Module 25

Module 25 discusses using visuals.  In the module, the reasons for using visuals is listed.  These include seeing that ideas are presented completely, to find relationships, to make points vivid, to emphasize material, to present material more compactly and with less repetition, and to focus on information that decision makers need.  Visuals can help greatly with getting the exact point that you are trying to make across to your audience.  The module also discusses that using a title for your visual should explain a story, instead of just listing what you are looking at.  Instead of saying what the chart or graph is showing, you should say what it is explaining, as in an increase or decrease of some kind, or to display the type of difference or change that the graph shows.  The module explains how to find stories, and that would be through focusing on a topic, simplifying the data, as well as looking for relationships and changes between the data.  The module also explains the different types of visuals, those being tables, pie charts, bar charts, or line graphs.  Tables are used when the reader needs to be able to focus on relationships.  Pie charts are used when you are comparing a part to a whole, and bar charts and line graphs are used to compare one item to another item or items over time.  The module also talks about six key components of a graph, including a title that tells a story, a clear indication of what the data are, clearly labeled units, labels or legends identifying axes, colors, etc., the source of the data, as well as the source of the visual if it was taken from somewhere else. 

The most important thing that I learned from the module was about telling a story in the title of your visual.  It is a lot more eye catching when something extreme is said than just saying what the chart or graph shows.  When explaining to in depth, you can sometimes lose your audience's attention.  It is very important to keep their attention and using visuals is a great way to do so.

Module 20

Module 20 was on oral presentations.  There were three different types of oral presentations that were talked about.  The first being informational, which would be like a training session to teach the audience about something.  The second is persuasive, such as that of a business meeting where the audience is trying to be sold something.  The third is goodwill, which would be like an after dinner speech.  The speaker would be trying to make themselves look better to their audience, or to boost their audience's ego.  Before writing a speech for an oral presentation, you must figure out three things, those being the main point, the kind of presentation, and the ways to involve the audience.  The main point must be determined first so that the speaker will know what they are looking for.  The kind of presentation can be monologue (speaker only), guided (presenter and audience questions), and sales (presenter speaks to audience, but audience participates with questions).  The organization needs to be established as well, so that the audience can easily follow the format of the presentation.  there are five different types of formats that can be used, including chronological, problem-cause-solution, excluding alternatives, pro-con, and 1-2-3.  The module also discusses controlling fear, as well as using hand gestures, etc.

The most important thing that I learned from this module was about fear. It gave a lot of different suggestions on how to make fear go away, and how to not make it worse than it already is.  For example, it suggested not drinking any alcohol beforehand, as well as instead of saying that your nervous, saying that your adrenaline is up because adrenaline makes you more sharp and focused.

Modules 27 & 28

Modules 27 and 28 discussed resumes and job application letters.  The first thing that module 27 talks about is making your resume stand out from others so that the employer will be sure to look at it.  This means showing how your qualifications will fit the job that you are applying for.  Also, this module says to use jargon that fits the job that you are applying for, and to show how you positively improved things at jobs in the past.  Module 27 also talks about different types of resumes.  There are logival resumes, which summarize what you did in a timeline in reverse chronological order, or there are skills resumes, which emphasize skills you've used.  The module also gives plenty of good examples of the two different types of resumes that can be used, and also how they handle explaining jobs and skills from the past differently.  Module 27 talks about different parts of resumes and what they should consist of, such as the career objective section, the summary of qualifications section, education, honors and rewards, and references.  Module 28 talks about job application letters, and the different things that they should consist of.  There are also different types of letters that are explained in the module, including solicited letters, and prospecting letters, and how these differ in terms of the first paragraph, summary sentence, etc.  The module also talks about how showing knowledge about the company and also seperating yourself from other applicants are very important aspects of job application letters.  Using the right tone with positive emphasis and a you-attitude are explained in this module as well. 

One of the most importnat things that I have learned from these modules is about making yourself stand out from other applicants, as well as showing that you know about the company.  Since I am beginning the job search process for full-time employment, I feel that one of the most important things in an interview is knowing something about the company you are applying for, so it doesn't look like you just picked one at random.  This information will be very beneficial in getting the job after the interview.

