Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course
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A Message from Court Bovee and John Thill

A Message from Court Bovee and John Thill | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

We hope the new year and your current term are off to a successful start. Once again, we would like to salute your efforts in helping students get ready for the communication challenges and scenarios they will face on the job.

With every new edition of the three titles in the Bovée-Thill business communication series, we look for opportunities to add topics and features to help you in this important effort—and to make the course as satisfying, entertaining, and successful as possible.

Following on the recent launch of the Fifteenth Edition of our flagship text, Business Communication Today, this feels like a great time to highlight some of the advances in our texts that help students get ready for the practices and expectations of today’s digital workplace.

Continuing our record of introducing major technological breakthroughs to the business communication course, our newest editions explore the exciting—and occasionally daunting—changes being brought about by artificial intelligence.

We refer to these innovations as intelligent communication technology, and we explore a variety of systems that students are likely to encounter during their job searches and potentially use on the job. These include augmented writing, real-time translation, virtual teammates, smart listening systems, résumé bots, and AI-assisted interviewing. We’re fascinated by the impact these technologies are beginning to have, and we think you and your students will be too.

On the subject of technology, today’s students have plenty of experience with digital, social, and visual media, but as you know not all that experience translates well to the business world. Our texts show students how to apply what they already know about media usage—and which habits they need to develop or change to succeed as professionals. For instance, our highlight box on developing professional-grade email skills points out five choices that writers need to make to graduate from social email to “business class.”

 

Speaking of the ever-evolving digital workplace, our latest editions keep up with changing business practices and contemporary employer expectations to make sure students enter the workforce primed and ready. A good example of shifting and sometimes confusing standards is the vexing question of whether to use emojis. They are widely used (and often for good reason) but not universally accepted or universally appropriate, so we offer students in-depth advice on why and when they should consider using them.

 

In addition to covering emerging topics, we continue to add features to help you and your students. (These new features are available in Excellence in Business Communication 13e and Business Communication Today 15e.)

  • Build Your Career activities guide students through creating their employment-communication packages chapter-by-chapter throughout the course so they’re ready to apply for jobs by the end of the term.

  • Apply Your Skills Now highlight boxes help students apply communication skills they are learning in this course in their other classes and in their personal lives.

  • Five-Minute Guides serve as handy reminders of the steps needed to accomplish a variety of fundamental communication tasks, from writing business email to planning reports and presentations.

Here's a video preview of our texts. If you haven't already done so, we invite you to order review copies. Or click here to get in-depth information on all three titles or to catch up on the latest posts from our blog.

 

We wish you and your students a positive learning experience this year!

All the best,

 

Court Bovee
John Thill

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Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course
This is an online magazine by Bovee & Thill, authors of the leading textbooks in business communication, published by Pearson, featuring resources for business communication and business writing instructors. For more information about Bovee & Thill texts and the exclusive, superior materials they provide for teaching a modern course, visit http://boveeandthillbusinesscommunicationblog.com. For instructor examination copies, go http://blog.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/texts. To find your local sales representative, visit http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/replocator. To contact the authors, use this form:  https://businesscommunicationnetwork.com/contact-us/. To get a free Comprehensive Guide to Business Communication Instructional Resources, visit http://blog.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/resources.  Subscribe to a free weekly newsletter of new posts to all 11 of Bovee & Thill’s Online Magazines: http://sco.lt/8kgeVV.
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Why You Should be Teaching AI in Your Business Communication Classes

Why You Should be Teaching AI in Your Business Communication Classes | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

In today's digital age, business communication is evolving rapidly, paving the way for innovative technologies to reshape how we connect, collaborate, and communicate. One such technology that holds immense potential is artificial intelligence (AI). As students of business communication, it is essential to understand why AI and intelligence technologies are becoming increasingly vital in this field. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why students in a business communication course should embrace and learn about AI technologies.

 

Enhanced Communication Efficiency

 

AI technologies, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, are revolutionizing the way businesses interact with their customers. Learning about these technologies equips students with the knowledge to leverage AI-powered communication tools that streamline processes, provide instant responses, and enhance customer experiences, ultimately driving organizational efficiency.

