COM510_STUDENT_GUIDE_PRACTICE

COM 510 – Business Communications

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The ability to communicate with clarity, confidence, persuasion and passion is an increasingly vital

business skill. Develop the framework needed to understand your audience, instill credibility in your

message, listen intently, and tell an engaging story, whether composing a quick email or creating a major

presentation.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Required Resources

Munter, M. & Hamilton, L. (2014). Guide to Managerial Communication (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River:

Prentice Hall.

Booher, D. (2003). Speak with Confidence! Powerful Presentations that Inform, Inspire and Persuade.

New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Practice [Computer software]. (2016). Retrieved from https://app.practice.xyz.

Practice is a video platform that allows you to practice your communication skills, give and receive

feedback, and reflect on your learning and progress.

Purchase your activation code at the Strayer University Bookstore, located at

https://www.strayerbookstore.com/

Note: It is crucial that you purchase and activate Practice and complete the required activities

in order to succeed in this course. You must activate Practice through the link in Blackboard –

Week 1 (do not go directly to the Practice website).

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Develop an effective communication plan

2. Construct messages that communicate strategically in a clear, concise, and professional manner

3. Deliver messages that inform, inspire, and/or persuade

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of messages

5. Demonstrate professional presence by applying communication best practices and techniques

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 1 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE

The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work.

This includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery mode.

Week Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation Points

1Explore

Video(s)

oCommunications Matter with David Sutphen

Learn

Reading(s)

oSpeak with Confidence

Chapter 1: Wobbling in a Wired World

oWeek1 Custom eText Content: It’s All About Communication

Apply

Reminder: Assignment 1: Strategic Communications Plan is due in week 4.

Practice

Discussion: Introductions and Communication Skill Rating

2Learn

Reading(s)

oGuide to Managerial Communication

Chapter I: Communication Strategy

oWeek 2 Custom eText Content: The Strategic Communication Process

Apply

Reminder: Assignment 1: Strategic Communications Plan is due in week 4.

Practice

Discussion: Real-Life Communications

Reflect

Answer the reflection questions

3Explore

Video(s)

oMaking a Communications Plan with Faculty

Learn

Reading(s)

oSpeaking with Confidence

Chapter 2: Rapport with Your Audience

Chapter 4: (ONLY) Your Purpose, Your Audience Analysis,

and Your Topic Research

oWeek 3 Custom eText Content: Putting a Plan Together

Apply

Reminder: Assignment 1: Strategic Communications Plan is due in week 4.

Discussion: Your Communications Plan

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 2 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Reflect

Answer the reflection questions 10

4Learn

Reading(s)

oGuide to Managerial Communication

Chapter II: Composing Efficiently

Chapter III: Writing: Macro Issues

Appendix A: Writing Inclusively

oWeek 4 Custom eText Content: Professional Written Communication

Discussion: Impressive Writing

Apply

Due: Assignment 1: Strategic Communications Plan

Reflect

Answer the reflection questions

150

5Learn

Reading(s)

oGuide to Managerial Communication

Chapter IV: Writing: Micro Issues

Appendix B: Grammar

Appendix C: Punctuation

oWeek 5 Custom eText Content: Be Agile – Adjust and Refine

Discussion: Practice and Feedback

Apply

Reminder: Assignment 2: Written Communication is due in week 9.

Reflect

Answer the reflection questions

6Explore

Video(s)

oYour Journey in Communications with David Sutphen

Learn

Reading(s)

oGuide to Managerial Communication

Chapter V: Speaking: Verbal Structure

oSpeaking with Confidence

Chapter 4: (ONLY)Your Structure: Moving Beyond First,

Second, Third

Chapter 6: Presenting Technical Information to Non-Technical

Audiences

Chapter 11: Interactivity as Part of Your Style: Stir, Simmer,

Sizzle, Snap, and Stifle

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 3 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

(OPTIONAL) Chapter 15: Audio- and Videoconferencing -

When You’re “Live but Not in Person”

oWeek 6 Custom eText Content: Preparing to Present

Practice

Discussion: Making Progress

Apply

Reminder: Assignment 2: Written Communication is due in week 9.

Reminder: Assignment 3: Verbal Communication is due in week 10.

Reflect

Answer the reflection questions

7Explore

Video(s)

oPresentations that Inspire, Inform, or Persuade with Faculty

Learn

Reading(s)

oSpeaking with Confidence

Chapter 4: (ONLY) Openings that Entice, Summaries that

Sizzle, and The Finishing Touches

Chapter 7: Persuasion – Everybody’s in Sales

Chapter 8: Giving a Good Story a Fighting Chance

oGuide to Managerial Communication

Chapter VI: Speaking: Visual Aids

oSpeaking with Confidence

Chapter 9: Visuals that Support, Not Sabotage

oWeek 7 Custom eText Content: Make an Impact

Practice

Discussion: Hooking Your Audience

Apply

Reminder: Assignment 2: Written Communication is due in week 9.

