Business communication samples for discussion
Communication skills matter in working life
Pia Åkerberg (marketing) Customer experience manager, Veikkaus It is critically important in my job to know how to say something and how to communicate it briefly and concisely. A well formulated message always gets people’s attention better than a message that is unclear. It starts from the job interview. Those who are good communicators are the ones who get the best jobs.
Communication key in the job: Lippo Suominen (Economics and finance) Chief investment strategist, Nordea Communication key in the job: Writes internal and external company blog Writes to Nordea’s own magazine and Arvopaperi Speaks to different audiences weekly Been interviewed on TV / for HS as expert in field
Course introduction
Business Communication Skills MLI61A00200 Introduction / Christa Course learning objectives Assignments and schedule MyCourses workspace Business writing rubric
Lecturer: Christa Uusi-Rauva Email: christa.uusi-rauva@aalto.fi Phone: 050-530 0377
Educational background DSc (Econ.), 2010, Aalto University School of Economics Teacher’s pedagogical studies, 2004, Helsinki University MSc (Econ.), 2003, Helsinki School of Economics MBA, 2000, Simon Fraser University, Canada BBA, 1998, Helsinki School of Economics, Mikkeli
Work background Lecturer in Business Communication, Aalto, 2016-2019 Specialist (teaching development), Aalto, 2012-2016 Lecturer in Business Communication, Aalto, 2006-2013 English language trainer, AAC Global, 2001-2005 Buyer, Kesko Plc., 2003-2004 Customer finance assistant, HewlettPackard, 1999
Course learning objectives By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to 1. analyse audiences and define objectives to create targeted business messages 2. write coherent, convincing, reader-friendly business documents 3. craft clear, focused and engaging business presentations 4. critically assess their own and others’ business messages
Grading: 4 assignments + contribution Task % Deadline A1 a. Communication strategy analysis (10) b. Written request (15) Team 25 Feb 9 (paper) Feb 9 / 10 (paper)
Grading: 4 assignments + contribution Task % Deadline A1 a. Communication strategy analysis (10) b. Written request (15) Team 25 Feb 9 (paper) Feb 9 / 10 (paper) A2 a. Persuasive presentation outline (10) b. Persuasive presentation in class c. Reflection paper (10) Ind. 20 Feb 13 (MyCourses) Feb 13 (in class)
Grading: 4 assignments + contribution Task % Deadline A1 a. Communication strategy analysis (10) b. Written request (15) Team 25 Feb 9 (paper) Feb 9 / 10 (paper) A2 a. Persuasive presentation outline (10) b. Persuasive presentation in class c. Reflection paper (10) Ind. 20 Feb 13 (MyCourses) Feb 13 (in class) A3 Course exam in class (computer lab) Feb 14
Grading: 4 assignments + contribution Task % Deadline A1 a. Communication strategy analysis (10) b. Written request (15) Team 25 Feb 9 (paper) Feb 9 / 10 (paper) A2 a. Persuasive presentation outline (10) b. Persuasive presentation in class c. Reflection paper (10) Ind. 20 Feb 13 (MyCourses) Feb 13 (in class) A3 Course exam in class (computer lab) Feb 14 A4 a. Team presentation (15) b. Critical appraisal (10) Feb 15 / 16 / 17 Feb 19 (MyCourses)
Grading: 4 assignments + contribution Task % Deadline A1 a. Communication strategy analysis (10) b. Written request (15) Team 25 Feb 9 (paper) Feb 9 / 10 (paper) A2 a. Persuasive presentation outline (10) b. Persuasive presentation in class c. Reflection paper (10) Ind. 20 Feb 13 (MyCourses) Feb 13 (in class) A3 Course exam in class (computer lab) Feb 14 A4 a. Team presentation (15) b. Critical appraisal (10) Feb 15 / 16 / 17 Feb 19 (MyCourses) Preparedness for class; contribution to group activities 10
Course workspace: mycourses.aalto.fi Course schedule Course materials Assignment instructions Assignment submission boxes
Business writing evaluation rubric Common writing rubric at School of Business Based on 1. rubrics from other universities 2. business communication theory and literature 3. in cooperation with BIZ teachers