 

Data-Driven Decision Making

 

AI algorithms have the capacity to process vast amounts of data and extract valuable insights. Understanding AI enables students to harness these capabilities in business communication, allowing for data-driven decision making. By analyzing communication patterns, sentiment analysis, and customer behavior, students can shape effective communication strategies and tailor messages to specific target audiences.

 

Personalization and Customer Engagement

 

AI technologies enable businesses to personalize communication and engage customers on a deeper level. Students learning about AI can explore how intelligent systems analyze customer preferences, generate personalized recommendations, and craft targeted marketing campaigns. This knowledge empowers students to create communication strategies that resonate with their intended audience, fostering stronger customer engagement and loyalty.

 

Voice-Based Interfaces and Natural Language Processing

 

Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are becoming ubiquitous in homes and workplaces. Understanding the underlying technologies, such as natural language processing, speech recognition, and voice search optimization, helps students adapt their communication skills to this growing trend. Incorporating voice-based interfaces in business communication allows for more accessible and interactive interactions with customers, employees, and stakeholders.

 

Ethics and Responsible AI Use

 

As AI continues to evolve, ethical considerations surrounding its use become increasingly important. Students studying business communication should gain insights into the ethical implications of AI technologies, including issues like privacy, bias, and transparency. Developing an understanding of responsible AI practices prepares students to engage in meaningful discussions and make informed decisions regarding AI integration in business communication.

 

By embracing AI as part of their studies, students not only enhance their communication skills but also gain a competitive edge in the professional world. From improved communication efficiency to data-driven decision making, personalization, voice-based interfaces, and ethical considerations, learning about AI technologies equips students to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their future careers.

 

How Students Can Learn about AI in a Business Communication Course

 

Excellence in Business Communication, authored by Thill and Bovee, is the only textbook in the field to offer full coverage of AI.  Order an examination copy of this text to prepare your students for their AI future.

 

 

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Three Textbook Choices to Match the Diverse Needs of Today’s Business Communication Courses

Three Textbook Choices to Match the Diverse Needs of Today’s Business Communication Courses | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

Learn more about the leading business communication textbooks in the field.

 

 Obtain a wealth of complimentary business communication classroom resources.

 

Order examination copies of Bovee & Thill textbooks.

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Harvard Psychologist: If You Use Any of These 9 Phrases, You're More Emotionally Secure Than Most People

Harvard Psychologist: If You Use Any of These 9 Phrases, You're More Emotionally Secure Than Most People | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it
Emotionally secure people are confident and comfortable in their own skin. But it takes work to get there. Dr. Cortney Warren, a Harvard psychologist and bestselling author, reveals the phrases that the most emotionally stable people say every day.
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Recent Research about Written Business Communication Can Help You Become a More Successful Writer

Recent Research about Written Business Communication Can Help You Become a More Successful Writer | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

Recent research has shed light on various aspects of written business communication. Here are 15 things that have been learned:

 

Personalization enhances effectiveness: Personalized business communication, tailored to individual recipients, tends to be more effective in achieving desired outcomes.

 

Concise messages are preferred: Research suggests that concise and to-the-point messages are more likely to capture recipients' attention and be remembered.

 

Clear subject lines are crucial: Subject lines that are clear and specific can significantly increase the open and response rates of business emails.

 

Positive tone influences outcomes: Using a positive tone in written business communication, such as expressing gratitude and using polite language, can improve rapport and enhance outcomes.

 

Visual elements enhance understanding: Incorporating visual elements like charts, graphs, and infographics can enhance the comprehension and retention of information in written business communication.

 

Responsive emails yield better outcomes: Responding promptly to business emails and inquiries demonstrates professionalism and fosters better relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

 

Proofreading is essential: Research emphasizes the importance of proofreading written business communication to eliminate errors, improve clarity, and maintain a professional image.

 

Active voice is more effective: Using the active voice in business writing tends to be more engaging and persuasive than the passive voice, as it creates a stronger sense of accountability.

 

Clear calls to action are necessary: Including clear and actionable requests or calls to action in written business communication can increase the likelihood of recipients taking the desired actions.