Reminder: Assignment 3: Verbal Communication is due in week 10.

Reflect

Answer the reflection questions

8Learn

Reading(s)

oGuide to Managerial Communication

Chapter VII: Speaking: Nonverbal Skills

oSpeaking with Confidence

Chapter 5: Practicing Your Presentation

Chapter 3: Platform Presence - Your Dynamic Delivery

(OPTIONAL) Chapter 13: Panache Despite Problems

oWeek 8 Custom eText Content: Presentation Practice

Practice

Discussion: Practice Makes Perfect – Or Close to It 30

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 4 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Apply

Reminder: Assignment 2: Written Communication is due in week 9.

Reminder: Assignment 3: Verbal Communication is due in week 10.

Reflect

Answer the reflection questions 10

9Explore

Video(s)

oThe Revision Process with Faculty

Learn

Reading(s)

oSpeaking with Confidence

Chapter 4: (ONLY) The Edit

Chapter 12: Site Preparation: The Right Room with the Right

Toys

Chapter 14: Emceeing - Tying It All Together

oWeek 9 Custom eText Content: Final Refinements

Practice

Discussion: Putting It All Together

Apply

Due: Assignment 2: Written Communication

Reminder: Assignment 3: Verbal Communication is due in Week 10.

Reflect

Answer the reflection questions

200

10 Explore

Video(s)

oListening and Accepting Feedback with David Sutphen and Mona

Sutphen

Learn

Reading(s)

oSpeaking with Confidence: Presentations that Inspire, Inform and

Persuade

Chapter 10: Question & Answer with Authority: Thinking on

Your Feet Under Heat

Chapter 16: KEvaluating Results: Turning Success or Failure

into Fire in the Belly

oWeek 10 Custom eText Content: Continuous Improvement

Practice

Discussion: Feedback Can Be Tricky

Apply

Due: Assignment 3: Verbal Communication

Reflect

Answer the reflection questions

220

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 5 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

11 Learn

Reading(s)

o Week 10 Custom eText Content: My Journey as a Communicator

Reflect

Answer the reflection questions 10

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 6 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

GRADING SCALE – GRADUATE

Assignment Total Points % of

Grade

Video Questions (3 Strayer Stories and 3 Faculty Insights) 30 3%

Assignment 1: Strategic Communications Plan 150 15%

Assignment 2: Written Communication 200 20%

Assignment 3: Verbal Communication 220 22%

Discussion Questions (Weeks 1-10) 300 30%

Reflection in Practice (Weeks 2-11) 100 10%

Totals 1,000 100%

Points Percentage Grade

900 – 1,000 90% – 100% A

800 – 899 80% – 89% B

700 – 799 70% – 79% C

Below 700 Below 70% F

ATTENDANCE POLICY

This course uses the Practice platform in Weeks 1-2, 6-10. Practice does not directly record attendance.

Attendance is recorded when you complete the EXPLORE, SHARE (in Weeks 3-5 and 11), and

REFLECT sections, as well as assignment submissions in Blackboard.

NOTE:KThis course uses PlayPosit to host interactive videos. Graded activities in this lab will count for

attendance.

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 7 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

PRACTICE/SHARE Discussions (30 points each)

Weeks 1 through 10

Discussions in these weeks can be found in the PRACTICE/SHARE section of the Blackboard course

shell. The purpose of our PRACTICE/SHARE discussions is to provide students with an opportunity to

practice communicating professionally. This will helps students solidify and extend their learning through

interaction with faculty and peers. This is a key component of the course and, as such, a higher

percentage of the course grade (30 points each) is allocated to these discussions.

Week 1 PRACTICE Discussion: Introductions and Communication Skills Rating

Part 1: Introductions

Introduce yourself to your peers and to the professor.

• Who are you?

• What is your role within your organization?

• What do you expect of yourself as an MBA student?

• How will this MBA program help build your career?

Part 2: Communication Skill Rating

How skillful is your communication right now? Let’s explore that. Remember, practice is the key to

success!

• What are your communication strengths? Provide specific details.

• What are the areas you would like to improve? Why? Provide specific details.

• Rate your current level of professional communications skill based on the following five

categories and explain how you arrived at your rating. Note: Your goal is to identify accurately

your current level of communications proficiency and to grow in this course and throughout your

MBA program.

Communication Skill Levels

1. Novice: You tend to “wing it” when communicating. Your messages seldom achieve your desired

goals.

2. Intermediate: Your communications are sometimes effective, but you lack an established process

for communicating (and you aren’t actively testing your methods).

3. Proficient: You apply some tools and techniques of communications and, while you may do so

inconsistently, you are fairly effective when you communicate.

4. Distinguished: You are considered highly professional. You regularly influence outcomes through

communications and you are highly communications-oriented.

5. Expert: You have extensive experience in business communications, are well-versed in the topic,

and can influence goals strategically while driving action with your messaging.

