ENC 3250, Professional Writing Fall 2015, Week 4 Lecture Communicating in the Workplace University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee © 2015 by T. E. Roberts, Instructor Length of this lecture audio (9 slides): 00:34:50 Record the three audio codes and the slide numbers where they are mentioned -- you will be sending those with Assignment 2 by Sept. 28, NOTE: This audio is adapted from one presented in Fall Thus, the correct 2015 dates and other details seen in the text of the slides may differ somewhat from those in the audio.

ENC 3250, Fall 2015 Week 4 Slide 1 of 9 Assignment 2 Reminders Due on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, by 6 pm words (shorter is better) Be sure you understand the concept of “reprimand” Format the memo correctly (syllabus, page 14) Name your document carefully To request detailed markup (must send revision within one week): Lastname_3250_2_markup.docx To request only posting of grade to Canvas: Lastname_3250_2.docx (use this phrase also for subject line) “Lastname” means your actual family surname as it appears in the official USF enrollment record, not the word “Lastname”! Include audio codes with slide numbers for Week 3, 4, and 5 lectures within the body of your transmitting -- follow the format shown in previous lectures

ENC 3250, Fall 2015 Week 4 Slide 2 of 9 Reminders (continued) If possible, record and listen to your draft to eliminate weaknesses (wordiness, repetition, tone problems, confusion) Streamline, clarify, simplify -- what does the reader really need? Review assignment directions and lectures Proofread as if your job depended upon it A seemingly small error such as “moral” for “morale,” “manger” for “manager,” or “effect” for “affect” undermines your credibility and authority Remember that the built-in MS Word Spellchecker will not catch all mistakes (for example, incorrect use of “their” vs. “there” vs. “they’re” or “your” vs. “you’re” or “costumer” vs. “customer”)

ENC 3250, Fall 2015 Week 4 Slide 3 of 9 Why Follow Usage Rules & Customs? Academics distinguish between “prescriptive” and “descriptive” grammar, but professionals in business and other fields are not allowed this luxury Memorize the Usage Tips at end of ENC 3250 syllabus (a requirement, not a suggestion ) Assume that all contacts in the workplace have zero tolerance for writing or speaking mistakes, even if your particular boss or co-worker is woefully or willfully ignorant or lax If you find these rules too confining or trivial, then don’t seek a traditional job or career

ENC 3250, Fall 2015 Week 4 Slide 4 of 9 “Formal” and “Informal” Language Formality applies to many aspects of our relations with others, on and off the job Language style may be based on various factors Age Social status / Respectability / Distance Wealth Power of position Culture Occupation Language reflects and supports the social and economic order Thus, language has historically been a major source of class distinction and target of class warfare (search Google for “U” vs. “Non-U,” “Blenglish” and “Spanglish” to see examples)

ENC 3250, Fall 2015 Week 4 Slide 5 of 9 What Does Your Boss Expect? The boss sees his or her responsibility as reaching well beyond the role of any single employee The way in which you communicate on the job affects performance Talking to superiors Talking to peers Talking to subordinates Flexibility of style and persona (the public face you present) makes you a more effective team player Empathy (seeing and respecting another’s perspective) is not just a “nice quality” -- it is essential for managing, being managed, and cooperating for the sake of successful competition

ENC 3250, Fall 2015 Week 4 Slide 6 of 9 Changing Workplace Communications Mixing of ages, background, experience levels Clear, logical thinking and concise expression are and will remain important for all human interactions Continued growth of electronic media (websites, , text messaging, Twittering, Instagramming, video conferencing, blog, podcast, and others yet unknown) will create new opportunities and challenges Pace of change varies with industry, workforce, culture, geography, and market demand True or False? “The older and more experienced a person is, the less willing he or she is to accept change.”

ENC 3250, Fall 2015 Week 4 Slide 7 of 9 Tattoo or Not tattoo? What do tattoos and body piercings communicate? Would you wear a visible tattoo or facial piercing to an interview for a traditional corporate job? Most would say no … but speaking or writing in an unbusinesslike way can have an effect similar to that of a tattoo in such a situation

ENC 3250, Fall 2015 Week 4 Slide 8 of 9 You Landed the Job … Now What? Success depends upon both truth and the appearance of truth The impression you make in speaking and writing plays a role in how you are perceived by others Confidence Competence Professionalism Belonging to the “tribe” ENC 3250 can help you grow in each of those categories

ENC 3250, Fall 2015 Week 4 Slide 9 of 9 Concluding Thoughts Command over communication gives you command over your job and career Learning the IDIOM of business and professional life takes time and practice Read this article: Schools+BadWriting.pdf Schools+BadWriting.pdf Send me an if you have a question Modern Luddites take revenge. Source: Office Space (1999), © Twentieth-Century Fox Inc. © 2012,