Business Communication Today

by Bovee, Courtland L.; Thill, John V.

• ISBN13: 9780131478459
• ISBN10: 0131478451
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-01-01
• Publisher: Pearson College Div

Summary

A book that addresses the need for skills-building in todayrs"s competitive business environment, Business Communication Todayhas been completely revised and reworked to provide the most cutting-edge information available on the market. Combining a solid foundation of communication fundamentals with practical advice and insights, readers will be effectively prepared for the challenges theyrs"ll face when entering the job market. Thorough coverage and thoughtful integration of business communication technology sets this book apart from the competition. Every essential technology is covered, successfully demonstrating the importance of business etiquette, teamwork, proper short communication (memos, email, instant messaging, etc.), and effective business reports and proposals. An especially useful tool for those entering the job market, this book is also a must-read for corporate trainers, office managers, and others that need to utilize effective communications on a day-to-day basis.

Table of Contents

Preface	xv
PART 1. UNDERSTANDING THE FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATION	2	(84)
Achieving Success Through Effective Business Communication	2	(30)
Communication Close-Up at American Airlines Credit Union	3	(1)
Achieving Success in Today's Competitive Environment	4	(6)
What Employers Expect from You	5	(1)
Characteristics of Effective Communication	6	(2)
Communication in Organizational Settings	8	(2)
Understanding Why Business Communication Is Unique	10	(3)
The Globalization of Business and the Increase in Workforce Diversity	10	(1)
The Increasing Value of Business Information	11	(1)
The Pervasiveness of Technology	11	(1)
The Evolution of Organizational Structures	11	(1)
The Growing Reliance on Teamwork	12	(1)
The Barriers to Effective Communication	12	(1)
Communicating More Effectively on the Job	13	(3)
Minimizing Distractions	13	(1)
Adopting an Audience-Centered Approach	14	(1)
Fine-Tuning Your Business Communication Skills	15	(1)
Giving---and Responding to---Constructive Feedback	15	(1)
Being Sensitive to Business Etiquette	15	(1)
Using Technology to Improve Business Communication	16	(7)
Keeping Technology in Perspective	22	(1)
Using Technological Tools Productively	22	(1)
Spending Time and Money on Technology Wisely	23	(1)
Reconnecting with People Frequently	23	(1)
Making Ethical Communication Choices	23	(4)
Distinguishing Ethical Dilemmas from Ethical Lapses	24	(1)
Ensuring Ethical Communication	24	(3)
Communication Challenges at AACU	27	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	27	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	28	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	28	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	28	(2)
Expand Your Knowledge	30	(1)
Learn Interactively	30
Communication Miscues---The High Cost of Failure	5	(12)
Connecting with Technology---Extreme Telecommuting	17	(1)
Powerful Tools for Communicating Effectively	18	(7)
Document Makeover---Improve This Memo	25	(7)
Communicating in Teams and Mastering Listening and Nonverbal Communication	32	(28)
Communication Close-Up at The Container Store	33	(1)
Improving Your Performance in Teams	34	(7)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Teams	34	(1)
Team Communication	35	(1)
Group Dynamics	36	(3)
Etiquette in Team Settings	39	(2)
Making Your Meetings More Productive	41	(8)
Preparing for Meetings	42	(1)
Leading and Participating in Meetings	42	(2)
Using Meeting Technologies	44	(5)
Improving Your Listening Skills	49	(3)
Recognizing Different Types of Listening	49	(1)
Understanding the Listening Process	50	(1)
Overcoming Barriers to Effective Listening	50	(2)
Improving Your Nonverbal Communication Skills	52	(3)
Recognizing Nonverbal Communication	53	(1)
Using Nonverbal Communication Effectively	54	(1)
Communication Challenges at The Container Store	55	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	56	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	57	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	57	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	57	(1)