Week 2 PRACTICE Discussion: Real-Life Communications

Think of someone who is a great communicator. What makes them skillful? What specifically do they do

to project their professional presence? How have the techniques they use to communicate helped them

accomplish their goals? How would communicating more skillfully help you in your career? Provide a

specific example.

Week 3 SHARE Discussion: Your Communications Plan

Part 1:

Provide a brief overview of your Strategic Communications Plan. Include a short description for each of

the following in bullet point format:

The purpose of the communication

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 8 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Your goal

Audience

Key Message

Supporting Points

Channel Selection

Action Request

Part 2:

Review at least two of your peers’ Strategic Communications Plan. Provide feedback. Don’t be afraid to

challenge their assumptions, suggest new possibilities, and affirm their choices when those choices are

good.

Note: Remember, feedback is a powerful and essential tool. Thoughtful, useful feedback is specific. It

combines suggestions for improvement with the recognition of good ideas. When you offer feedback, you

should contribute new ideas and new perspectives to help your peers learn and move forward.

Week 4 SHARE Discussion: Impressive Writing

Share an example of a strategic, professionally written communication piece. Identify the key message.

Detail how the organization and composition of the communication contribute to its effectiveness (4-8

sentences recommended).

Note: Remove any personal identifying information and language from the communication prior to

sharing, or if it is from the Internet, provide a link to the source.

Week 5 SHARE Discussion: Practice and Feedback

Part 1:

Complete your first written message (Assignment 2) and submit it to the Discussion Board for peer

review.

Part 2:

Review another student’s work and provide constructive feedback.

Week 6 PRACTICE Discussion: Making Progress

Part 1:

How has your communication changed?

What are you practicing now on a regular basis? K

Rate your progress using the following rubric and note how your rating has changed from week 1.

Communication Skill Levels

1. Novice: You tend to “wing it” when communicating. Your messages seldom achieve your desired

goals.

2. Intermediate: Your communications are sometimes effective, but you lack an established

process for communicating (and you aren’t actively testing your methods).

3. Proficient: You apply some tools and techniques of communications and, while you may do so

inconsistently, you are fairly effective when you communicate.

4. Distinguished: You are considered highly professional. You regularly influence outcomes

through communications and you are highly communications-oriented.

5. Expert: You have extensive experience in business communications, are well-versed in the topic,

and can influence goals strategically while driving action with your messaging.

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 9 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Part 2:

How often do you verbally present to others? How do you feel about speaking/presenting in front of

groups?

Week 7 PRACTICE Discussion: Hooking Your Audience

Part 1:

Share your opening. What story or data point are you using to hook and connect with the audience?

Part 2:

Review another student’s selection and provide constructive feedback.

Week 8 PRACTICE Discussion: Practice Makes Perfect – Or Close to It

Part 1:

Practice and record your verbal communication for Assignment 3. K

Part 2:

Review another student’s verbal communication and provide constructive feedback. Refer to the

assignment criteria and rubric to provide targeted, helpful feedback.

Week 9 PRACTICE Discussion: Putting It All Together

Review your Strategic Communications Plan, written communication, and verbal communication plan.

Do your communications plan, written communication, and presentation plan all align to meet the

objectives of your goal? Explain how they align.

What revisions will you make? Why?

Are you planning to use these communications in your workplace or in the future? Explain.

Week 10 PRACTICE Discussion: Feedback Can Be Tricky

Part 1:

Share a time when you provided feedback to someone (e.g., informal colleague feedback after a meeting

or presentation or formal feedback such as during a performance review). How was it received? What did

you do well? Knowing what you know now, how would you have improved it for a better result and/or

relationship?

Part 2:

Share a time when someone provided you with feedback. How did it make you feel and what was your

response? Knowing what you know now, would you have listened and/or responded differently?

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 10 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Course Assignments Overview

In the business world, opportunities to communicate effectively and productively are all around us. When

you know how to see these opportunities, you can use them to advance your career and improve your

professional relationships. In this course, you will learn proven best practices of managerial

communications, giving you tools you can use to navigate your own professional challenges. To

demonstrate your understanding and abilities of the concepts in this course you will complete the

following:

● Choose a professional communication challenge or opportunity to address.

● Topics will be available for review and selection in week 2.

oNote: If you choose a scenario that differs from the suggested topic(s), you must submit

a written overview to your professor for approval prior to completing the assigned work.

Your overview must explain why the scenario you have chosen is relevant to you

professionally.

● Assignment 1: Strategic Communications Plan

● Assignment 2: Written Communication

● Assignment 3: Verbal Communication

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 11 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Assignment 1: Strategic Communications Plan

Due Week 4, worth 150 points

The ability to effectively communicate is one of the most in demand and sought after skills in today’s

workforce. As a business professional, you will be expected to not only communicate in a clear and

concise way, but to do so strategically. These communication skills are necessary to manage personnel

effectively and to drive your organization toward its strategic goals and outcomes. Effective

communication starts with planning. By developing a strategic communications plan you will be more

intentional in your messages and the actions you ask of your audience. This plan is the foundation for

Assignments 2 and 3.

