Welcome to BUS 365: Business Communication Strategy Molly Epstein, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. in the Practice of Management Communication August 25, 2016

Molly Epstein, Ph.D.

Best Document Exercise Course Overview & Strategy Beginning Personal Narrative Prepare for Next Class

Task: Choose the Document Task: Choose the Best Document Role – Ruthie asks, “Which version of the letter is best for a recruiter?” Task – identify the “best” document for your friend. Timing – 15 minutes total Individually assess docs – 5 minutes Team Collaborate to find consensus – 5 minutes Craft a 30-second statement– 5 minutes

Choose the Best Document: A Team Exercise Form a team of five students Focus on diversity (gender, native/non-native English, etc.) Introduce yourselves

Individual Assessment – 5 minutes Examine the documents Identify the “best” document State why it is best

Reach Team Consensus - 5 + 5 minutes As a team (five minutes) Establish criteria for what makes the “best” document Discuss individual impressions Reach consensus about top document Create recommendation Craft a 30-second statement Choose an individual presenter

Lessons from Ruthie’s Letters Standard business format Your name and address centered Text flush left - no indentations Single space with return between paragraphs Document design to create visual hierarchy Strong business writing Direct, precise language Active verbs Confident, assertive tone

Best Document Exercise Course Overview & Strategy Beginning Personal Narrative Prepare for Next Class

Course Overview: Experiential Learning How do you build the skills to be a better writer? A better presenter? Experiential learning – learn by doing Write drafts, receive feedback, then write your final draft Practice presentations, receive feedback, then present Participative classes – come ready to work and learn

Individual Communication Team Communication Professional Comm Individual Communication Team Communication Foundational Skills: Communication Strategy & Self-Awareness Professional Communication – EY Case Study – Classes 15+ Demonstrating team communication and problem-solving Applying strategy for a client Creating a recommendation Delivering a presentation and document Individual communication – Finding Your Authentic Voice – Classes 10+ Choosing professional language and tone Listening Presenting – Social Media Assessment Writing – Social Media Assessment Team Communication - Classes 4+ Team Best Practices Team Contract Peer Review Email Peer evaluation for each team member Communication Skills Foundation – Classes 1 + Comm Strategy – ARMOR Birkman Assessment Personal Narrative Presentation to peers & facilitator Personal Narrative Report to your advisor

Class Formats Interactive & participative Larger group Led by professor Lecture Sessions - W300 Experiential & interactive Max 7 students Led by trained facilitator Breakout Teams

West Wing Etiquette for Guests of EMBA Respect their executive culture Enter and leave the room quietly Leave W300 clean Respect their space Stay in W300 and the lobby area only Do not take their food or drink

Resources to Build Your Skills & Professionalism Communication Coaching Program Teaching Assistants Business Writing Center

Communication Strategy Framework Audience Reason Message Support Organization Relay Audience Reason Message support Organization Relay CRI Leadership Academy Facilitator’s Guide: Presentation Skills ©2007Molly Epstein, Ph.D.

Best Document Exercise Course Overview & Strategy Beginning Personal Narrative Prepare for Next Class

Your Personal Narrative Brief story or document that Focuses on one characteristic that you possess Expresses your individual qualities Translates your competencies into skills Makes a positive impression Creates a connection with your audience Reveals your authentic self Builds rapport and relationship

Your Personal Narrative How will you contribute to the Goizueta community? Your team & facilitator Presentation to Audience Reason Message support Organization Relay Your advisor Document for

Best Document Exercise Course Overview & Strategy Beginning Your Personal Narrativ Prepare for Next Class

Action Items Next Week Complete – Birkman Assessment –bring copy of report to class Read – “Communication Strategy” from our Mary Munter text Review – Syllabus