 

Email length affects response rates: Studies suggest that emails with shorter lengths (around 50-125 words) receive higher response rates compared to longer, more detailed emails.

 

Politeness and empathy foster trust: Demonstrating politeness, empathy, and understanding in written business communication can foster trust and strengthen professional relationships.

 

Tailoring to audience preferences is important: Research highlights the importance of understanding the preferences and expectations of the target audience when crafting written business communication.

 

Formatting matters: Proper formatting, including headings, bullet points, and subheadings, improves the readability and organization of written business communication, enhancing comprehension.

 

Authenticity enhances credibility: Authenticity in written business communication, such as using a genuine and sincere tone, can enhance credibility and build stronger connections with recipients.

 

Emotional intelligence matters: Incorporating emotional intelligence in written business communication, such as understanding and addressing the emotional needs of recipients, can positively influence outcomes and relationships.

 

It's important to note that these findings are based on recent research, but individual preferences and contexts may vary.

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16 Dangers to Avoid in Writing for Business

16 Dangers to Avoid in Writing for Business | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

by Courtland Bovee, coauthor with John Thill of three business communication textbooks, published by Pearson. http://blog.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/texts.

 

Here are 16 practices that are commonly viewed as unethical,  harmful, or even dangerous in professional business  communication and that individuals must be aware of to maintain ethics and legality in their communication practices:

 

Lying to customers or stakeholders for personal gain or misleading people about goods and services.

 

Sharing/selling confidential information about customers, partners, or competitors without their approval, leading to liability or litigation.

 

Manipulating data to improve audit results, financial statements, or other compliance risks or using deceptive practices in financial reporting, raising investor concerns.

 

Using threats, fear tactics, or intimidation to secure sales or contracts.

 

Defamation: Writing and intentionally publishing false statements about other people or companies, with ill motives and resulting in damaged reputation or economic harm.

 

Insider Trading: Sharing information on a company's financial performance or share value, obtained through personal and direct insight/knowledge with other parties, in violation of security laws.

 

Bribery/Kickbacks: Offering or receiving money, gifts, or any other type of compensation or benefits to influence business deals or enhance personal benefits.

 

Engaging in plagiarism or intellectual property theft by replicating content or ideas without proper attribution, harming other businesses' legitimate interests.

 

Harassing or bullying employees or coworkers through malicious gossip or spreading details of someone's personal life, creating possible legal ramifications and toxic office environments.

 

Cyberbullying & Cyberstalking: Using writing to harass or threaten individuals, with the use of technology such as email, texts, or social media platforms.

 

Discrimination or unfair treatment of employees based on age, race, gender, religion, or any other protected characteristic.

 

Exploiting vulnerability or weaknesses in a deal or using unethical tactics to gain an unfair advantage during negotiations.

 

Fraud: Writing statements intended to mislead investors, prospective customers, or partners about financial performance or the safety and effectiveness of products or services.

 

Data Privacy Violations: Writing copy that breaches an individual's or company's privacy rights by disclosing personal or confidential information without consent.

 

Using manipulative language, over-promising, or misleading prospects and customers, driving false expectations that lead to disillusionment and disloyalty.

 

Creating fake social media profiles, sharing fake reviews, manipulating online reviews to generate fake impressions or endorsements.

 

By being aware of unethical or illegal communication practices, individuals and businesses can maintain their professional reputation and comply with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. Additionally, adopting a code of ethics or organizational policy provides guidance to staff and stakeholders on ethical best practices.

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40 Hard-to-Pronounce Words You Might Be Getting Wrong

40 Hard-to-Pronounce Words You Might Be Getting Wrong | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it
With influences from Latin, Greek, and many other languages, English pronunciation isn't easy. Here are some tricky words people often get wrong.
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Using These Words Instantly Makes You Sound Less Intelligent, Study Shows

Using These Words Instantly Makes You Sound Less Intelligent, Study Shows | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it
Think you're impressing everyone with your vocabulary? This study shows that using certain words can make you sound less intelligent.
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43 Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes Even Smart People Make

43 Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes Even Smart People Make | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it
Like it or not, words, spelling, and punctuation can leave a lasting impression on others. But even the most educated people often unknowingly make these common flubs.
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70 Words and Phrases You're Probably Getting Wrong

70 Words and Phrases You're Probably Getting Wrong | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

"The first step is recognizing the errors you're making, and this list will make you aware of even the smallest mishaps. Hopefully, you won't make these cringeworthy mistakes ever again."