Instructions

Create a written strategic communications plan for the professional communication challenge or

opportunity of your choice. Your plan should include the following components and may be written in a

professional report format. See the formatting requirements for additional information.

1. Description

a. What is your challenge or opportunity?

b. Why is this professionally important to you?

2. Goal

a. What goals or outcomes do you want to achieve with this communication?

i. Is it clear, concise, and actionable?

3. Audience

a. Who is your target audience?

i. What are the professional positions of the audience members?

ii. What demographic characteristics will the audience comprise?

iii. What is your relationship to the audience?

iv. What background knowledge and expertise does the audience have?

v. What does the audience know, feel about, and expect concerning this

communication?

vi. What preconceptions or biases do you possess that might prevent you from

building rapport with your audience?

b. What information is available about your audience?

i. What research/sources will you use to obtain information about the audience?

ii. What conclusions have you been able to draw about the audience?

c. What tone will you use to convey your message?

i. Is the setting casual or formal?

ii. Is the communication personal or impersonal?

4. Key Message

a. What is the primary message you must convey to your audience?

i. Is the message compelling and memorable?

ii. Is the message clear and concise?

iii. Is the message aligned with your audience’s goals and needs?

5. Supporting Points

a. What three to four points, reasons, or justifications support your message?

i. What research/sources will you use to obtain facts/data about your message?

6. Channel Selection

a. What communication style will you employ (Tell/Sell or Consult/Join), and why?

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 12 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

b. What channel(s) will you use to deliver your message, and why will they be the most

effective?

c. What purpose is served by each channel you have selected?

7. Action Request

a. Is your call to action you are making to your audience clear, concise, and easily

actionable?

Note: You may create and establish all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this

assignment. The scenario is yours to explain.

Follow Strayer Writing Standards

Grading for this assignment will be based on the following criteria and evaluation standards:

Points: 150 Assignment 1: Strategic Communications Plan

Criteria Unacceptable

Below 70% F

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1. Description

Weight: 10%

Does not or

incompletely

describes challenge

or opportunity and/or

may not provide

information on why

this topic is

professionally

important/relevant.

Partially describes

challenge or

opportunity and/or

provides some

information on why this

topic is professionally

important/relevant.

Adequately describes

challenge or opportunity

and/or provides

information on why this

topic is professionally

important/relevant.

Fully describes

challenge or opportunity

and provides

information on why this

topic is professionally

important/relevant.

2. Goal

Weight: 5%

The communication

goal is unclear or is

not defined.

The communication

goal is fairly defined. It

is somewhat clear, and

may need further

refinement to be

concise and clearly

actionable.

The communication

goal is satisfactorily

defined. It is mostly

clear, is actionable, but

could be more concise.

The communication

goal is exceptionally

well-defined. It is clear,

concise, and actionable.

3. Audience

Weight: 20%

The communication

does not include an

audience analysis,

draws irrelevant

conclusions about the

audience, or

incompletely

addresses the

characteristics,

motivations, and

expertise of the

audience. Does not

identify the tone to be

used to convey

message.

The communication

includes an analysis of

the audience, but this

is insufficient. The

communication

includes some relevant

conclusions about the

audience, the

characteristics,

motivations, and

expertise of the

audience. Identifies

only one element of

the tone to be used to

convey message.

Audience analysis is

sufficient to the task.

The author thoughtfully

considers most of the

characteristics,

motivations, and

expertise of the

audience, drawing

mostly relevant

conclusions. Identifies

both elements of the

tone to be used to

convey message.

Audience analysis is

thorough. The author

thoughtfully considers

the characteristics,

motivations, and

expertise of the

audience, drawing

highly relevant

conclusions. Identifies

both elements of the

tone to be used to

convey message.

4. Key Message

Weight: 15%

The key message is

unclear and/or is

illogical. It does not

align with the

goals/needs of the

The key message is

fairly clear, concise,

and logical. It may be

somewhat compelling

and memorable and

The key message is

mostly clear, concise,

and logical. It is

sufficiently compelling

and memorable and is

The key message is

completely clear,

concise, and logical. It

is exceptionally

compelling and

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 13 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

audience. aligns somewhat with

the goals/needs of the

audience.

sufficiently aligned with

the goals/needs of the

audience.

memorable. It is well-

aligned with the

goals/needs of the

audience.

5. Supporting

Points

Weight: 15%

The communication

does not provide

three or four points,

reasons, or

justifications to

support the key

message, and does

not list sources to be

used to support the

message.

The communication

provides three or four

points, reasons, or

justifications that

support the key

message to some

degree, but this

support is incomplete,

and may not list

relevant sources to be

used to support the

message.

