1- How does writing text for an electronic medium differ from writing text for a print medium? Why does it differ? 2- For the past 20 years, Professor Clark Kupenheimer has required that his students include five visuals in the long, formal report he assigns. Evaluate this requirement. 3- “Using short words makes the writing sound too simple and not very intelligent.” Discuss this quote. Agree or Disagree? Why? Explain your response. 4- “I’m nervous about deliberately employing positive wording, I think people like writers who shoot straight, and I worry that they’d think I was being deceptive.” Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Why or Why not? Explain your response. 5- If you were trying to persuade your boss to implement some form of cross-cultural training in the company, what kinds of evidence might help you make a convincing case? 6- Defend a policy of doing more than asked in answering routine inquiries. Can the policy be carried too far? 7- Writing in the indirect order usually requires a buffer, making indirect messages longer than direct messages. Since conciseness is a virtue in business writing, how can the indirect order be justified? 8- Compare persuasive requests and sales messages. What traits do they share? Can you point to some general differences? 9- Do employers who offer unpaid internships take unfair advantage of students’ knowledge and skills? Under what circumstances might it be a good idea to take an unpaid internship? When might it not be a good idea? 10- Explain the difference between personal and impersonal writing. Which is better? 11- How might an internal problem-solving report that has been assigned differ from one on the same subject that an employee generated on his or her own? 12- If you were giving a presentation and you saw that your audience’s eyes were glazing over, what might you do to regain their attention? 13- Being able to start a conversation is especially important when meeting clients in social settings. Discuss the types of topics that would and would not be appropriate with which to start a conversation. DIRECT MESSAGE–Request for Speaker You are the planning chair for your organization (e.g., fraternity, sorority, an honorary organization affiliated with your major, etc.), and you have been asked by the Executive Board to contact an individual to invite him/her to speak at your upcoming national convention. You may select the person you would like to invite, the date/time for the person to speak at your convention, and whether you would like to invite the person to speak in person or to give the person the option of speaking live in real-time via Zoom or some other web platform. You may also determine if you wish to pay an honorarium to this person or to offer free hotel room, travel, food per diem, etc., That decision is yours to make but could be based on the Executive Board’s decision and information provided to you when you were tasked with this job. Again, this is YOUR decision. Write an official invitation LETTER using your organization’s letterhead (stationery) and make sure your letter has all of the parts of a letter and follows all of the rules for spacing, etc., for as BLOCK STYLE LETTER. Your textbook has several examples, including one in the appendix at the back of the book that shows the parts (with labels and tells how many spaces between parts). Type your professional business letter using MICROSOFT WORD and use the correct block style letter format (all letters parts included and all proper spacing/margins). INDIRECT MESSAGE (Bad-News Message) A colleague is actively looking for another job. He/She has worked in the same department as you for the past 5 years. You know his/her work product quite well having been involved in a number of projects together. While his/her work product always seems to be mostly acceptable, you have often questioned his/her dedication to the job and have many times felt “put upon” when having to pull more than your share of a project’s workload. Your colleague always has an explanation of a family emergency or a personal situation that caused his/her work to be delayed, to be incomplete when due, and you have come to assume that you will need to complete your portion of the project and most of what was assigned to your colleague. This past week, your colleague sent you an email asking you to serve as a reference for him/her, going so far as to ask you to write a recommendation letter that he/she could submit to any employer-something generic was what your colleague said in the message. You were quite stunned that he/she would consider asking you to be a reference. You need to tell him/her that you cannot serve as a reference but you need to do so in a positive way using all of the skills you learned in Chapter 9. What can you say and how can you say it to convey that you wish your colleague well in a future job but you do not wish to commit yourself to serve as a reference for him/her? Prepare an email message in which you decline to serve as a reference for your colleague. Say “no” without using the word “no” as you learned in Chapter 9. Use ONLY positive language. Make sure to use a buffer paragraph as your colleague will certainly be expecting you to agree to write the letter of reference and will need explanations as to why you cannot agree to do so before you say that you cannot do so. Type your email message using MICROSOFT WORD–use all proper email headings and spacing in your message. Don’t forget to use your email signature block!

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.