Expand Your Knowledge	58	(1)
Learn Interactively	59
Ethics Detective---Taking Credit Where Credit Isn't Due: When ``We'' Turns into ``I''	39	(2)
Document Makeover---Improve This E-Mail Message	41	(12)
Communicating Across Cultures---Actions Speak Louder Than Words All Around the World	53	(7)
Communicating Interculturally	60	(26)
Communication Close-Up at E-SoftSys	61	(1)
Understanding the Opportunities and Challenges of Intercultural Communication	62	(2)
The Opportunities in a Global Marketplace	62	(1)
The Advantages of a Multicultural Workforce	62	(1)
The Challenges of Intercultural Communication	63	(1)
Enhancing Your Intercultural Sensitivity	64	(9)
Understanding the Concept of Culture	64	(1)
Overcoming Ethnocentrism and Stereotyping	65	(1)
Recognizing Cultural Variations	66	(7)
Improving Intercultural Communication Skills	73	(9)
Studying Other Cultures	73	(1)
Studying Other Languages	74	(1)
Respecting Preferences for Communication Style	75	(1)
Writing Clearly	76	(1)
Speaking Clearly	77	(3)
Listening Carefully	80	(1)
Using Interpreters, Translators, and Translation Software	80	(1)
Helping Others Adapt to Your Culture	81	(1)
Communication Challenges at E-SoftSys	82	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	83	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	83	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	84	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	84	(1)
Expand Your Knowledge	85	(1)
Learn Interactively	85
Communicating Across Cultures---Test Your Intercultural Knowledge	67	(14)
Connecting with Technology---The Gist of Machine Translation	81	(1)
Document Makeover---Improve This Letter	82	(4)
PART 2. APPLYING THE THREE-STEP WRITING PROCESS	86	(94)
Planning Business Messages	86	(30)
Communication Close-Up at the Complete Idiot's Guides	87	(1)
Understanding the Three-Step Writing Process	88	(2)
Optimizing Your Writing Time	89	(1)
Planning Effectively	89	(1)
Analyzing Your Situation	90	(2)
Defining Your Purpose	90	(1)
Developing an Audience Profile	91	(1)
Gathering Information	92	(3)
Uncovering Audience Needs	93	(1)
Providing Required Information	93	(2)
Selecting the Right Medium	95	(5)
Oral Media	95	(1)
Written Media	96	(1)
Electronic Media	97	(2)
Factors to Consider When Choosing Media	99	(1)
Organizing Your Information	100	(11)
Recognizing the Importance of Good Organization	101	(2)
Defining Your Main Idea	103	(1)
Limiting Your Scope	104	(1)
Choosing Between Direct and Indirect Approaches	105	(2)
Outlining Your Content	107	(4)
Communication Challenges at The Complete Idiot's Guides	111	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	111	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	112	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	112	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	113	(2)
Expand Your Knowledge	115	(1)
Learn Interactively	115
Ethics Detective---Telling Only Half the Story	95	(12)
Document Makeover---Improve This Letter	107	(1)
Connecting with Technology---Create and Collaborate with Powerful Outlining Tools	108	(8)
Writing Business Messages	116	(34)
Communication Close-Up at Algenix	117	(1)
Adapting to Your Audience	118	(12)
Being Sensitive to Your Audience's Needs	118	(5)
Building Strong Relationships with Your Audience	123	(3)
Controlling Your Style and Tone	126	(4)
Composing Your Message	130	(9)
Choosing Strong Words	130	(4)
Creating Effective Sentences	134	(2)
Crafting Coherent Paragraphs	136	(3)
Using Technology to Compose and Shape Your Messages	139	(5)
Composing Effective E-Mail Messages	139	(3)
Shaping Your Documents with Word Processing Tools	142	(2)
Communication Challenges at Algenix	144	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	145	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	146	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	146	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	146	(3)
Expand Your Knowledge	149	(1)
Learn Interactively	149
Document Makeover---Improve This Letter	125	(4)
Communicating Across Cultures---Communicating with a Global Audience on the Web	129	(2)