Module 22

Module 22 is about finding, analyzing, and documenting information.  This module gives great tips on how to search for the information that you need first.  Using keywords is the first thing that the module lists.  This can cause the search to look for exactly what you are looking for, and lead you to other terms or information that can lead you to other search materials.  It is important to skim the resources that you may find to get the information you may need quickly to make sure that the resource is what you were looking for.  The module also talks about the difference between surveys, which are for large groups of people, and interviews, which are structured conversations between two people.  It is important to make questions clear and not vague or in a way that seems you are making assumptions about a person.  Closed questions are more for surveys, as they require a direct answer, that can be chosen from different options.  For an interview, it is important for open ended questions to be used, because you want to get a in depth answer from the person.  Module 22 also talks about the importance of sampling from a large population for any surveys.  It also talks about different types of samples, such as random, convenient, and judgement.  The book also goes in to great detail about the analyzing process of the data, and how it is very important to understand what you have found so that you can reproduce the data accurately. 

The most helpful thing that I have learned from this module is about the skimming of the information that you have found.  I usually skim to find important pieces of information, and this module helped to see that this is okay to do.

Module 21

Module 21 talks about proposals and progress reports.  The module talks about different types of reports, such as formal, informal, informational, analytical, and recommendation reports.  The book suggests that before writing any kind of report, you should plan and do all of your research first.  The proposal or progress report should start with a very good purpose statement, telling the person the organizational problem or conflict, the specific technical questions that must be answered to solve the problem, and also the rhetorical purpose the report is designed to achieve.  The module also talks about different typed of proposals, including sales proppsals, proposals for funding,  and figuring the budget and cost.  The module also talks about what should go in a progress report, and that they can do more than just report progress.  They can enhance your image, float trial balloons, and minimize potential problems.  Module 21 also explains that progress reports should be put in chronological order.  There are two different types of progress reports, including task progress reports, and recommendation progress reports. 

The most important thing that I learned from this module was about the purpose statement.  Just like in the business letters, it is the one chance for the writer to catch and keep the attention of the reader. 

Modules 17 & 18

Modules 17 and 18 were about listening working and writing in teams.  Module 17 give great advice about listening and what makes a good listener.  The first thing it lists is to pay attention.  A speaker can tell whether or not a listener is actively listening and getting what they should out of the message.  The second thing is to listen to the speaker generously.  That is, really get the message they are trying to convey, and spend time listening to them, and not planning what you are going to say in response.  Also, avoid making assumptions.  Any confusion should be cleared up after with questions.  The fourth part of being a good listener is to look at feelings and not just words.  It is important to pick up on emotional cues from the speaker, not just listen to the words they are speaking.  Working and writing in teams was the topic in module 18.  The steps that groups take to create a presentation are all listed at the beginning of the module.  These, in order, are orientation, where every one meets, formation, where they beging drafting and figuring out what to do, coordination, which is where the group works on the project, and must maintain friendliness, and formalization, which is when the group reaches a consensus.  The most important factor that goes into a succesful group, according to the book, is one that listens to criticism, and also comes to conclusions together.  The best way, also according to the book, to handle disagreements between group members is to address that there is actually a problem, and then to listen to what other people need to resolve the problem and make corrections.

The most important thing that I learned from these two modules is that taking a group project step by step is very important to the overall success of the group project.  Usually when doing something with a group, you jump right into the actual project without planning and listening to the ideas and concerns of other group members. 

Modules 15 & 16

Modules 15 and 16 talk about using the right words and revising sentences and paragraphs.  Module 15 explains how using the right words is very important for conveying the right message to your reader.  There are three different definitions at the beginning of the chapter: accurate words, which are the appropriate words, appropriate words, which convery the attitudes you want, and familiar words, which are easy to read and understand.  Making sure that all of these fit together is very important for giving the right message, and what you really mean to say.  The book also mentions denotation, which is the actual dictionary meaning of the word, and connotation, which is the emotional part of the word.  It is crucial that both parts match when using any words because if it does not make sense, the person will not get the message.  It is also important that any jargon that is used is understood by the reader, or they will not get the message that you are trying to convey either.  Module 16 talks about revising sentences and paragraphs.  The module gives different pieces of advice.  The first is to use active verbs most of the time.  This means use verbs at the beginning of sentences, instead of who the action what done by or for.  The second goes along with that to say that verbs should carry your sentences.  The third says to tighten your writing, as in the be less "wordy" and get straight to the point in sentences and paragraphs.  Also, it says to vary sentence lengths.  In paragraphs it says to let your reader know the point of the writing in the intro sentences, as well as to use transitions in the paragraphs and when going to a new one.

The most important thing I think that I learned in these modules was about using verbs before the person who did them or who they were done for.  This will make the reader think that the action was taken quickly and that it was actually done.

