Business communication samples for discussion

Communication skills matter in working life

Pia Åkerberg (marketing) Customer group manager at RAY 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.

Lippo Suominen (Economics and finance) Investment strategist at 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 61A00200 Introduction / Christa Course learning objectives Assignments and schedule MyCourses workspace

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 Nov 8 (paper) Nov 8 / 15 (paper)

Grading: 4 assignments + contribution Task % Deadline A1 a. Communication strategy analysis (10) b. Written request (15) Team 25 Nov 8 (paper) Nov 8 / 15 (paper) A2 a. Persuasive presentation outline (10) b. Persuasive presentation in class c. Reflection paper (10) Ind. 20 Nov 15 (MyCourses) Nov 15 (in class) Nov 22 (MyCourses)

Grading: 4 assignments + contribution Task % Deadline A1 a. Communication strategy analysis (10) b. Written request (15) Team 25 Nov 8 (paper) Nov 8 / 15 (paper) A2 a. Persuasive presentation outline (10) b. Persuasive presentation in class c. Reflection paper (10) Ind. 20 Nov 15 (MyCourses) Nov 15 (in class) Nov 22 (MyCourses) A3 In class timed assignment Nov 22 (in class)

Grading: 4 assignments + contribution Task % Deadline A1 a. Communication strategy analysis (10) b. Written request (15) Team 25 Nov 8 (paper) Nov 8 / 15 (paper) A2 a. Persuasive presentation outline (10) b. Persuasive presentation in class c. Reflection paper (10) Ind. 20 Nov 15 (MyCourses) Nov 15 (in class) Nov 22 (MyCourses) A3 In class timed assignment Nov 22 (in class) A4 a. Team presentation (15) b. Critical appraisal (10) Nov 28 / 29 / Dec 8 Dec 14 (MyCourses)

Grading: 4 assignments + contribution Task % Deadline A1 a. Communication strategy analysis (10) b. Written request (15) Team 25 Nov 8 (paper) Nov 8 / 15 (paper) A2 a. Persuasive presentation outline (10) b. Persuasive presentation in class c. Reflection paper (10) Ind. 20 Nov 15 (MyCourses) Nov 15 (in class) Nov 22 (MyCourses) A3 In class timed assignment Nov 22 (in class) A4 a. Team presentation (15) b. Critical appraisal (10) Nov 28 / 29 / Dec 8 Dec 14 (MyCourses) Preparedness for class; contribution to group activities 10  

Course workspace: mycourses.aalto.fi Course schedule Course materials Assignment instructions Assignment submission boxes