The communication

provides three or four

points, reasons, or

justifications that

support the key

message sufficiently,

and lists mostly relevant

sources to be used to

support the message.

The communication

provides three or four

points, reasons, or

justifications that clearly

support the key

message in a

compelling manner, and

lists entirely relevant

sources to be used to

support the message.

6. Channel

Selection

Weight: 10%

The communication

does not identify or

incompletely

identifies the

communication style

and/or

communication

channel(s), while

failing to provide

sufficient rationale

for the channel

selection(s).

The communication

identifies the

communication style

and communication

channel(s), but to an

insufficient degree.

Rationale for the style

and channel

selection(s) explains

the chosen method of

delivery insufficiently.

The communication

identifies the

communication style

and communication

channel(s) sufficiently.

Rationale for the style

and channel

selection(s) explains the

chosen method of

delivery adequately.

The communication

style and

communication

channel(s) are

thoughtfully chosen.

Rationale for the style

and channel

selection(s) explains the

chosen method of

delivery in a compelling

and thorough manner.

7. Action

Request

Weight: 15%

The request made of

the audience is

unclear, or action

cannot be taken

based on the

communication.

The request made of

the audience is fairly

clear, but may not be

actionable.

The request made of

the audience is

sufficiently clear and is

actionable.

The request made of

the audience is

thoroughly clear and

easily actionable.

8. Write in a

professional

manner using

proper

grammar,

mechanics,

spelling,

formatting, and

citations.

Weight: 10%

Writing does not

meet minimal

standards.

Tone is not

professional.

Communication is

wholly lacking in

logic, clarity, and/or

consistent

formatting.

Contains many

spelling, mechanical,

formatting, citation,

and/or grammatical

errors.

Writing is satisfactory.

Professional tone is

developing.

Shows moderate logic,

clarity, and/or

consistent formatting.

May contain more than

a few spelling,

grammar mechanical,

formatting, or citation

errors.

Writing could be

improved, but meets

acceptable standards.

Tone is professional.

Shows logic, clarity, and

consistent formatting.

May contain few or no

spelling, mechanical,

and/or grammatical

errors. There may be a

small formatting or

citations errors.

Writing is excellent.

Tone is professional

and sophisticated.

Shows logic, clarity, and

consistent formatting.

Contains no spelling,

mechanical, or

grammatical errors, and

formatting and citations

meet standards.

Assignment 2: Written Communication

Due Week 9, worth 200 points

Business managers use written communication every day. Opportunities for written communication in the

business world include everything from reports, memos, and documentation to emails, instant messaging,

and social media. Effective written communication can help build and grow business relationships,

accelerate results, solicit input and feedback, and rally personnel toward shared goals. Your ability to

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COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 14 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

write messages that are clear and concise, while positioned strategically and presented professionally,

will distinguish you in your field.

In this assignment, you will develop a written communication for the challenge or opportunity scenario you

have identified. The written message needed to fulfill this assignment will depend on your scenario.

Instructions

Compose a written communication based on your Strategic Communications Plan.

Part 1

1. Develop Your Written Communication

a. State your key message clearly

i. Do not “bury the headline” — the main point should be presented directly

ii. Your key message must be clear and concise

b. Provide the necessary information and build credibility

i. Provide an appropriate amount of background information for the audience, given

the type of communication

ii. Get to the point without unnecessary verbiage

iii. Build your position as an expert or trusted colleague

c. Support your key message with three or four supporting points/reasons

i. Supporting points should be appropriate for the context and needs of the

audience

ii. Reasons should be compelling and relevant

d. Employ either the Consult/Join or Tell/Sell techniques

e. Clearly relay to the audience an actionable request

2. Write Professionally

a. Communication should be clear and concise

b. Communication should build logically

c. Sentences should flow smoothly, using appropriate transitions and varying sentence

structure

d. Employ appropriate formatting for ease of reading and clarity of message (headers, bullet

points, etc.)

3. Demonstrate Professional Presence

a. Be authentic and genuine in your communication

b. Use the appropriate tone and vocabulary for your audience

c. Establish rapport to connect with your audience and grow the relationship

Part 2

4. Channel and Style

a. Explain why you chose the specific channel you used for the written communication

b. Explain what style you employed in your written communication and why (Sell/Tell or

Consult/Join)

5. Use Feedback to Refine Your Communication

a. Describe or list the feedback you received on your written communication from the week 6

Discussion Board

b. Explain how you used the feedback to revise and improve your message

Follow Strayer Writing Standards

and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of

Strayer University.

COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 15 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Grading for this assignment will be based on the following criteria and evaluation standards:

Points: 200 Assignment 2: Written Communication

Criteria Unacceptable

Below 70% F

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1. Develop Your

Written

Communication

Weight: 25%

The author does not

include or does not

state clearly and

concisely, the key

message.

The author does not

offer or offers

insufficient support for

the key message.

