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1/Activities Checklist - 17.FA.ENG.1131.pdf

2017/9/25 Activities Checklist - 17.FA.ENG.1131.A51 BUSINESS WRITING

https://elearn.sinclair.edu/d2l/le/content/89797/viewContent/3085287/View 1/1

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To meet the learning objectives for this topic, you will complete these activities. Print this page and use it as a checklist.

Review the Introduction and Objectives page. Read Module 11 in your textbook. Look at Module 9 and the ENG1131 English Handbook for an example of a Modified Block Letter for this assignment. See Figure 9.3 and 9.4 as well as page 17 of the handbook. The formatting different is the use of indentation for the date, paragraphs, and closing. Read the online lessons: Tips for Completing the Negative News Letter and Prewriting and Organizing the Negative News Letter. Use the Grading Rubric for the Negative News Letter when completing your writing. Assignment: Write a draft of your negative news letter and post it in the discussion forum. Complete your reviews of two other students' postings. You'll find exact instructions for completing the letter and the peer responses in the online lessons and on the discussion forum. Make sure you read these lessons closely and carefully. Assignment: Revise your letter and submit the final version in the drop box. Assignment: Complete the quiz.

1/Grading Rubric for the Negative News Letter - 17.FA.ENG.1131.pdf

2017/9/25 Grading Rubric for the Negative News Letter - 17.FA.ENG.1131.A51 BUSINESS WRITING

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The correct use of these criteria will determine your grade on your final letter:

The letter is organized correctly:

1. The first paragraph provides explanation, and does NOT give the bad news. This paragraph is 5-7 lines in length.

2. The second paragraph gives the bad news clearly and compactly in the most positive way possible. The paragraph offers detailed alternatives. This paragraph is 5-7 lines in length.

3. The third paragraph offers a goodwill ending that makes a sincere, positive, and forward statement. This paragraph is 2-3 lines in length.

The letter does not use "I, me, my, myself, we," or "the company name ______." Explanation is kept impersonal without placing blame. "You" is not used when referring the negative situations and/or to blame the reader or to blame others. The letter uses positive words and de-emphasizes the negative information. Avoids the use of negative words such as "no" and "limited," plus most "un-words, in-words," and so forth (refer to chapter 7 for a list). The letter does not refer to the reader's or the writer's feelings at all. The writing includes specific and accurate word choice and details and does NOT use the following words: thing, good, really, very, extremely, wonderful, outstanding, or any synonym of the above (refer to the online lesson in week 2 on using precise words). The letter contains specific and precise alternatives. When writing alternatives, the sentences use active versus passive voice. (refer to the online lesson in week 2 on action verbs). The writing uses familiar words. The writing uses no slang, cliches, trite or over-used expressions, and no biased or sexist language. (Be sure the salutation goes to Ms. if the letter is addressed to a woman). The writing is free of typographical errors. Words are spelled and used correctly. Commas, quotation marks, and other punctuation marks are used correctly. The writing contains correct grammar without sentence fragments, comma splices, and run-on sentences. The letter is formatted correctly:

1. Modified block format is used. 2. 12 point Calibri or Times New Roman font is used. 3. Spacing is correct. 4. The letter includes a company letterhead, date, inside address to an individual at a company, a

salutation followed by colon, three paragraphs, and a close. 5. All components except for the letterhead are lined up on the left margin.

1/Introduction and Objectives - 17.FA.ENG.1131.pdf

2017/9/25 Introduction and Objectives - 17.FA.ENG.1131.A51 BUSINESS WRITING

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Introduction

Sometimes, you just have to give bad news. Sometimes you have to just say no. Your reader may not like it, but you can help your reader accept it, and hence, maintain goodwill. People are much more likely to accept negative news if they understand WHY the news is bad, or WHY you have to say no.

In this topic, you'll learn to employ the specific techniques unique to negative news messages. Like the last topic, this topic emphasizes the writing process. You'll post a draft, complete peer responses, and submit a final letter. You'll also take a brief quiz over Module 11.

Objectives

After completing the learning activities for this topic, you will be able to:

Analyze business communication situations Organize a negative message Give negative news while maintaining goodwill in your writing Choose an appropriate tone in your writing Compose a negative news letter in a modified block format Use the writing process for prewriting, drafting, responding, and revising Apply evaluation criteria

1/Learning Activities_ Negative Messages - 17.FA.ENG.1131.pdf

2017/9/25 Learning Activities: Negative Messages - 17.FA.ENG.1131.A51 BUSINESS WRITING

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View This

Points to consider when delivering a negative message

Click on the link to view the video: Delivering a Negative Message

Another Activity

Read "How to Communicate Bad News to Customers" by clicking on this link: How To Communicate Bad News to Customers

Another Activity

Focus on LO 11-2, "Giving Bad News to Customers and Other People Outside Your Organization." Remember, do not disclose information that hurts the company and does not help the customer.