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24 Words That Don’t Mean What You Think They Do

24 Words That Don’t Mean What You Think They Do | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

"Have you ever heard someone say, "I was literally scared to death?" That's impossible because the dead can't talk. Even educated people make these common mistakes—make sure you know the real meaning of these words."

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Business Communication Textbooks: The Secret of Finding the Ideal Fit for Your Course

As the only business communication series with three distinct textbooks, the Bovée-Thill series offers you more choices for a better fit with your unique needs. No matter which Bovée and Thill title you choose, you can count on three enduring advantages.

First, this series has been leading the market with one innovation after another for more than three decades. Bovée & Thill have consistently led the way with every major revolution in business communication, starting with the shift from print to digital, followed by the growth of social media, the rise of mobile communication, and now the emergence of artificial intelligence and intelligent technology.

The digital transformation sweeping through business is creating a host of new communication tools and techniques that students will encounter during their job searches and in the workplace. Much of the new coverage in this text has necessarily focused on technology, but Bovée & Thill take the wide view of how employer expectations and contemporary practices continue to evolve. This also embraces developments ranging from ethics and etiquette to the shift toward a more casual tone in workplace writing.

Second, even as they evolve to align with changing business practices, Bovée and Thill texts maintain a solid foundation of communication skills. This approach starts with an efficient writing method that helps students build confidence while producing better writing in less time. The method is applied to every major type of business message and illustrated with numerous model documents that show students the specific writing choices that make messages effective or ineffective. These core writing skills are expanded with practical advice on communication topics that today’s employers view as critical, including collaboration, ethics and etiquette, diversity and inclusion, and the productive use of technology.

Third, Bovée & Thill textbooks are backed by an unmatched selection of resources for instructors and students, many of which were pioneered by the authors and remain unique in the field. All these resources are free to instructors and students, and many are available exclusively to Bovée & Thill adopters.

 

Order examination copies today.

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Words and Phrases to Never, Ever Use If You Want to Sound Smart

Words and Phrases to Never, Ever Use If You Want to Sound Smart | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it
If you're smart, or at least want to sound smart, remember that some things are better left unsaid.
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The New World of Business Communication

Excellence in Business Communication takes a close look at the fundamental skills and principles of business communication. Featuring practical advice, time-tested processes, and real-world examples, Excellence is the premier text for helping you hone and develop essential communication skills.

The 14th Edition continues to set new standards for currency and innovation. The authors performed extensive research to ensure up-to-date coverage of diversity, equity, and inclusion in communication skills, innovative technology usage, and contemporary business practices.

To learn more and request a free examination copy of this text, visit https://blog.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/.

See also http://blog.businesscommunicationnetwork.com

#teachingbusinesscommunication
#businesscommunicationinstruction
#businesscommunicationtextbooks
#teachingbusinesswriting
#businesswritinginstruction
#businesswritingtextbooks

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Ten Essential Tips for Writing for the Web

Ten Essential Tips for Writing for the Web | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

Here are ten of the most important things to keep in mind when writing for the web:

 

Keep it Simple: Writing for the web should be concise and straightforward, using short sentences and paragraphs to make content easy to read and quickly consumable.

 

Write for Scanning: Most web users skim through content, so organizing your information into digestible headings, subheadings, bullet points, and lists can improve the readability and enhance user experience.

 

Use Strong Headlines: Strong and meaningful headlines help grab the reader's attention and give them an insight into the content and structure of the post.

 

Understand Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Having relevant, focused, and keyword-rich content can improve your visibility in search engines and engage your audience.

 

Use Active Voice: Writing in active voice creates more engaging and compelling content than writing in passive voice.

 

Make It Relevant: Focus on creating content that adds value and provides solutions to your readership's needs, problems or concerns.

 

Be Authentic: Writing should reflect the personality and tone of your brand's culture, and reflect authenticity and transparency.

