Basic Letter Elements

Introduction: When writing a letter this is where you greet the person you are writing the letter and introduce yourself and explain why you are writing them. Also this is a good time to prove to them why you are credible and why the should take time to listen to you.

Body: The body of a letter is nothing more than elaboration on your introductory ideas, you want to give the person the details of your proposal or idea that you told them about in your intro. Use the body of the letter to fully explain the purpose of writing them.

Conclusion: Finally the conclusion should include a brief summary of what you have just talked about in the body of the letter, one final idea that really leaves the reader thinking that way they don't forget you. And then lastly you want to close your letter with a sincere closing remark such as; Sincerely yours, or your friend.

Chelsea B's Drafting Your Document Correctly

In the workplace there are higher standards to which we are all held and must strive for. There is a professionalism that requires we put more effort into our documents than merely one draft and then, boom, you’re done. Drafting is the nonlinear process that allows us to create the first version of our work with majority, if not all of its parts. When writing a draft it is key we include the following:

*All parts of document- front matter, body, and end matter
*A strong statement of purpose
*Logical, Concise support
*Strong Conclusions

The first line of attack would be to draft the body, the primary part of the document. There is no particular length to strive for as much clear, concise coverage of the information you need. Clear topic sentences are a must as well as noted focal points of each section.
Next, it’s good to write up the conclusion. Here you include a summary of the information, analytic predictions, recommendations for the reader, and a personal judgment.
The Intro is the last part to write and definitely most important, this is what reader’s remember most. Here you should include:

*Purpose/Objective
*Scope
*Statement of Problem
*Relevant Info/Background
*Key Terms
*Overview of Organization
*Summary

I know it may seem like a lot to accomplish, but don’t worry, it’s only the first draft!

deKrizia L's Rhetorical Awareness in the Workplace

Aristotle once defined rhetoric as, "the available means of persuasion in any given situation" (http://www.prenhall.com/). Many of us are being persuasive, even when we're not meaning to be. For example, when I write a resume and fax it to a company, I'm doing it with the persuasive goal of getting an interview with that company. Rhetorical problems in the workplace usually involve difficulties in the construction of persuasive text or documents, and many of us face these problems on a regular basis. Rhetorical awareness can help us get through these issues and create an outstanding document. To have rhetorical awareness we must first understand that workplace writing is persuasive and then we must consider the rhetorical situation, which includes defining the purpose, audience, stakeholders and context of the document being created.

Another element that should always be thought about is the addition of a visual element. Visual rhetoric leads us through a list of questions to ask ourselves when creating a work document. These questions include:

• Should I use a visual?
• What kind of visual should I use?
• What should the visual look like?
• Where should the visual be placed on the document?
• How should visual and written elements relate to one another?
• How should the document look?
• What form should the document take? - for example should it be a print document or an electronic document?

Visuals such as graphs, images or icons can persuade the thoughts of others as long as they relate to the document. After going through these questions we can make a better decision about the end look of the document and whether it's necessary to add the visual. I hope this helps you create your next work document. Just remember to always think rhetorically!

Source: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/624/01/

Technical Communication Textbook

Ryan K's Editing, Revising, and Rewriting

No matter what you are writing it is always a good idea to edit, revise and even rewrite if necessary. Without editing and revising your work you may miss errors and will look ignorant and unprofessional to your audience. There are some key differences between editing,revising, and rewriting. When I used to correct errors in my work I was not sure whether I was revising or editing and did not know the best methods to do them. Editing, revising, and rewriting is a necessity so I am going to explain their differences and tips on how to improve the process.

Editing

Editing is used to make sure your document is correct in areas such as:
*grammar
*spelling
*punctuation
*sentence structure

Editing is extremely important because if your document has simple grammatical or spelling errors you will lose credibility with your audience and your work will lose its value.

Tips for Editing

*If you have to edit your own work read it backwards. This will help to recognize errors. A problem with editing your own work is often times you will overlook errors.(Dorbin)
*Read your work out loud.This will help you recognize when sentences don't sound right
*The best method for editing is to have someone else edit your work. When my work is edited by someone else they often times find errors that I overlooked.

Revising

Editing is used to correct mechanics but revising on the other hand is used to improve the content of your writing. Revisions are much more in depth than edits because they improve content, organization, and design.

Tips for Revising

*Make sure that the document achieves its purpose
*Eliminate irrelevant or repeated information
*Be sure to use the correct style for the situation

Rewriting

Rewriting a document requires even more changes than a revision. Rewriting is necessary when a document is going to be used for different audiences and purposes. Although rewriting can be tedious, it is necessary in order to effectively "meet the demands of a different rhetorical situation." ( Dorbin)

Tips for Rewriting

*Include new content that will help achieve the purpose
*Be sure to write to your new audience

References

"Revising." ABC's of the Writing Process. Web. 30 Nov. 2009.http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/revising.html

Dorbin, Sidney, Christopher Keller, and Christian Weisser. Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. second. Columbus: Prentice Hall, 2008. 273-289. Print.