The author does not

provide all necessary

information or fails to

build credibility. The

request made of the

audience is unclear,

or action cannot be

taken based on the

communication.

The author’s key

message is reasonably

clear and concise, and

offers one or two

supporting reasons.

A minimal amount of

necessary information

is provided.

Some attempt has

been made to build

credibility.

The request made of

the audience is fairly

clear, but may not be

actionable.

The author’s key

message is sufficiently

clear and concise, and

three or four

supporting reasons are

sufficiently compelling,

appropriate, and

relevant.

The author provides a

moderate amount of

necessary information

and makes a

reasonable attempt to

build credibility.

The request made of

the audience is

sufficiently clear and is

actionable.

The author’s key

message is clear and

concise.

Three or four supporting

reasons are compelling,

appropriate, and

relevant.

All necessary

information has been

provided and

successfully builds

credibility.

The request made of the

audience is thoroughly

clear and easily

actionable.

2. Write

Professionally

Weight: 20%

The written

communication is not

satisfactorily

professional.

It is unclear and/or

not concise, and is

presented in an

illogical order.

Sentences do not

flow easily throughout

the document.

Insufficient formatting

has been used to

make the document

easier to read and

understand and

business formatting

standards are not

implemented.

The written

communication is

somewhat

professional.

It is fairly clear and/or

concise, and is

presented in a fairly

logical order.

Sentences flow easily

throughout some of the

document.

Formatting has been

used to make the

document easier to

read and understand,

but the formatting is

applied inconsistently

and does not

consistently use best

practices for the type

of business writing that

it is.

The written

communication is

professional.

It is mostly clear and/or

concise, and is

presented in a mostly

logical order.

Sentences flow easily

throughout most of the

document.

Formatting techniques

are mostly consistent

and aligned with best

practices for the type

of business writing and

help the reader quickly

understand the

message.

The written

communication is highly

professional.

It is completely clear

and/or concise, and is

presented in a

thoroughly logical order.

Sentences flow easily

throughout the entire

document.

Formatting techniques

are consistent

throughout, utilize best

practices for the type of

business writing, and

help the reader quickly

understand the

message.

3. Demonstrate

Professional

Presence

Weight: 15%

Does not

demonstrate, or

demonstrates

incompletely, a level

of professional

presence.

The written

communication lacks

an authentic voice,

uses an inappropriate

Demonstrates a

passable level of

professional presence.

The written

communication has a

fairly authentic voice,

uses a somewhat

appropriate

professional tone for

Demonstrates a

moderate level of

professional presence.

The written

communication has an

adequately authentic

voice, uses a mostly

appropriate

professional tone for

the type of

Demonstrates a high

level of professional

presence.

The written

communication has an

authentic voice, uses an

appropriate professional

tone for the type of

communication, and

employs contextually

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Strayer University.

COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 16 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

tone for the type of

communication, and

contains

inappropriate

vocabulary in context.

Document does not

help to build

confidence in the

author while

maintaining clarity for

the audience.

the type of

communication, and

employs contextually

appropriate vocabulary

that attempts to build

confidence in the

author while

maintaining clarity for

the audience.

communication, and

employs contextually

appropriate vocabulary

that helps to build

sufficient confidence in

the author while

maintaining clarity for

the audience.

appropriate vocabulary

that helps to build

confidence in the author

while maintaining clarity

for the audience.

4. Channel and

Style

Weight: 15%%

The student does not

describe their channel

and style choice or

does so ineffectively.

The student

satisfactorily describes

their channel and style

choice. It may lack

some clarity or sound

reasoning to support

the decision.

The student

adequately describes

their channel and style

choice rationale. It is

mostly logical and

sound.

The student fully

describes and makes a

highly logical and sound

channel and style

choice decisions that

are fully explained and

supported.

5. Use

Feedback to

Refine Your

Communication

Weight: 15%

The student does not

describe feedback

received.

The student does not

explain how feedback

was used to revise

and improve the

written

communication.

The student

satisfactorily describes

or lists feedback

received.

The student partially

explains how feedback

was used to revise and

improve the written

communication.

The student

adequately describes

or lists feedback

received.

The student sufficiently

explains how feedback

was used to revise and

improve the written

communication.

The student accurately

describes or lists

feedback received.

The student fully

explains how feedback

was used to revise and

improve the written

communication.

5. Write in a

professional

manner using

proper

grammar,

mechanics,

spelling, and

formatting.

Weight: 10%

Writing does not meet

minimal standards.

Tone is not

professional.

Communication is

wholly lacking in

logic, clarity, and/or

consistent formatting.

Contains many

spelling, mechanical,

formatting, and/or

grammatical errors.

Writing is satisfactory.

Professional tone is

developing.

Shows moderate logic,

clarity, and/or

consistent formatting.

May contain more than

a few spelling,

grammar, mechanical,

or formatting errors.

Writing could be

improved, but meets

acceptable standards.

Tone is professional.