Modules 8 & 13

Modules 8 and 13 talk about reader benefits and e-mailing/web-writing.  Reader benefits are basically what the recipient of the message is getting from the piece of writing.  Some of the things that are given as examples of that in the module are motivation, information of product or procedure, benefits that they may be receiving, etc.  The module explains that it is very important for the benefits to directly target the audience that you are writing to.  There is some information in the module also about what benefits should be used in order to get the best response.  Using at least one benefit for each part of your audience is one, as well as using intrinsic benefits and using benefits that can be developed most fully.  The more appealing the information in the writing, the better response you may get from the reader.  Module 13 talks about communication on the web, in terms of e-mailing and others.  It says in the beginning of the module that e-mails are a little bit more informal, so usually greetings are less formal.  It also gives a really good example of the setup of an e-mail on page 230.  The module also talks about things that will automatically pop up on an e-mail when sending the initial, or a response e-mail.  Subject lines in e-mails should be very explanatory and should get to the point.  Module 13 talks about the development of blogging as well in the corporate world because it is a quick way to get a message out to a number of people.  Sites like Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace are also being used now for business writing as well.

One of the most important things that I have learned from these two modules is about the social networking sites like spoke.com and linkedin.com.  I had heard of linkedin.com before, and it can be a very useful tool for networking with other professionals, as it is like a Facebook for only professionals.   

Modules 11 &12

Modules 11 and 12 talked about negative and persuasive messages.  Module 11 talked about negative messages and the most effective way to deliver them.  The module explains that the negative message should be conveyed only once, then explained in a kind of way that will bring comfort to the person, and give them a chance to understand what the issue is and how to react to it.  It also stresses that at the end of the letter, there should be a goodwill ending to try and maintain the good relationship that the writer may have and want to keep with the recipient of the message.  The module also explains that bad news can also be in the form of delivering bad news about something that may have gone wrong to a person in power.  It is important to explain in this situation why this happened as well as how it is being resolved.  In module 12, the book explains persuasive messages.  This module says that the primary purpose for writing a persuasive letter is to get a reaction out of the recipient, but the secondary purpose is to create a good image for the writer, because the idea that the reader has of the writer is important for what they want to do with the information that they receive in the message.  Module 12 also talks about how building emotional appeal, credibility, and using the right tone can be good techniques to make a letter more persuasive.

 A very important point that I took away from these two chapters was about writing a negative letter to a person in charge.  With wanting to work in the corporate world, I know that there may be times that it will be necessary for me to write a letter like that, whether it be about me or a group of co-workers.  Knowing how to make the situation look and sound better than it is, and explain how it is being fixed will be very helpful.

Modules 9 & 10

Modules 9 and 10 talk about formats of letters and memos, as well as keeping a message effective, informative, and positive.  Module ten talked a lot about the two classic styles of letter formats, which are block and modified block.  The module talks about how these formats are easy to read, which make the information that you are trying to get to your audience easier to receive.  Module 9 also talks about the different parts of the business letter, such as the letterhead and subject line.  This module also taught me about enclosures, which are things that are included in the envelope with the business letter you are sending.  Module 10 talked about conveying your message clearly and positively so that it is more informative and attractive to the reader, which will make them want to actually read it.  It talked a lot specifically about how a subject line should be written, and what the organization of the letter should be.  This includes, in order, giving good news and a summary of the main points, giving details and clarification, explaining reader benefits, and using a goodwill ending, meaning positive and forward-looking information.  Module 10 also talks about congratulation letters as well as thank-you notes, which can give the recipient a good feeling, and open for communicating in the future.

I think the most important thing that I learned from these modules is the format of most business letters.  With hoping to work in the corporate world, it will be important for me to understand how to clearly communicate in the way that all of my collegues will understand and expect.  This module was very helpful with learning about that, as well as with acknowledging the differenct between a business letter and a memo.

Review of two websites

1. For this short assignment, I have first chosen a website that offers services. This website is for Z Salon and Spa. First, the design of the website is very simple. There is not a lot of text or extra wording, or even colors on the page. This design may be because the website is mainly targeting toward women, and because it is a spa, the website wants to portray a calm, simple place where women, or even men, can go to relax.
The bare minimum is used on this website to describe what services are offered. For example, in terms of what is used from the book, the only words or images that appear on every page are the logo for the company, as well as the slogan, which is “We enhance, revive, and pamper.” This slogan also portrays the same message that the design of the website is trying to display, which is a calm and happy feeling, which is why it is used as the header on every page. The type of font that is used is very important for the message that the website is trying to portray as well. The cursive, Lucinda-type text is very feminine, which is attractive to the clients that are probably viewing the website. There is also a lot of white space that is used, about 4 inches bordering the middle of the page, which holds the text. Within this box, there are all cool, calming colors, such as shades of purple, as well as a light orage used. Overall, the design is very clean cut, and simple.