Communication Miscues---When Words Kill: Hidden Dangers in Food Labels	131	(19)
Completing Business Messages	150	(30)
Communication Close-Up at Rolling Stone	151	(1)
Moving Beyond Your First Draft	152	(1)
Revising Your Message	152	(13)
Evaluating Your Content, Organization, Style, and Tone	154	(1)
Reviewing for Readability	155	(3)
Editing for Clarity and Conciseness	158	(4)
Using Technology to Revise Your Message	162	(3)
Producing Your Message	165	(6)
Adding Graphics, Sound, Video, and Hypertext	165	(1)
Designing for Readability	165	(5)
Using Technology to Produce Your Message	170	(1)
Proofreading Your Message	171	(1)
Distributing Your Message	172	(2)
Communication Challenges at Rolling Stone	174	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	175	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	176	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	176	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	176	(3)
Expand Your Knowledge	179	(1)
Learn Interactively	179
Document Makeover---Improve This Letter	162	(4)
Connecting with Technology---Linking to Endless Information	166	(8)
Communication Miscues---Sending Messages Where They Don't Belong	174	(6)
PART 3. WRITING LETTERS, MEMOS, E-MAILS, AND INSTANT MESSAGES	180	(120)
Writing Routine and Positive Messages	180	(40)
Communication Close-Up at Cone, Inc.	181	(1)
Using the Three-Step Writing Process for Routine and Positive Messages	182	(2)
Step 1: Plan Your Message	182	(1)
Step 2: Write Your Message	182	(1)
Step 3: Complete Your Message	183	(1)
Making Routine Requests	184	(7)
Strategy for Routine Requests	184	(1)
Common Examples of Routine Requests	185	(6)
Sending Routine Replies and Positive Messages	191	(16)
Strategy for Routine Replies and Positive Messages	191	(2)
Common Examples of Routine Replies and Positive Messages	193	(14)
Communication Challenges at Cone, Inc.	207	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	207	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	208	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	208	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	208	(2)
Expand Your Knowledge	210	(1)
Learn Interactively	210
Communicating Across Cultures---How Direct Is Too Direct?	183	(10)
Document Makeover---Improve This E-Mail Message	193	(8)
Ethics Detective---Inflating the Truth for a Friend	201	(19)
Writing Negative Messages	220	(42)
Communication Close-Up at Agilent Technologies	221	(1)
Using the Three-Step Writing Process for Negative Messages	222	(2)
Step 1: Plan Your Message	222	(1)
Step 2: Write Your Message	223	(1)
Step 3: Complete Your Message	224	(1)
Developing Negative Messages	224	(9)
Choosing the Best Approach	224	(7)
Adapting to Your Audience	231	(1)
Maintaining High Standards of Ethics and Etiquette	232	(1)
Exploring Common Examples of Negative Messages	233	(14)
Sending Negative Messages on Routine Business Matters	233	(7)
Sending Negative Organizational News	240	(3)
Sending Negative Employment Messages	243	(4)
Communication Challenges at Agilent Technologies	247	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	248	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	249	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	249	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	249	(1)
Expand Your Knowledge	250	(1)
Learn Interactively	251
Ethics Detective---Soft-Selling Bad News	233	(1)
Document Makeover---Improve This Memo	233	(9)
Connecting with Technology---Controlling Rumors Online	242	(20)
Writing Persuasive Messages	262	(38)
Communication Close-Up at Mark Burnett Productions	263	(1)
Using the Three-Step Writing Process for Persuasive Messages	264	(5)
Step 1: Plan Your Message	264	(3)
Step 2: Write Your Message	267	(2)
Step 3: Complete Your Message	269	(1)
Developing Persuasive Messages	269	(19)
Persuasive Business Messages	270	(6)
Common Examples of Persuasive Business Messages	276	(3)
Marketing and Sales Messages	279	(7)
Common Examples of Marketing and Sales Messages	286	(2)
Communication Challenges at Mark Burnett Productions	288	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	288	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	289	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	289	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	289	(1)
