1 HRT 383 Written Communication

2 Thank You to… Noel Cullen, author of Life Beyond the Line Gary Yukl, author of Leadership in Organizations Carol Roberts, presenter of Keys to Powerful Writing and Interviewing Appreciatively Robert Woods and Judy King, authors of Quality Leadership and Management in the Hospitality Industry Quotegarden.com

3 HRT 383 Learning Objective  Demonstrate effective leadership qualities related to communication, team performance, decision-making, and hospitality ethics  HRT 382 covered Verbal Communication Communication Theory Sender and Receiver Feedback, Barriers, and Challenges

4 Why is communication important?  Developing KSAs General Educations Major Course Work Where else?  With whom? Dyad (1-on-1) Groups and Teams Organization Internal External  In what ways? Verbal & Non-Verbal Presentations Conversation  Discussion  Debate  Dialogue Written Communication Professional Personal

5 “I never saw a person who could cram so small an idea into so many words.” Abraham Lincoln From Quotegarden.com Written Communication

6 What?  Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm.  Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

7 Written Communication: The Goal in Business Be Clear & Be Concise

8 Written Communication: Hints  Cut unnecessary words Few in numberFew Serve to make reductions inReduce  Use short and powerful words Of the 701 words in Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, 505 are one-syllable and 122 are two- syllable Think about the word …(3x5 time!)

9 Draw what comes to mind… HOUSE

10 Written Communication: Hints  Do not overuse That, would, was Very, quite  Avoid redundant adverbs and adjectives The radio blared loudly He clenched his teeth tightly  Eliminate contractions (don’t → do not)  Spell numbers…when appropriate

11 Written Communication: Hints  Prune out qualifiers Pretty much, kind of, sort of A bit, a little, rather  Use the active voice – avoid passive voice This paper was written by me vs. I wrote the paper (passive = 7 words; active = 4 words) The manager was hesitant to approve vs. The manager hesitated to approve

12 Written Communication: Hints  Paragraphs - Topic Sentence Clear, concise paragraphs are expected One topic per paragraph; in the lead sentence Other sentences offer supporting points: illustrate, explain, clarify Final sentence is the spring board to the next paragraph  When writing, consider the audience Who are they? What are their needs? What are their expectations and preferences?

13 Remember… Be Clear & Be Concise