Professional and Business Communication: Personal Strategies for the Post-Digital Future

Description

This new edition of Professional and Business Communication is an ideal core communications textbook for students on business, management and professional courses preferring a practice-focused, and colloquial approach that combines accessibility with key theory. Techniques and processes detailed in the book include planning and preparing written communication, effective structures in documents, diverse writing styles, managing face-to-face interactions, using visual aids, delivering presentations, and organizing effective meetings. The third edition of this popular text has been thoroughly revised and updated to cover the dramatic shifts in communication practices that have been driven by remote working and increased technology use. It explores the current and likely future impact of these changes on communication practices, both for good (border lessness; flexibility) and bad (isolation; burnout; fatigue) and looks at contemporary trends and future developments. This edition has also been revised to include even more examples, cases, tasks, activities and discussion topics, with pedagogical features designed to aid international students. This popular text (and the accompanying website) will continue to support students on business, management and professional courses for years to come. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Acknowledgments Introduction Introduction Do we need another book on professional and business communication? Our aims Why do we need to ‘rethink’ communication? Communication working well? Improving communication – using evidence and research What does communication involve? How this book is organised And finally References Part 1 How we understand and analyse the ways we communicate in organisations Chapter 1 Developing your communication: Deciding where to start Introduction Reviewing your objectives and goals Adopting learning strategies to improve your communications: review, plan, and improve Choosing appropriate communication tools References Chapter 2 How should we analyse communication? Introduction Communication and action Different views of communication Analysing communication And so to basic principles References Chapter 3 What does communication mean? Introduction What are the different codes we use to communicate? Understanding human language Nonverbal codes Possibilities offered by new technology References Chapter 4 Communication context 1: organisational culture and structure Introduction Organisational culture and communication Major models of organisational culture Results Contrasting different models of organisational culture How can we define organisational structure? References Chapter 5 Communication context 2: The new technology landscape Introduction Key phases of workplace development linked to technology Technology roles Important technology trends Key issues and questions And finally References Part 2 Presenting information: effective methods and media Chapter 6 How should we plan and organise professional written communication? Introduction How effective is written communication in your workplace? Where do you start? Why is structuring information so important in professional communication? Defining objectives When the objective is to persuade Methods and principles for structuring information Structuring devices in written documents Matching structure to objectives References Chapter 7 What is an effective writing style? Introduction What do we need to “fix” in business writing? What is “good style” in professional writing? The rise of Plain English Developments in plain language But is Plain English always the answer? Applying plain language strategies References Chapter 8 Effective design and visual aids Introduction Why is effective design and layout now such an important aspect of effective writing? Making documents accessible to all readers What are the main design features of business documents? What do business writers need to know about typography? Page layout and document structure When and how do you need to incorporate a visual aid into a business document? Presentations References Chapter 9 Effective documents Introduction Underpinning principles Other general considerations: Document designs reflect organisational structures and culture Different types of documents Email Reports Types of report Report style Letters Fax Writing online Effective communication in the online world How to write a blog References Part 3 Effective interpersonal and group communication Chapter 10 Effective interpersonal communication: Defining interpersonal skills in an information age Introduction What does effective interpersonal communication involve? What do we mean by interpersonal skills? What are the most important interpersonal skills? Nonverbal communication Using assertive behaviour Popular theories to improve your communication Can we believe this (and any other) popular theory? The role of new technology in interpersonal communication Becoming “mindwise” and putting the skills together References Chapter 11 How do interpersonal skills work in practice? Introduction Conversations in the office – the case of the missing service engineer Thinking about difference Supportive communication Managing difficult conversations When organisations provide the script… Communication and interviews Communication in the selection interview When cultural differences make the difference Organisation and structure in the selection interview Overall structure Question sequences Communication and feedback in the appraisal interview Defining the skills of feedback References Chapter 12 How can we organise effective meetings? Introduction What sort of meetings are these? What makes meetings effective? Developing and reporting the agenda Planning more effective meetings: procedures and techniques to consider Structured problem-solving Encouraging group innovation Changing decision-making Comparing group methods Virtual meetings References Chapter 13 Effective presentations Introduction Why are oral presentations important? Planning the presentation Presentation as process or event? The importance of structure in presentations Critical issues and skills in presentations Presentation technology Reflecting on your use of software like PowerPoint Alternative presentation strategies Using visual slides which engage the audience Virtual presentations References Chapter 14 Effective teams Introduction We need a team! What makes a team? Group and team processes Group development Understanding leadership Leadership and management Problem-solving and decision-making Communication and decision-making Inter-group relationships So how can we develop more effective teams and working groups? New technologies and team behaviour Final words on self-managed teams References Part 4 Future-gazing Chapter 15 Change and future-gazing Introduction What are the different types of change? Strategies for change Evolving scenarios and the implications for communication References Chapter 16 Planning your future Introduction Proactive professional development Recognising your own professional and personal boundaries, (public and private spheres) and managing your digital ID Final words on the future References Index