1/Prewriting and Organizing the Negative News Letter - 17.FA.ENG.1131.pdf

2017/9/25 Prewriting and Organizing the Negative News Letter - 17.FA.ENG.1131.A51 BUSINESS WRITING

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Read the case from Exercise 11.20. Write a letter in modified block format and address the letter to the customer based on the information in the business case. Remember, the store is in Chicago and the customer must live in that area.

Determine: the bad news before you start writing, but remember the bad news will go in your second paragraph.

Think about the most positive way you can present the bad news.

First Paragraph Brainstorm and Write:

explanations for the bad news. In this paragraph, you want explain so the reader will accept the news. Since you're focusing on negatives, it's okay to use passive voice verbs. You never want to emphasize negatives.

Make your explanation clear and specific, and avoid placing blame or fault. Also, don't refer to company policy. Think about your own reaction when you hear that "it's not policy" as an excuse. Remember, you want your readers to accept the bad news. They will be more likely to accept your news if they understand the reasons why instead of referring to policy.

Second Paragraph Write:

the bad news and alternatives. You may use a passive voice verb in the sentence that gives the bad news. State the news clearly and compactly. You do not need to apologize. Next, discuss alternatives in detail. Use action verbs when writing the alternatives since these offer positives for the reader.

Third Paragraph Write:

A goodwill ending. Sentences such as "I look forward to doing business with you," or "Please contact us if you need more assistance," seem insincere. After all, you have just given bad news! Instead, write a forward positive statement. Use your imagination and best judgement!

1/requriement.docx

Prewrite and Complete the Negative Message Letter Draft

This assignment has four important steps.

1. Complete the prewriting for the negative message letter:

· Prewriting prepares you to write and helps you organize your ideas.

· You may print the lesson and jot notes for yourself on the paper, or you may write notes on your own.

· You do not have to submit prewriting for any points, but don't skip this important step!

2. Complete a draft of the negative message letter:

· Read the case, Exercise 11.20. Write a modified block letter. Refer to Figure 9.3 and 9.4 in Module 9 for more information. You will have three paragraphs: 

· Paragraph 1: explain the problem or situation. Make this paragrph 5-7 lines in length.

· Paragraph 2: give the bad news and present alternatives. Make this paragraph 5-7 lines in length.

· Paragraph 3: give a sincere goodwill ending. This paragraphy only needs to be 2-3 lines in length.

3. Submit your draft of your negative message letter in the discussion forum below:

· Late drafts will receive partial credit, s0 you may still post in order to have a chance at receiving and giving responses.

· Attach your letter in .doc, .docx, or rtf format, so that all students can open your file.

4. Complete peer responses for 2 of your classmates' letter.

· You may type the peer responses in the textbox/message area or attach the peer responses (be sure to put your name in the files you attach).

· Refer to the page Grading Rubric for the Negative Message Letter in this topic for a checklist.

· Write a paragraph of 10 lines or a list of 10 lines, addressing the items on the grading rubric. When writing peer response, write in complete sentences, even if you use a list. Also, use specific and precise words and examples. Focus on specific information. Offer specific revision suggestions.

· Post your peer responses by the deadline.

Note: You must first post your own answers before you can read others' posts. Attach your work as either a .doc, docx or .rtf file (no other formats). Check after you post to make sure your file truly did attach, and that the file is .doc, .docx or.rtf format. 

1/Tips for Completing the Negative News Letter - 17.FA.ENG.1131.pdf

2017/9/25 Tips for Completing the Negative News Letter - 17.FA.ENG.1131.A51 BUSINESS WRITING

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Below is the sample format for the assignment and tips for completing the Negative News letter.

Company Name

Company Address City, State Zip

Phone Number

Date

Name of Individual Individual's Title

Individual's Company Name Address

City, State Zip

Dear Ms. Individual:

Use the information from Exercise 11.20 and write a letter in the modified block format. Refer to Figure 9.3 on page 129 for more information. The first paragraph explains, but does NOT give the bad news. Explain the circumstances behind the bad news. Provide detailed reasons that give a full explanation. Don't place blame or refer to company policy; instead offer reasons. Write using positive emphasis whenever possible. (Make this paragraph 5-7 lines in length.)

In the second paragraph, give the bad news clearly, compactly, and as positively as possible. Do not apologize. Do, after you give the news, provide detailed alternatives. Use "you attitude" for your alternatives and write phrases such as "You can..." and/or "You might consider...." (Make this paragraph 5- 7 lines in length.)

Provide a goodwill ending, that gives one or two positive, forward looking statements and an offer of contact. Avoid insincere statements such as "If you need any additional assistance," or "I look forward to doing business with you." (This paragraph should be 2-3 lines in length).

Sincerely,

Your Name Your Title (optional)

Note: Double-space between paragraphs, and include 3-4 spaces between "Sincerely," and "Your Name."

A note on using passive voice in negative letters: When you give negative news, you don't want to put emphasis on any negative actions. Therefore, you may use passive voice verbs when giving bad news and when explaining the circumstances for the bad news. In other words, you may use is, are, was, were, be, been, being, or am in the first paragraph--the explanation--and in the second paragraph where you give the bad news. However, for the alternatives, use action verbs. Alternatives offer positives for the reader, so you want to emphasize those actions.