Expand Your Knowledge	290	(1)
Learn Interactively	291
Ethics Detective---The Case of Incredible Credibility	270	(6)
Document Makeover---Improve This E-Mail Message	276	(8)
Connecting with Technology---The Power and Persuasion of Interactive Sales Tools	284	(16)
PART 4. FINDING AND COMMUNICATING INFORMATION	300	(58)
Finding, Evaluating, and Processing Information	300	(30)
Communication Close-Up at Toyota Scion	301	(1)
Supporting Your Messages with Solid Research	302	(1)
Planning Your Research	303	(3)
Maintaining Ethics and Etiquette in Your Research	303	(1)
Familiarizing Yourself with the Subject	304	(1)
Identifying Information Gaps	304	(1)
Prioritizing Research Needs	305	(1)
Locating Data and Information	306	(14)
Evaluating Sources	306	(1)
Gathering Secondary Research	307	(8)
Documenting Your Sources	315	(1)
Gathering Primary Research	315	(5)
Processing Data and Information	320	(3)
Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing	320	(1)
Analyzing Your Data	320	(3)
Applying Your Findings	323	(1)
Summarizing Your Research	323	(1)
Drawing Conclusions	324	(1)
Making Recommendations	324	(1)
Managing Information	324	(1)
Communication Challenges at Toyota Scion	325	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	326	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	326	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	326	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	327	(1)
Expand Your Knowledge	328	(1)
Learn Interactively	329
Communication Miscues---The Art of the Question	318	(1)
Document Makeover---Improve This List of Interview Questions	319	(2)
Ethics Detective---Finding What You're Looking For	321	(9)
Communicating Information Through Visuals	330	(28)
Communication Close-Up at Stone Yamashita Partners	331	(1)
Gaining an Advantage with Visuals	332	(2)
Identifying Points to Illustrate	333	(1)
Maintaining a Balance Between Illustrations and Words	334	(1)
Selecting the Right Visuals	334	(12)
Presenting Data	334	(8)
Presenting Information, Concepts, and Ideas	342	(4)
Designing Visuals for Reports and Presentations	346	(7)
Understanding Graphic Design Principles	347	(1)
Integrating Visuals into Your Text	348	(2)
Checking Over Visuals	350	(3)
Communication Challenges at Stone Yamashita Partners	353	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	353	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	354	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	354	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	354	(3)
Expand Your Knowledge	357	(1)
Learn Interactively	357
Connecting with Technology---Forecasting the Future	338	(11)
Document Makeover---Improve This Report Summary and Visuals	349	(3)
Ethics Detective---Hiding Behind the Numbers	352	(6)
PART 5. PLANNING, WRITING, AND COMPLETING REPORTS AND PROPOSALS	358	(108)
Planning Reports and Proposals	358	(32)
Communication Close-Up at Kenwood USA	359	(1)
Creating Effective Reports and Proposals	360	(1)
Applying the Three-Step Writing Process to Reports and Proposals	361	(7)
Analyzing the Situation	361	(3)
Gathering Information	364	(1)
Selecting the Right Medium	364	(1)
Organizing Your Information	365	(3)
Planning Informational Reports	368	(3)
Organizational Strategies for Informational Reports	370	(1)
Effective Informational Reports: An Example	370	(1)
Planning Analytical Reports	371	(9)
Organizational Strategies for Analytical Reports	374	(5)
Effective Analytical Reports: An Example	379	(1)
Planning Proposals	380	(5)
Organizational Strategies for Proposals	383	(1)
Effective Proposals: An Example	383	(2)
Communication Challenges at Kenwood USA	385	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	386	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	386	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	386	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	387	(2)
Expand Your Knowledge	389	(1)
Learn Interactively	389
Document Makeover---Improve This Report	370	(3)
Communication Miscues---Suspect Reports Damage Wall Street Reputations	373	(9)
Connecting with Technology---Proposals Get a Software Assist	382	(8)
