1. Business communication samples for discussion

5. Communication skills matter in working life

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Course introduction

9. Business Communication Skills MLI61A00200
Introduction / Christa
Course learning objectives
Assignments and schedule
MyCourses workspace
Business writing rubric

10. Lecturer: Christa Uusi-Rauva
Phone:

11. 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

12. Work background Lecturer in Business Communication, Aalto, 2016-2019
Specialist (teaching development), Aalto,
Lecturer in Business Communication, Aalto,
English language trainer, AAC Global,
Buyer, Kesko Plc.,
Customer finance assistant, HewlettPackard, 1999

13. 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

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)

15. 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)

16. 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

17. 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)

18. 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

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

20. 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