Lauren N's Business Letter Examples

I, along with the majority of you, hate writing business letters. However, they are required in the professional world today. There are many instances where you may need to write a letter in a business format. For example, the way in which you write your application and cover letters may make you stand out next to your fellow competitors. Format, font, punctuation and wording play a huge role in the message that actually reaches the recipient. I always write a thank you letter, which is a form of a business letter, to my clients, prospective employers, or to anyone who has done anything or me that deserves thanks! Just yesterday, I wrote a thank you letter to a neighboring store that gave my work some supplies that we ran out of. It was a small gesture that, I’m sure, they’ll remember. Below is a YouTube video that explains how to write a proper business letter followed by an example that you could follow, if needed.



Sample Business Letter

Mrs. Clara Winters --------Return Address
12187 S. Polo Dr.
Fairfax, VA 22030

May 26, 1998 -------- Date

The Tiny Tots Toy Company -------- Inside Address
15456 Pyramid Way
College Park, FL 33133

Dear Customer Service Representative: -------- Salutation

I recently purchased one of your Tiny Tents (Model # 47485) for my three-year old. Unfortunately, afterviewing the components that came with the product, I discovered that four of the parts were missing. Also, the instructions that came with the tent are incomplete. Both of these situations have resulted in the tent remaining unassembled and unacceptable as a toy for my daughter.

I am writing to request replacements for the missing parts, and a copy of the full set of assembly directions for the model I purchased. If reasonable arrangements are not made within ten business days, I will return the tent to the store I purchased it from and expect a full refund. To assist you in processing my request, I am including a copy of my sales receipt and a list of the missing parts.

I have purchased other toys manufactured by your company in the past, and have always been impressed with the quality and selection Tiny Tots has made available to its customers. I sincerely hope this is a one-time incident, and that any future purchases I make will live up to the standard my family has come to expect from your company.

Sincerely,-------- Closing

Signature

Clara Winters -------- Typed Name and Position

Enclosures: 2 -------- Abbreviations

(http://www.gmu.edu/departments/writingcenter/letter.html)

Frankie G's Periodic Elements of Email

Being a student at a University, you are faced with the task of writing various emails weekly. Whether it is writing to your friends, family, teachers, girlfriend/boyfriend, or whoever. There are certain elements that are necessary in every email.  

If you are like me,  you want to send these emails as quickly and easily as possible.  Therefore, if you take a look at my list of essential elements of emails, you can learn and become a pro in no time. 

1. Be clear!-  you have to remember that this is a digital message.  This means that you can not use body language to get your point across.  This is why it is important to make sure you are being as concise as possible when writing.  Watch out with you're use of sarcasm, as it may come across in the wrong context. 

2. From Field- Make sure to type you're full name properly in this field.  Use correct capitalization, and make sure you have your name and not email in this field.  Anything less than this might come off as unprofessional, or even might get confused for a spam message.

3. Subject Line-  A well thought out, short-and-sweet subject line is essential in writing a good email.  I'd say a 5-7 word subject line is appropriate, just enough to get your point across, yet not going into detail.

4.  Greetings!-  It is important to add some sort of greeting at the beginning of the message.  If you are not sure of how formal the greeting should be, it is always better to play it safe.  Therefore use Mr. or Ms. when necessary.  

5. The Body! - This is where you will clarify all the details that you are trying to communicate.  It is important to be as clear as possible here, avoiding any possible miscommunications.   Again, make sure you use correct capitalization and spell check to avoid any mistakes that the reader might take as laziness or ignorance. 

6. Close it up!- You don't want your message to be viewed as over demanding, so you want to add a little something at the end to wrap it up.  Whether it be, "Sincerely yours," or "Warm regards" etc. This is the final touch to your email so make it count. 

If you take the time and learn each of these elements, you will have no problem in conquering even the toughest of emails.  

Chelsea B's Progress Reports

A progress report is an informal update on the status of an ongoing project. Most useful for managers and supervisors, they detail how far along they’ve come on a project and how much farther they have to go. Typically there are set goals and objectives and the report gives insight as to which stage of completion they are in. They cover information such as completed objectives, objectives which encountered delays, and solutions to the problems that caused the setback. A standard progress report would review past information, explain current affairs, and provide the audience with expected dates of completion. Also, it would let an audience know when a final, more formal report is expected. Honesty is crucial in constructing a progress report because its audience, mainly stakeholders, may have other projects going on at the same time and need to plan accordingly. Length does not matter as much as a thorough and accurate report.