 

Use Visuals: Including appropriate and engaging visuals in your content can increase readership, enhance the readability, and make your message more memorable.

 

Edit Thoroughly: Editing your content through multiple rounds of review, spelling, and grammar checks, checking for redundancy or clarity issues can result in a more polished, professional, and error-free final draft.

 

Focus on Engagement: Encourage engagement with your readers through a comments section, a call-to-action, or well-placed social media buttons, which can increase your visibility, spread your message, and have your content be useful and shareable with a broad audience.

 

By keeping these essential principles in mind when writing for the web, you can improve user engagement, build your brand and thought leadership, and increase the effectiveness of your website and online presence.

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Order Examination Copies of Bovee and Thill Business Communication Textbooks

Order Examination Copies of Bovee and Thill Business Communication Textbooks | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

 Bovee and Thill are the recognized leaders in the field of digital communication, social media, and technology--including mobile communication and artificial intelligence, and were the first authors to cover these topics. They continue to be far ahead of all other texts with heir cutting-edge coverage.

 

Visit this page today to conveniently order examination copies of Bovee and Thill business communication textbooks.

 

Watch this video: Business Communication Textbooks--Finding the Ideal Fit for Your Business Communication Course.


Via Bovee & Thill's Online Business Communication Magazines
Bovee & Thill's Online Business Communication Magazines's insight:

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Bovee & Thill's Online Business Communication Magazines's curator insight, November 4, 2013 9:35 PM

Bovee & Thill are the recognized leaders in the field of digital communication, social media, technology, including mobile communication and artificial intelligence. The first authors to cover these topics, including mobile communication, they continue to be far ahead of all other texts with their cutting-edge coverage.

 

Visit this page today to conveniently order examination copies of Bovee and Thill business communication textbooks.

 

Watch this video:  Business Communication Textbooks--Selecting the Right Text for Your Business Communication Course.

Bovee & Thill's Online Business Communication Magazines's curator insight, November 4, 2013 11:28 PM

Bovee & Thill provide the latest information in their texts about writing a resume for the digital age. Students will learn about creating a personal brand and an e-portfolio. They'll also see examples of an infographic resume, multimedia resume, social media resume, as well as traditional resumes.

 

Visit this page today to order examination copies of Bovee and Thill business communication textbooks.

 

Watch this video:  Business Communication Textbooks--Finding the Right Fit for Your Business Communication Course.

campbell's curator insight, July 18, 2020 9:10 AM
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75 Incorrectly Used Words That Can Make You Look Dumb

75 Incorrectly Used Words That Can Make You Look Dumb | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

How many of these words do you get wrong?

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Words Have Meaning: Translating the Annoying Things People Say

Words Have Meaning: Translating the Annoying Things People Say | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

"People tend to say what they mean, but our challenge is deciphering the meaning beyond what they say."

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15 Misused Words That Make Smart People Look Foolish

15 Misused Words That Make Smart People Look Foolish | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it
Do not let these common word mistakes trip you up.
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The Most Misspelled Word in Every State

The Most Misspelled Word in Every State | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it
Not sure if you're spelling even the most commonly used words correctly? You're not alone. Here are the most misspelled words in every state.
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21 Hurtful and Offensive Words You Should Remove from Your Vocabulary

21 Hurtful and Offensive Words You Should Remove from Your Vocabulary | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it
We offer 21 words to steer clear of if you don't want to alienate or offend your audience. We also suggest how you can better connect.
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Banished Words List for 2023

Banished Words List for 2023 | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it
In its annual Banished Words List, the faculty of Lake Superior State University also suggests removing from your vocabulary overused phrases such as "Does that make sense?" and "It is what it is."
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20 Commonly Mispronounced Words

20 Commonly Mispronounced Words | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

Not sure how to say espresso? What's the difference between desert and dessert? Find out here."

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The Most Annoying Phrases You Can Use in an Email, Ranked

The Most Annoying Phrases You Can Use in an Email, Ranked | Teaching a Modern Business Communication Course | Scoop.it

"We all know how to email, right? But with so many of us heavily using email for work, there are bound to be some things that annoy us. You can find out what they are here."

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