1. Professional Communication
How to communicate in your everyday lives

2. Using Writing To Recommend Change
Staff Study Reports
The Purpose
The staff study provides a professional format for presenting concerns and solutions
Steps of Problem Solving
Recognize the problem
Gather data
List possible solutions
Test possible solutions
Select final solution
Act

3. Body of Staff Study Reports
Problem
Factors bearing on the problem
Discussion
Conclusion
Action recommended

4. Principals For Staff Study Reports
Consider your Audience
State the Problem
Analyze the ENTIRE Problem
Gather Date
Identify the Facts
Facts must be provable – they aren't opinions.
Identify Assumptions
Consider your Audience – What concerns are they likely to bring to the table?
State the Problem – Be able to summarize it in one or two sentences. Be precise.
Analyze the ENTIRE Problem – Consider all the issues as you develop facts, assumptions, criteria, and definition sections.
Gather Date – Any formation related to the problem
Identify the Facts
Facts must be provable – they aren't opinions.
Identify Assumptions – Any assumption is something that relates to the problem and most people accept it as true, even if it cant be proven concretely.

5. Principals for Staff Study Reports
Identify the Criteria for the Solution
Define Key Terms
List Possible Solutions
Test Possible Solutions
Recommend Action
Identify the Criteria for the Solution – Include standards, requirements oro limitations you will use to test possible solutions.
Define Key Terms – If using any technical terms or jargon that your audience may not be familiar with, define them.
List Possible Solutions – Consider all options, list the pro’s and con’s.
Test Possible Solutions – explain how each possible solution measures up against your criteria.
Recommend Action – Always try to come up with a solution. Close by recommending a specific course of action, make it clear so your superior can read it and say, “great, go for it!”

6. Emailing and Social Networking
Guidelines of Professionalism in social Networking
Acceptable and Unacceptable
Setting the Example
Representing
Core Values

7. Guidelines for Professionalism in Email
Be Brief
Address superiors as sir, ma’am, or by grade, just like you would in person
Use proper spelling and grammar. Do not use emoticons. Also, avoid weird fonts and colors
Reply to s promptly, within 48 hours if possible
If you have a question, as directly. If asked a questions, answer directly
Don’t get into arguments, tirades, or make unprofessional remarks. If confronted with a sensitive or emotional issue, have the courage to talk with the other face to face
Don’t forward jokes, spam, or rumors etc… unless the other person is a good friend who welcomes such messages
Close with a signature block – IE:
Jesse Carr, C/Capt., CAP
Lead Instructor, SNCOA Fall '11
Chairman, TXWG Cadet Advisory Council
"Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond"
(903) (cell)

8. Guidelines for Professionalism in Social Networking
It is okay to have fun, but you represent CAP
Use it as a tool
You cannot hide anything you put online, it is always there, and will always be visible
No profanity, vulgar comments, derogatory remarks