challenges

"From writing effective tweets to deciding whether to use emojis, today's employees face a host of new choices and challenges. Help students prepare with the most up-to-date text available, Excellence in Business Communication, 13th Edition."

February 8, 2019

Watch the short video . . .

Acronyms and SMEs–Help!

Tim wrote today with an acronym situation he would like to resolve. What do you think about his desire to spell out acronyms and initialisms, even when writing for SMEs (subject-matter experts)? Here is his message: I read your blog…

February 5, 2019

3 Times You Need to Drop the Act and Be Honest with the Hiring Manager

"You’ve probably been told countless times not to show your hand during the interview process, especially when it comes to letting a hiring manager in on other opportunities you’ve lined up. As a recruiter in a previous life, I’ve heard the gamut of textbook answers to the simple question, 'Where are you in your search?'"

February 4, 2019

Read the full article by Richard Moy at TheMuse.com . . .

17 Proofreading Techniques for Business Communication

"Finally. Your document is just about complete. It’s been written, reviewed, compiled, and re-reviewed. With the final edits in place, it’s now ready to be proofread."

"Proofreading can seem like a simple task in business communication. However, the attention to detail and intense focus it requires means that proofreading is as challenging as it is important.

"However, there are many tactics you can use to ensure this task is completed well and effectively. This article highlights our top strategies."

February 1, 2019

Read the full article by Mary Cullen (photo, left) . . .

How to Change Your Pitch in English So You Don’t Sound Monotone

"You always hear accent and voice coaches saying that you have to change your pitch when speaking English. But.. What is 'pitch'? and how do we control it? No, you don't have to be a singer to change your pitch. You just need to learn a little more about your voice (and to see that it's actually not that complicated to change your pitch when speaking). Varied pitch created interest, and engagement and helps you convey your message effectively."