Writing Reports and Proposals	390	(28)
Communication Close-Up at OMD Worldwide	391	(1)
Writing Reports and Proposals	392	(1)
Adapting to Your Audience	392	(3)
Being Sensitive to Your Audience's Needs	392	(1)
Building Strong Relationships with Your Audience	392	(1)
Controlling Your Style and Tone	393	(2)
Composing Reports and Proposals	395	(14)
Drafting Report Content	397	(4)
Drafting Proposal Content	401	(3)
Establishing a Consistent Time Perspective	404	(1)
Helping Readers Find Their Way	405	(4)
Using Technology to Craft Reports and Proposals	409	(2)
Communication Challenges at OMD Worldwide	411	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	411	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	412	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	412	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	412	(2)
Expand Your Knowledge	414	(1)
Learn Interactively	415
Communication Miscues---Microsoft Slip Magnifies Criticism	394	(9)
Ethics Detective---Overselling the Solution	403	(5)
Document Makeover---Improve This Policy Report	408	(10)
Completing Reports and Proposals	418	(48)
Communication Close-Up at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation	419	(1)
Completing Reports and Proposals	420	(1)
Revising Your Reports and Proposals	420	(1)
Producing Your Reports and Proposals	421	(28)
Components of a Formal Report	421	(26)
Components of a Formal Proposal	447	(2)
Proofreading Your Reports and Proposals	449	(3)
Distributing Your Reports and Proposals	452	(1)
Writing Requests for Proposals	453	(2)
Communication Challenges at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation	455	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	455	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	456	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	456	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	456	(1)
Expand Your Knowledge	457	(1)
Learn Interactively	457
Report Writer's Notebook---Analyzing a Formal Report	423	(25)
Document Makeover---Improve This Executive Summary	448	(5)
Communication Miscues---Error-Riddled Study Guides Embarrass School District	453	(13)
PART 6. DESIGNING AND DELIVERING ORAL PRESENTATIONS	466	(50)
Planning, Writing, and Completing Oral Presentations	466	(26)
Communication Close-Up at Fitch	467	(1)
Building Your Career with Oral Presentations	468	(1)
Adapting the Three-Step Process for Oral Presentations	468	(1)
Step 1: Planning Your Presentation	469	(6)
Analyzing the Situation	469	(1)
Selecting the Right Medium	470	(2)
Organizing Your Presentation	472	(3)
Step 2: Writing Your Presentation	475	(7)
Adapting to Your Audience	475	(2)
Composing Your Presentation	477	(5)
Step 3: Completing Your Presentation	482	(6)
Mastering the Art of Delivery	482	(1)
Preparing to Speak	483	(1)
Overcoming Anxiety	483	(2)
Handling Questions Responsively	485	(3)
Communication Challenges at Fitch	488	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	488	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	489	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	489	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	489	(1)
Expand Your Knowledge	490	(1)
Learn Interactively	491
Communicating Across Cultures---Five Tips for Making Presentations Around the World	470	(12)
Document Makeover---Improve This Speech	482	(3)
Communication Miscues---Recovering from Disasters	485	(7)
Enhancing Presentations with Slides and Transparencies	492	(24)
Communication Close-Up at Hewlett-Packard	493	(1)
Planning Your Presentation Visuals	494	(2)
Selecting the Type of Visuals to Use	494	(1)
Enhancing Your Presentations with Effective Visuals	495	(1)
Creating Effective Slides	496	(9)
Writing Readable Content	496	(1)
Modifying Graphics for Slides	497	(2)
Selecting Design Elements	499	(3)
Achieving Design Consistency	502	(1)
Adding Animation and Special Effects	503	(2)
Completing Slides and Support Materials	505	(6)
Developing a Clear Structure for Slide Presentations	507	(2)
Creating Effective Handouts	509	(1)
Practicing Your Delivery	510	(1)
Giving Presentations Online	511	(1)