Shows logic, clarity,

and consistent

formatting.

May contain few or no

spelling, mechanical,

and/or grammatical

errors. There may be a

small formatting error.

Writing is excellent.

Tone is professional and

sophisticated.

Shows logic, clarity, and

consistent formatting.

Contains no spelling,

mechanical, or

grammatical errors, and

formatting meets

standards.

Assignment 3: Verbal Communication

Due Week 10, worth 220 points

From quick conversations to phone calls, meetings, formal presentations, and sales pitches, you must

employ effective verbal communication skills at all times. While verbal interactions are extremely

common, they can also be stressful. Every interaction contains the potential for success...and the danger

of failure. To be “on your game” at all times requires purposeful practice, reflection, and adjustment based

on input and feedback. No matter what your verbal communication skills are, you can improve them.

In this assignment, you will develop and deliver a verbal communication for the scenario you have

identified. Your communication should match your challenge or opportunity. For example, if your

challenge is an interview for a new position, you may choose to record yourself answering a few key

questions that might be posed by the interviewer.

For the purposes of this course, your video presentation should not exceed 5 minutes. (Your scenario

might require a much longer presentation, but limit your response to the key 5 minutes in this case.)

and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of

Strayer University.

COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 17 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Instructions

For Part 1, create and deliver a verbal communication (recording your presentation for submission to your

instructor) that aligns with your Strategic Communication Plan.

For Part 2, reflect on your presentation, and document your preparation and how you used feedback to

refine your verbal communication.

Part 1 - Verbal Communication (video)

1. Develop and Deliver Your Verbal Communication

a. Use an impactful opening statement to engage, set context, and/or create relevant

meaning for the audience

b. Use compelling stories/statistics/facts to support your key message

c. Where appropriate, make your request of the audience clear and actionable

d. Use visual aids (where necessary) that support and complement your verbal

communication, but which do not drive the conversation

e. Limit recordings to no more than 5 minutes

2. Demonstrate Professional Presence

a. Be authentic and genuine in your delivery

b. Use the appropriate tone and vocabulary for your audience

c. Use body language and eye contact effectively

d. Speak concisely with clarity and confidence

e. Build rapport and connect with your audience to grow the relationship

f. Dress appropriately and employ an appropriate camera frame (with a neutral background

that is free of distractions)

g. Employ only professionally presented and appropriately prepared visual aids, if used

Part 2 - Reflection and Feedback (written)

3. Reflect on Your Presentation Preparation

a. Describe the approach you took to plan for your presentation

b. Explain how you rehearsed for the presentation

c. Offer suggestions for how you might better prepare in the future

4. Use Feedback to Refine Your Communication

a. Describe or list the feedback you received on your verbal communication from the week 8

Discussion Board

b. Explain how you used the feedback to revise and improve your message and/or delivery

Follow Strayer Writing Standards

Grading for this assignment will be based on the following criteria and evaluation standards:

and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of

Strayer University.

COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 18 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Points: 220 Assignment 3: Verbal Communication

Criteria Unacceptable

Below 70% F

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1. Develop and

Deliver Your

Verbal

Communication

Weight: 25%

The student does not

include an impactful

opening statement

and/or does not use

compelling

stories/statistics/ facts.

Student does not make

a clear and actionable

request of the

audience.

Visual aids, if used, do

not complement or

support the verbal

communication.

Recording is longer

than five minutes.

The student attempts to

make an impactful

opening statement

and/or uses somewhat

compelling

stories/statistics/ facts.

Student makes an

actionable request of

the audience but the

request lacks clarity.

Visual aids are

somewhat

complementary and

support the verbal

communication to

some degree.

Recording may be

more than five minutes.

The student’s opening

statement is

adequately impactful

and/or uses mostly

compelling

stories/statistics/ facts.

Student makes a

sufficiently clear and

actionable request

from the audience.

Visual aids, if used,

are mostly

complementary and

support the verbal

communication.

Recording is no more

than five minutes.

The student’s opening

statement is highly

impactful and/or uses

extremely compelling

stories/statistics/facts.

Student makes an

entirely clear and

actionable request of

the audience.

Visual aids, if used,

are entirely

complementary and

support the verbal

communication.

Recording is no more

than five minutes.

2. Demonstrate

Professional

Presence

Weight: 25%

Student does not

demonstrate, or

demonstrates

incompletely, a level of

professional presence.

The verbal

communication is

inauthentic or uses an

inappropriate tone and

contextually

inappropriate

vocabulary is used.

Student fails to build

confidence with the

audience and does not

achieve rapport.

Student’s appearance

and demeanor are not

professional. Visual

aids, if used, are

unsatisfactory and

unprofessional in look

and feel.

Student demonstrates

a passable level of

professional presence.

The verbal

communication may be

lacking a completely

authentic voice, uses a

fairly appropriate

professional tone for

the audience, and uses

fairly contextually

appropriate vocabulary

that helps to build

some confidence in the

student while

maintaining clarity for

the audience.