P.S. The code did not post despite numerous attempts. I'm sorry but here is the text.

Reference Letters

Reference letters are a good way to show a potential employer that you have had some experience in the field you are applying for and as proof you have recommendations from outside sources citing how great of a worker you are. For the most part reference letters are pretty easy on your part since all you really need to do is get a professor or maybe even your boss to write a letter to whatever company it is you are applying to and tell them how wonderful of a student/worker you have been. One very crucial element to this is that you do not want someone who may think you're a slacker writing your letter because they might not give you the best reputation. We have all gone through this process before whether it was to get into college or get your first job, it is not a hard task but it it very important that you have real live people giving you credibility through these letters.

Jessica J’s Writing Right

Writing infiltrates nearly every aspect of our lives, so why wouldn’t we make the effort to ensure that our writing is proper? Any reader that spots a glaring mistake is almost certain to give less value to whatever he or she is reading. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for, so that you can always write right!


1. Using the wrong version of a word: There, their, and they’re may be homonyms, but that doesn’t make them the same word. Take the time to ensure that you are using the appropriate word for what you are writing. Yes, this applies to your/you’re, its/it’s, principle/principal, affect/effect, too/to/two, and many others.


2. Using incorrect punctuation: Yes, the rules of punctuation are often confusing, but if you are going to put the effort into composing something, why not do it correctly? Pay attention to commas, apostrophes, and even semicolons.


3. Refer to yourself correctly: Misuse of “I” and “me” are a pet peeve of many readers. Some writers will use “I” in order to sound more sophisticated; however, using “I” when you should use me just makes the writer look unintelligent. If you can’t figure out which to use in a complex sentence, a great technique is to break it down into a simple statement. Susie and ___ went to the store. Consider: I went to the store.


4. Use abbreviations appropriately: Abbreviations can be very helpful in condensing writing, but incorrect abbreviations are just confusing. Misuse of e.g. and i.e. is very common. Remember, e.g. means “for example” while i.e. means “in other words.” Also, an abundance of abbreviations can leave readers confused.


5. Text writing is not writing: Text shorthand has certainly had an impact on language in the past few years, but this does not mean that it is appropriate to include in serious writing. Use proper words, or ppl will b :( 2 read ur work.


Of course, there are many other aspects of writing that you must keep in mind, but avoiding these mistakes will certainly contribute to better writing. Also, if you are ever in doubt about something that you are writing, ask for a second opinion. The people around you are a wealth of information, learn from them!



Sources:
"Do You Make These 7 Mistakes When You Write?: Copyblogger." Copywriting Tips for Online Marketing Success From Copyblogger | Copyblogger. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. http://www.copyblogger.com/grammar-writing-mistakes/

"Five Grammatical Errors that Make You Look Dumb: Copyblogger." Copywriting Tips for Online Marketing Success From Copyblogger | Copyblogger. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. http://www.copyblogger.com/5-common-mistakes-that-make-you-look-dumb/

"Ten Common Writing Mistakes Your Spell Checker Won’t Find." Writing English. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. http://writingenglish.wordpress.com/2006/09/18/ten-common-writing-mistakes-your-spell-checker-won%E2%80%99t-find/

"Top Ten Common Writing Mistakes." Index. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. http://www.jjuriaan.com/Top_Ten_Common_Writing_Mistakes.htm

"Ubersearch." Sharing Machine. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. http://www.sharingmachine.com/ubersearch/ubersearch.php?search=grammar&searchtype[]=content&searchtype[]=link&searchsite[]=TFD

Lauren N's Communication in the Workplace

Good communication is one of the keys to being successful in today’s competitive job market. People must be able to communicate with each other on a daily basis to keep the work flowing in an orderly fashion, and to deal with work issues as they arise. Misunderstandings can lead to delays, which ultimately affect the productivity of the company. In the past decade, employers have been forced to cut back on the number of personnel in order to save money, and problems in productivity can be even more detrimental in a slim-downed work force.
Communication in the 21st century is quickly evolving into one that involves less conversation, and more electronic sharing of information. While in the past, an employee might have a discussion with a co-worker face-to-face, today people tend to communicate via email or instant message. Either way, the old rules still apply regarding how to effectively communicate in the workplace.
1. One of the most important components for successful interpersonal communication is clarity. People need to be able to understand what you are saying.
2. Another component for successfully workplace communication is to be direct. Learn to make your point quickly. When talking to a co-worker, get to the point quickly, and be direct.
3. Many times in business, people forget common courtesy and tact. In speaking with co-workers, be considerate of their time and points of view. Separate emotion from intellect, and do not be condescending.

Below is a video explaining the do's and dont's of effective communicating. Although, it may be a bit corny, it has some good tips.