Communication Challenges at Hewlett-Packard	512	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	513	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	514	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	514	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	514	(1)
Expand Your Knowledge	515	(1)
Learn Interactively	515
Communication Miscues---Is PowerPoint Destroying Communication?	499	(5)
Connecting with Technology---Creating High-Octane Presentations	504	(7)
Document Makeover---Improve These Slides	511	(5)
PART 7. WRITING EMPLOYMENT MESSAGES AND INTERVIEWING FOR JOBS	516
Building Careers and Writing Resumes	516	(34)
Communication Close-Up at E*Trade Financial	517	(1)
Building a Career with Your Communication Skills	518	(8)
Understanding Today's Dynamic Workplace	518	(1)
Adapting to Today's Job Market	519	(3)
Securing Employment in Today's Job Market	522	(4)
Preparing Resumes	526	(19)
Planning Your Resume	526	(6)
Writing Your Resume	532	(6)
Completing Your Resume	538	(7)
Communication Challenges at E*Trade Financial	545	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	545	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	546	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	546	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	546	(2)
Expand Your Knowledge	548	(1)
Learn Interactively	548
Communication Across Cultures---Looking for Work Around the World	521	(13)
Ethics Detective---The Dream Employee?	534	(9)
Document Makeover---Improve This Resume	543	(7)
Applying and Interviewing for Employment	550
Communication Close-Up at Google	551	(1)
Preparing Other Types of Employment Messages	552	(6)
Application Letters	552	(5)
Job-Inquiry Letters	557	(1)
Application Follow-Ups	558	(1)
Understanding the Interviewing Process	558	(6)
The Typical Sequence of Interviews	560	(1)
Common Types of Interviews	560	(1)
What Employers Look for in an Interview	561	(3)
Preparing for a Job Interview	564	(7)
Learn About the Organization	564	(1)
Think Ahead About Questions	565	(3)
Bolster Your Confidence	568	(1)
Polish Your Interview Style	568	(2)
Plan to Look Good	570	(1)
Be Ready When You Arrive	570	(1)
Interviewing for Success	571	(5)
The Warm-Up	571	(1)
The Question-and-Answer Stage	572	(2)
The Close	574	(1)
Interview Notes	575	(1)
Following Up After the Interview	576	(4)
Thank-You Message	576	(1)
Message of Inquiry	577	(1)
Request for a Time Extension	577	(1)
Letter of Acceptance	578	(1)
Letter Declining a Job Offer	579	(1)
Letter of Resignation	579	(1)
Communication Challenges at Google	580	(1)
Summary of Learning Objectives	581	(1)
Test Your Knowledge	582	(1)
Apply Your Knowledge	582	(1)
Practice Your Knowledge	582	(1)
Expand Your Knowledge	583	(1)
Learn Interactively	584
Communicating Across Cultures---Successfully Interviewing Across Borders	565	(7)
Communication Miscues---Talking Yourself out of a Job	572	(5)
Document Makeover---Improve This Letter	577
APPENDIX A. FORMAT AND LAYOUT OF BUSINESS DOCUMENTS	1	(20)
First Impressions	1	(1)
Paper	1	(1)
Customization	1	(1)
Appearance	2	(1)
Letters	2	(11)
Standard Letter Parts	2	(7)
Additional Letter Parts	9	(2)
Letter Formats	11	(2)
Envelopes	13	(3)
Addressing the Envelope	13	(1)
Folding to Fit	14	(1)
International Mail	15	(1)
Memos	16	(1)
E-Mail	17	(2)
Header	17	(1)
Body	18	(1)
Reports	19	(2)
Margins	19	(1)
Headings	19	(1)
Spacing and Indentions	19	(1)
Page Numbers	20	(1)
APPENDIX B. DOCUMENTATION OF REPORT SOURCES	21	(6)
Chicago Humanities Style	21	(3)
In-Text Citation---Chicago Humanities Style	21	(1)
Bibliography---Chicago Humanities Style	22	(2)
APA Style	24	(1)
In-Text Citation---APA Style	24	(1)
List of References---APA Style	24	(1)
MLA Style	24	(3)
In-Text Citation---MLA Style	24	(1)
List of Works Cited---MLA Style	24	(3)
Appendix C. Correction Symbols	27
Content and Style	27	(1)
Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage	28	(1)
Proofreading Marks	29
VIDEO GUIDE: APPLICATIONS AND EXERCISES	1	(1)
HANDBOOK OF GRAMMAR, MECHANICS, AND USAGE	1	(1)
Diagnostic Test of English Skills	1	(2)
Assessment of English Skills	3	(1)
Essentials of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage	3	(11)
Grammar	3	(1)
Nouns	3	(1)
Pronouns	4	(2)
Verbs	6	(2)
Adjectives	8	(1)
Adverbs	9	(1)
Other Parts of Speech	10	(1)
Sentences	11	(3)
Punctuation	14	(3)
