Write With Purpose / Page 4.1 Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Over the first three weeks of this course, you developed your communication skill by
... [Show More] practicing active listening and using effective speaking techniques. For the next three weeks, you’ll continue to hone your communication skill by focusing on written communication—any type of message that uses the written word, be it an email, a text, a letter, or a sticky note.
Written communication is essential to the modern workplace because it allows people to communicate in a way that can be saved and accessed even when they’re not face to face. You can use written communication to send an email to your boss, create handbooks and contracts, or text a colleague. No other form of communication lets you plan so much or communicate with such efficiency.
But because written communication is permanent and so easily accessed, it’s important that the information it conveys is accurate. Including an error in a contract will almost always be more serious than misspeaking during a hallway conversation. Mistakes in written communication are usually the result of poor planning, disorganized writing, or a lack of editing.
Written communication is essential because it allows people to communicate in a way that
can be saved and accessed even when they’re not face to face.
Over the next three weeks, we’ll discuss the four components of written communication, paying particular attention to how your self and social awareness skill helps you use them when writing.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
This week we’ll focus on just the first two components of written communication. You’ll learn about the following:
▪ the purpose, or reason, you’re writing your message, and how it will guide your writing
▪ the audience, or the person or group that will read your message, and how to understand them
At the end of this chapter, you’ll be ready to practice your written communication by determining the purpose and audience of an email you’ll be writing for Assignment 2. Let’s get started!
Write With Purpose / Page 4.2 Purpose Always Comes First [Show Less]