Introduction Acknowledgments 1. Understanding the Communicative Situation Learning Objectives Why Communication Matters What is Communication? The Roots of Communication Study Nine Axioms of Communication Critical Reading: Lloyd F. Bitzer, 'The Rhetorical Situation' Points to Remember Key Concepts Assignments and Exercises Writing Samples for Discussion and Analysis 2. Planning and Drafting Technical Messages Learning Objectives Basic Principles of Effective Communication Six Standard Parts of a Professional Message Professional Writing as Problem-Solving Plan, Produce, and Polish Your Message Critical Reading: Wayne C. Booth, 'The Rhetorical Stance' Points to Remember Key Concepts Assignments and Exercises Writing Samples for Discussion and Analysis 3. Editing Your Professional Style Learning Objectives Step III: Polish Your Writing Style Strategies of Editing Mastering the Seven Cs of Professional Writing Devices of Cohesiveness Critical Reading: John Moffatt, 'A Precision Instrument: Word Choice and Effective Communication' Points to Remember Key Concepts Assignments and Exercises Writing Samples for Discussion and Analysis 4. Ethical Issues in Professional Communication Learning Objectives What is Ethics? Some Universal Ethical Principles Professional Codes of Ethics A Communication Code of Ethics Ethics in Practice: Civility The Ethics of Apology Critical Reading: Tania Smith, 'Three Aims and Evaluation Criteria for Persuasion' Points to Remember Key Concepts Assignments and Exercises Writing Samples for Discussion and Analysis 5. Professional Correspondence Learning Objectives E-mail, Letters, and Memos The Functions of Professional Correspondence Persuasive Messages Persuasion, Manipulation, and the 'Hard Sell' The Formats of Professional Correspondence Critical Reading: Joe Lau and Lusina Ho, 'Writing Proper Emails to Teachers' Points to Remember Key Concepts Assignments and Exercises Writing Samples for Discussion and Analysis 6. Writing Reports Learning Objectives Why Write Reports? The Parts of a Report Common Report Situations Writing Technical Descriptions Writing Technical Instructions Standardized Report Forms Critical Reading: Jeanie Wills, 'Creating an Exceptional Writing Portfolio: Fine Tuning Your Voice with the Nine Axioms' Points to Remember Key Concepts Assignments and Exercises 7. Formal, Semiformal, and Informal Report Formats Learning Objectives Choosing a Format for Your Report Assembling the Report Using Visuals in a Formal Report Critical Reading: Sample Formal Report Points to Remember Key Concepts Assignments and Exercises 8. Oral Reports and Technical Presentations Learning Objectives Four Foundations of Effective Speaking Four Methods of Speech Delivery Choosing and Positioning Your Speech Topic Strategies for Topic Invention Planning and Preparing a Speech Making a Notecard Elements of Delivery Visual Aids in Oral Presentations The Importance of Practice Preparing a Technical Briefing Introducing and Thanking a Speaker Critical Reading: Sandra Terry, 'Giving Speech Feedback in an Oral Critique' Points to Remember Key Concepts Assignments and Exercises 9. The Application Package Learning Objectives Understanding the Employer Preparing the Resume Why Resumes Get Rejected Sample Resumes-Ineffective and Effective Writing the Cover Letter The Application Form The Letter of Recommendation Your Online Job Search Critical Reading: Jennifer MacLennan and Brahm Neufeld, 'Showcasing Leadership Skills in the Resume: A Case Study' Points to Remember Key Concepts Assignments and Exercises 10. The Job Interview Learning Objectives The Interview Typical Interview Questions What to Expect in the Interview After the Interview Why Didn't I Get the Job I Interviewed For? Critical Reading: Craig Silverman, 'The Traditional Job Interview: That's So Yesterday' Points to Remember Key Concepts Assignments and Exercises Appendix A: Communication Case Studies Case Study 1: Communication for the Future Challenge Case Study 2: Blogging with Philip Case Study 3: Bryan Wins a Scholarship Case Study 4: Sam Spade and University Ace Painters Case Study 5: The Bricklin Error Case Study 6: Dean and Jerry Make a Great Team Case Study 7: Carlos Shuts Down the Plant Case Study 8: Presentation Interruptus Case Study 9: Why Chris Should Use a Pencil Appendix B: How Texts Communicate: Some Suggestions for Reading Critically Three Quick Fixes for Better Reading How the Pros Do It: Study-Reading by the SQ3R Method Detailed Questions for Close Critical Reading Appendix C: Grammar Review Common Sentence Errors Six Common Sentence Errors Assignments and Exercises Appendix D: Punctuation Reviewing Common Punctuation Marks Title Treatments Notes References Index Credits