Student attempts to

build rapport with the

audience and is fairly

professional in

appearance.

Visual aids, if used, are

lacking in

professionalism and

presentation.

Student demonstrates

a moderate level of

professional presence.

The verbal

communication is

mostly authentic, uses

a satisfactorily

professional tone for

the audience, and

uses vocabulary that

is largely appropriate

in context.

Student builds

confidence and

rapport with the

audience while

maintaining clarity.

Student is mostly

professional in

appearance.

Visual aids, if used,

are satisfactory and

professional in look

and feel.

Student demonstrates

a high level of

professional presence.

The verbal

communication is

authentic, employs an

appropriately

professional tone for

the audience, and

makes use of

vocabulary that is

appropriate in context.

Student successfully

builds confidence and

rapport with the

audience.

Student is

professional in

appearance and

presentation.

Visual aids, if used,

are professional in

look and feel.

3. Reflect on

Your

Presentation

Preparation

Weight: 20%

The student does not

reflect, or reflects

incompletely, on the

presentation. The

student does not

provide the necessary

information.

The student reflects on

the presentation to

some degree and

provides some, but not

enough, information.

The student reflects

adequately on the

presentation and

provides a moderate

amount of necessary

information.

The student is

exceptionally reflective

concerning the

presentation. The

student provides all

necessary information.

4. Use

Feedback to

The student does not

describe feedback

The student

satisfactorily describes

The student

adequately describes

The student

accurately describes

and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of

Strayer University.

COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 19 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Refine Your

Communication

Weight: 20%

received.

The student does not

explain how feedback

was used to revise and

improve the written

communication.

or lists feedback

received.

The student partially

explains how feedback

was used to revise and

improve the written

communication.

or lists feedback

received.

The student

sufficiently explains

how feedback was

used to revise and

improve the written

communication.

or lists feedback

received.

The student fully

explains how

feedback was used to

revise and improve

the written

communication.

5. Write in a

professional

manner using

proper

grammar,

mechanics,

spelling, and

formatting.

Weight: 10%

Writing does not meet

minimal standards.

Tone is not

professional.

Communication is

wholly lacking in logic,

clarity, and/or

consistent formatting.

Contains many

spelling, mechanical,

formatting, and/or

grammatical errors.

Writing is satisfactory.

Professional tone is

developing.

Shows moderate logic,

clarity, and/or

consistent formatting.

May contain more than

a few spelling,

grammar, mechanical,

or formatting errors.

Writing could be

improved, but meets

acceptable standards.

Tone is professional.

Shows logic, clarity,

and consistent

formatting.

May contain few or no

spelling, mechanical,

and/or grammatical

errors. There may be

a small formatting

error.

Writing is excellent.

Tone is professional

and sophisticated.

Shows logic, clarity,

and consistent

formatting. Contains

no spelling,

mechanical, or

grammatical errors,

and formatting meets

standards.

and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of

Strayer University.

COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 20 of 21

COM 510 – Business Communications

Course Story

In the complex, interpersonal environment of business, your ability to communicate skillfully can drive

results and move your career forward.

It may seem like some people are born skilled communicators, but they’re not. They simply think about

communication differently. They’ve learned straightforward communications strategies and processes that

they’ve practiced and refined. This process will help anyone develop a communications skill set that

works every time. The key to this process is communicating with purpose. It’s thinking about others while

considering how and why you use your writing, your words, your presentations, and your other

communications to achieve your objectives.

This course will teach students strategies for planning, developing, and delivering effective

communications to tackle challenges and create opportunities. Real-world mentors and top Strayer faculty

will share insights that will enable students to develop MBA-level communications skills. Through targeted

practice, reflection, and meaningful feedback, students will establish a purposeful and ultimately

instinctive approach to communications. This will allow them to get one step closer to achieving their

personal and professional goals by learning to communicate with confidence and ease.

Learning Strategy

Given the topic of this course, and that it is the first course in the MBA program, specific focus is placed

on demonstrating improvement rather than mastery. Skillful communication is a journey that takes place

over time. This holistic, engaging learning experience will set the foundation for a strong understanding of

managerial-level communication processes and skills. It will also facilitate practice and improvement.

Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to:

Practice

Receive actionable feedback from their peers and faculty

Reflect to plan purposefully for success in future communications

For example, all assignments include a peer feedback activity prior to submission. A portion of the

assignment grade will take into account what students learned from the feedback and how they continued

to improve. The goal is for students to gain an increased level of proficiency in their professional

communications while developing a strong habit of continuous reflection and refinement. The course

assignment requirements and grade allocations will reflect this focus. Additionally, students will be

encouraged to apply and refine the skills they have learned in this course immediately in their careers and

throughout the remainder of the program.

and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of

Strayer University.

COM510 Student Guide (03-10-2020) Page 21 of 21

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