Business communication Practise questions RUSH IN A hour
doreens
SAMPLE.docxBUSD 1005 Business Communications II Sample practice
SECTION 1 Unbiased Communication 3 marks
1. Rewrite the following statement to eliminate bias and improve positive emphasis.
My manager just had his 50th birthday. He was always a good businessman but he is now definitely over the hill.
(Possible) Revision:
My well respected business manager just celebrated his 50th birthday!
SECTION 2 Composing Informative and Positive Messages 8 marks
2. Revise the following elevator signage to improve readability. Use plain language to ensure the revised message is clear and succinct and conveys the intended information for a variety of audiences.
Attention Residents: Please be advised that the renovation of the lobby is not behind schedule. By next Monday, we hope to be ready to open the west end of the lobby to limited traffic.
The final phase of the renovation will be placing a new marble floor in front of the elevators. This work will not be finished until the end of the month.
Insofar as is possible, the crew will attempt to schedule most of the work during the evenings so that normal business is not disrupted.
Please exercise caution when moving through the construction area. The floor will be uneven and steps will be at unusual heights. Watch your step to avoid accidentally tripping or falling.
We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
(Possible) Revision:
RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
Please watch your step!
Attention Residents:
The west end of the lobby should be open next Monday. Renovations should be completed by the end of the month.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
~Management, April 15, 2020
SECTION 3 Composing Negative Business Messages
16 marks
3. Scenario: As a prominent speaker, you get many requests to appear before various groups. Today, you’ve received a request from Michael Pharr on behalf of a college business society to participate in a panel that will talk about financial investments. 250 students are expected to attend this session. You’re trying to cut back on outside commitments and this request does not fit your priorities. Write an email declining the invitation.
(Possible) Response:
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Participation Request | Financial Investments Panel |
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Dear M. Pharr,
Thank you for inviting me to participate in a panel about financial investments with your college business society. This is a very relevant and important topic that will undoubtedly be of benefit for students.
While I welcome the opportunity to speak about financial investments, I regret that I am not able to participate in your panel at this time due to other commitments.
Thank you again for considering me as a member of your panel. I wish you all the best with this event and please do not hesitate to contact me for future opportunities.
Best regards,
Corrinna Burdek Financial Advisor
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SECTION 4 Document Design
6 marks
4. List the design guidelines for developing readable documents (not just PowerPoints). (Possible) Response:
PAIBOC: Purpose, Audience, Information, Benefits, Objections, Context
Plain language
Layout: Z-Pattern
Type: Consider style, families, size, alignment (maximum two fonts per piece)
Colour: Choose colour wisely and consider contrast (less is more)
Media: Select an appropriate media for the message and the intended audience
Graphics: Consider placement, style, and positive imagery (less is more)
Why is it important to think about design?
(Possible) Response:
Well designed documents – whether business papers, information pieces, promotion pieces, or task-oriented piece – optimize the intended message for the intended audience. By using plain language and basic design guidelines, the message is more likely to be understood.
Poor design that incorporates a montage of fonts, colours, images, and layout choices distracts from the intended message and becomes lost on the recipient.
