Guide to Managerial Communication

Description

Keeping it short, professional, and readable:

• Short: The authors have summarized key ideas from thousands of pages of text and research. Bulky examples, cases, footnotes, and exercises have been omitted for brevity’s sake.
• Professional: This text only includes the information professionals will find useful because unlike other textbooks, it has been designed specifically for business students.
• Readable: The format of this text, along with its clear writing style, makes it easy to read and skim. Overall, the tone is direct, matter-of-fact, and nontheoretical.

Material Separated into Four Sections.

Section 1: Communication Strategy (Chapter 1). Effective managerial communication (written and oral) is based on an effective strategy, which is why Chapter 1 focuses on five strategic variables to consider:

• Communicator Strategy: Objectives, style, and credibility.
• Audience Strategy: Who they are, what they know and expect, what they feel, and what will persuade them.
• Message Strategy: How to emphasize and organize.
• Channel Choice Strategy: When to choose written, oral, or blended channels. 
• Culture Strategy: How cultural differences affect communication.

Section 2: Writing (Chapter 2, 3, 4, and Appendices).

• Chapter 2 offers techniques on the writing process.
• Chapter 3 deals with “macro,” issues in writing—including document design, signposts to show connection, and paragraphs or sections.
• Chapter 4 covers “micro,” writing issues—including editing for brevity and choosing a style.

• The Appendices provide a quick reference for correct grammar and punctuation.

Section 3: Speaking (Chapters 5, 6, and 7). The speaking section discusses three aspects of business speaking: 

• Verbal Aspects: Chapter 5 explains the verbal aspects in presentations, question-and-answer sessions, meetings, and other speaking situations.
• Visual Aids: Chapter 6 describes visual aids, including overall design, various types of slides, and practice techniques.
• Nonverbal Aspects: Chapter 7 analyzes nonverbal delivery and listening skills.

Section 4: Reference Material (Appendices). The last section of the book provides a reference for inclusive language, grammar, and punctuation.

OTHER POINTS OF DISTINCTION

• Visual Images: A new section was added on the use of photographs and other visual images.
• Citations: A new section has been included on research and documentation of sources.
• TMOD: A mnemonic device for introducing slides—TMOD—is included in this edition:
  • Transition
  • Message title
  • Orient
  • Discuss

• Communication strategy: NEW design for tell/sell/consult/join framework
• Storytelling: NEW section on how to connect with your audience through storytelling
• Channel choice: UPDATED and simplified section on channel choice
• Internet research: NEW section on how to conduct research over the internet
• Writing in a digital environment: NEW section on writing in today’s digital environment
• Writing for small-screen readers: NEW section for writing to be read on smartphones, blogs, microblogs
• Progression and linkage: REVAMPED section on clear progression and linkage in writing
• Overly informal tone: NEW section on intergenerational tone issues
• Remembering your content: NEW section on how to remember your content in an oral presentation
• Dealing with the backchannel: NEW section on the backchannel, when audience members digitally connect with others during a presentation
• Image-driven slides: NEW coverage of highly visual, low-text slides, as popularized by Garr Reynolds and Nancy Duarte

• Deck presentations: EXPANDED coverage of seated deck presentations

• Relaxation techniques: NEW relaxation techniques based on current research

• Authenticity: NEW section on authenticity and sincerity in nonverbal delivery

Brief Contents

For undergraduate and MBA courses in Management Communication, Writing, and Oral Presentations. Also a useful reference for Executive Seminars/Workshops.

A brief, professional, reader-friendly guide to improving managerial communication.

Guide to Managerial Communication is a clear, concise, practical text for cultivating effective written and oral communication in a managerial, business, government, or professional context.

Directed primarily toward undergraduate or graduate business or communications students, this text also provides practical content to current and aspiring industry professionals.

A brief, professional, reader-friendly guide to improving managerial communication.

Guide to Managerial Communication is a clear, concise, practical text for cultivating effective written and oral communication in a managerial, business, government, or professional context.