Periods	14	(1)
Question Marks	14	(1)
Exclamation Points	14	(1)
Semicolons	15	(1)
Colons	15	(1)
Commas	15	(1)
Dashes	16	(1)
Hyphens	16	(1)
Apostrophes	16	(1)
Quotation Marks	17	(1)
Parentheses	17	(1)
Ellipses	17	(1)
Mechanics	17	(3)
Capitals	17	(1)
Underscores and Italics	18	(1)
Abbreviations	19	(1)
Numbers	19	(1)
Word Division	20	(1)
Vocabulary	20
Frequently Confused Words	20	(1)
Frequently Misused Words	21	(1)
Frequently Misspelled Words	22	(1)
Transitional Words and Phrases	23
References	1	(1)
Acknowledgments	1	(1)
Organization/Brand/Company Index	1	(2)
Subject Index	3

Excerpts

Learn How tie Leading Text Blends with Technology to Create a Total Teaching and Learning Solution Technology now plays a central role in business communication, and technology plays a central role inBusiness Communication Today,too--as both content and pedagogy. The eighth edition builds on 20 years of success with an extensive revision that integrates every vital form of technology that students will be expected to use on the job. Technology is part of this book's mission to provide students with a solid background in communication fundamentals, a realistic look at the challenges of working in today's demanding business environment, and the skills they need to compete and succeed. From the opening chapter on communication concepts to the closing discussion of employment interviewing,Business Communication Todayhelps students use technology wisely, work quickly under time and budget constraints, and communicate with close attention to ethics and etiquette. Moreover, onlyBusiness Communication Todayhelps instructors and students take full advantage of new advances in technology that can have a highly positive effect on learning. The blending of this textbook with technology, such as its "Document Makeovers" that are presented in an engaging multimedia environment, OneKey learning modules, and interactive website, make the text the most effective teaching and learning tool you'll find for a business communication course. Because of its vivid insights into real-world communication situations and lively, conversational writing style, this text holds the interest of students and teachers alike. In the two decades since the first edition was published, millions of students have learned about business communication fromBusiness Communication Today.The text has been awarded the prestigious Award of Excellence by the Text and Academic Authors Association and is the leading text in the field. This textbook offers an extraordinary number of devices to simplify teaching, promote active learning, stimulate critical thinking, and develop career skills. As you'll see on the pages that follow, this edition of the text with its high-tech supplements make classes livelier, more relevant, and more enjoyable. NEW CONTENT IN THIS EDITION Integrated Approach to Technology Technology is woven into the fabric of this book in every chapter to illustrate the changing ways people are communicating with each other. Students are introduced to the pervasive role of communication technology in a special four-page photo essay in Chapter 1, "Powerful Tools for Communicating Effectively." These cutting-edge topics throughout the book include the following: computer animation corporate blogs digital rights electronic documents electronic forms electronic presentations electronic resume production e-mail e-portfolios extranets graphic design software groupware and shared online workspaces idea-generation and document-planning software image processing tools instant messaging interactive media Internet telephony (VoIP) Intranets linked and embedded documents multimedia documents multimedia presentations online chat systems for sales and customer support online research techniques online survey tools proposal-writing software resume scanning systems RSS newsfeeds search and metasearch engines security and privacy concerns in electronic media (including e-mail hygiene) social networking applications streaming media templates and stylesheets translation software videoconferencing and telepresence virtual agents and bots virtual private networks (VPNs) web directories w