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

2. Molly Epstein, Ph.D.

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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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
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

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

13. 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

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

15. 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.

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

17. 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

18. 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

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

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