Description
Through successive editions of Business Communications, several "old standbys" have proven highly successful, so we've tried to improve on them as distinctive features of this edition:
1. The sentence-by-sentence analysis of letters provides the rationale for par-
ticular idea sequences and word choices.
2. The page-by-page critique of formal reports has been well accepted as an approach to giving the student an understanding of total report preparation and writing style.
3. The integration of listening practices, interviewing styles and methods, and Interviewing for jobs as part of the employment application section (initiated in the sixth edition) has, from student comments, provided a valuable learning experi- ence.
4. The coverage of letter writing is built on the three basic message plans rather than on separate chapters on specific letter types or subjects. This approach has been accepted as a valid way to develop genuine understanding of communicat- ing through letters. We'd prefer our students to use some creativity within the limits of the basic plans rather than become users of lock-step check lists.
5. The final two chapters on organizational communication and management practices attempt to extend communication learnings into the organizational environment in which they will be put to practical use.
6. As in earlier editions, this seventh has been prepared with our conscious attention to the logical, simple-to-complex progression of content to assist the learning process. Additionally, we have attempted to practice what we preach by retaining a comfortable reading level.