As mentioned before, the type of audience that I believe is trying to be reached by this website are women who are looking for upscale salon services. I think that the website is doing well at reaching this audience because of the use of colors, font, whitespace, wording, etc.

2.) The second website that I have chosen to discuss is a retail women’s clothing store, Ann Taylor LOFT. The design is simple, much like the Z Salon and Spa website. Although this is true, there are many more things on each page because they must display the clothing that they are trying to sell.
In terms of what is used for the website design from Module 5, there are many things, and many of them are similar to those used on the other website described. For example, although there are many more photos that are displayed, there is still a border of whitespace around the edge of the text box in the middle. Also, there is only a border of continuous text on the top of the page, which is necessary for giving options to the shopper on what they want to view next. The font that is used on this website is also “girly,” but only where it is describing the clothing. The main wording that appears at the top of the page is more clean-cut, probably for easier navigating through the website’s pages. The colors that are used on the webpage are feminine, but more targeted toward fitting the season that we are in know. The background of the main wording on the page is a sand type color and texture, which is attractive for the women who may be shopping on the page, because they will want to have things that are in style for the current season, and having something that relates will help draw women in.

I think that overall, the design of the website is very fitting for the people that would probably want to visit it. It is a common theme among websites that are targeted toward women, at least that I have found, for there to be lots of whitespace, as well as cool colors, and other feminine style things, such as font. The style of this website makes it easy to read for the women who would want to visit it, which would make them more apt to come back for future purchases.

Modules 6 & 7

Modules 6 and 7 mainly discuss positive attitudes in any type of writing.  The two modules explain that the tone that you appear to be portraying in a piece of work is very important for the response that you will receive from your audience.  A You-Attitude is explained in module 6.  This mainly means that you would put more emphasis on the reader or audience than on yourself.  There are many example that are given in this module that display this concept.  For example, instead of saying "I" did this, say "for you," to make the person feel like the action is directed at them, and for them.  Module 7 talks about the same type of thing, portraying a positive attitude to your audience.  Several examples were given throughout this module as well.  For example, instead of using the word "delinquent," in terms of talking about money, instead say "past due."  This makes the reader feel less attacked and more like they have more time to correct the mistake.  It also talks about giving a reason for something negative to the reader so that it is justified why they are being denied or for other reasons. 

The most important things that I learned out of these two modules were that people can take something that is said or written much differently that it was meant.  It is difficult to express emotion in written text, especially when it is supposed to be professional.  This makes it very important for the writer to want to portray what they are trying to say in the best, most positive way possible.  This will come especially handy if working in the corporate world, and communicating daily with people who you are trying to impress or do business with.

Modules 4 & 5

In modules 4 and 5, the book discusses the revision of papers or any written work, as well as the format of the paper itself.  Module 4 explains that it is very important, although there are programs on any word processor that may check spelling or grammatical errors for you.  This module also emphasizes the importance of taking steps when creating a piece of work, including brainstorming, freewriting, etc.  There is a lot of information on proofreading, which is extremely important in catching missed mistakes, as well as getting others' opinions on how to better the piece of writing.  Module 5 discusses how a paper should be formatted for easy, quick reading, as well as depending on where or who the lettter is going to, whether it should be formatted more professionally, or other.  It also specifically talks about fonts and what are appropriate for what type of document. 
The most important things that I took away from reading modules 4 and 5 were the tips that were given in module 5 for creating better work.  For example, page 73 describes many helpful tips to becoming a better writer, including setting a regular time to write, developing a plan that you can follow through with every time, setting modest goal, etc.  Module 5 including great tips about how to avoid biased or inappropriate wording in documents, as well as what is more effective for the viewer to grasp all of the information that has been provided in whatever they are reading.

Modules 1 & 2

The first two modules of our book, "Business Communication" talked mainly about how no matter where we are, or what job we may have, we are always communicating something to other people.  The book shared an interesting fact that people who are in the top 20% of writing ability earn almost three times more than those who lack good writing skills.  This pushes the point that it is very important to have great writing skills.  Module 1 stresses about different parts of anything that is being written, such as style, organization, visuals, etc.  Module 2 talks more about the different audiences that will be seeing your written work, for example, the secondary audience, the initial audience, gatekeeper, etc. All of the things that were mentioned in these two modules were things that I either was not aware of at all, or that I never paid attention to as closely as it explains in the book.

The most important thing that I got from both of the modules were that it is very important to realize that no matter what you are doing on a daily basis, you are communicating in some way.  Whether it is an e-mail, or not even using words, you are portraying a message to a certain audience, so it is very important that you deliver what you actually want to say to the correct audience.