Modules 1 & 2

The first module was about the necessity of communication, specifically writing, in a business setting. Although we may not realize it currently, writing will be a part of practically any job we have. That is why it is so important for us to learn the proper way to communicate in every situation. Module two focused on your message’s audience. Having a specific audience dictates how you communicate your message. Module two also emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience so you can construct your message for optimal understanding. You wouldn't write a letter to the company CEO using the same tone and vocabulary you used to write a memo to the shipping department.

While both of these topics are vital to business writing, one of the ideas discussed caught my attention. Section six of module two “What if my audiences have different needs?” was very interesting because of my current job. As the Student Government Chief of Staff my main responsibility is to act as a liaison between the Top 4 Executives and our 20 staff members. I have often struggled with how to communicate a message to my four superiors who have a vast knowledge of our student government and my 20 staff members who are in their first months of being involved with our organization. The textbook’s suggestion to focus the first part of the message on the “gatekeepers” was very helpful because our Top 4 are very busy and this will save them time that they spent weeding through my explanations that were necessary for the staff to understand my message. Now they can read the first paragraph and the rest can be my more detailed information that my staff can read so they will understand the message too.