Ryan K's Recommendation Reports

Recommendation Reports

Recommendation reports are arguably one of the most important types of formal reports. They are used by companies and organizations to help make important decisions in many different areas such as: which product to choose, which method would work best, or how to increase profit. Since your boss may someday put their trust in your recommendations it is important to know how to write a recommendation report that will help your organization make the best decision. The tips listed below will provide you with information on what to include in a recommendation report.

What to Include

Introduction- In the introduction you will want to discuss the purpose of the report and discuss the contents of the report.

Background Information- The readers of your report may not be familiar with some of the technical terms regarding the situation at hand. Therefore, you will need to include a section that explains the necessary technical terms to your readers. It is acceptable to include this information in a separate section or in the section that the terms are introduced.

The Requirements That Will Be Used- A critical part of any recommendation report is a section on what requirements you will be evaluating the possible options on. Requirements can be numerical, yes/no, or based on a rating scale. To support your final recommendation it is beneficial to include a discussion on what requirements are the most important.

Compare and Contrast- In this section you will compare and contrast the possible choices. This is the section where you will base your recommendations from. Readers will also refer to this section to draw their own conclusions based off of your research. It is important to include all of the positive and negative aspects of each option and compare them against the requirements you set.

Conclusion and Final Recommendation- The conclusion restates your findings that you have discussed in the previous sections. Your final recommendation should be based off of your research and be clearly stated. This section should also include why you made the recommendations you did and why they are the best option. If you are assessing a complicated matter it is not uncommon to provide more than one recommendation.


References

Online Technical Writing. Web. 23 Nov 2009. . www.io.com/hcexres/textbook/feas.html

deKrizia L's Writing Memos

In the business world it's critical to know how to communicate to those around us. I have always been someone who would rather tell you something face to face or over the phone; however in the fast pace world of business other forms of communication may be necessary to get the piont across or get the problem solved. There are so many ways to communicate in the workpalce. You can still make a phone call, but other options such as writing memos, reports, letters, or emails are available and necessary to ensure good communicaiton. In the workplace, it's important to know how to write all of these documents and today we are going to focus on writing a memo.

It's important to know when and how to write memos in the workplace and it's just as important to create an outline which identifies a specific audience, purpose and tone for the memo before starting to write it. If these factors aren't thought about before hand, it could result in wrong information, consfusion and even frustration among the readers. In general, memos should be clear and concise and usually notify co-workers of specific information such as meeting times or due dates; however memos can also be written to persuade others to take action, give feedback on an issue or react to a situation.

Memos are an effective way to communicate information to co-workers; however sometimes it's important to meet face to face. A memo can be sent to inform co-workers of the meeting or to retrieve information necessary for the meeting; however it's vital that the memo doesn't take the place of the meeting when it's important to meet face to face. For example, if you're looking for co-workers to come up with ideas in order to make a big decision in the company it may be important to have a face-to-face meeting. As stated by Colorado State University, "Before writing a memo, outline what your purpose is for doing so, and decide if the memo is the best communication channel".

Here are four common types of memos:

Directive

A directive memo states a policy or procedure you want the reader or co-worker to follow.

Response to an Inquiry

This type of memo is responding to a previous inquiry and provides the audience with desired information. The memo needs to include a purpose statement, summary, discussion and action.

Trip Report

The audience of this memo is usually a supervisor after you (the employee) have returned from a business trip. It should be structured to include a purpose statement (paragraph providing information about the trip), summary, discussion and action.

Field/Lab Report

These memos are used to report on inspection and procedures. The memo should include the problem, methods, results and conclusion; without spending too much time on the method section.

Information From: http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/documents/memo/pop2b.cfm

deKrizia L's Resume's: The Little White Lies

As mentioned in an earlier blog post, having a professional resume is essential. My resume is my chance to sell my work ethic, interests and desire in order to get the ever so important interview. With so much relying on the resume some of us may be tempted to lie or maybe to "stretch the truth", but it's crucial that when those thoughts come up we firmly push them away. Lying to an employer can be a big mistake. There is a fine line between selling and lying on resumes. We do want to use positive adjectives and express our desire and experience related to the job, but we don't want to claim degrees we don't have, job responsibilities we never had or even exaggerating titles of jobs we've had in the past.

There are many reasons why we shouldn't lie on a resume; probably the most obvious reason being that it's immoral. But something else we need to consider is the possibility of being caught and the consequences that will follow. Is it worth it to lie in order to get the job and then get caught and being fired? And for those who think it won't happen, we can look back just a few years ago when George O'Leary was fired in 2001 after only five days on the job as Notre Dam's football coach because he lied on his resume about a master's degree he never earned and an exaggerated position on a previous football team. If we look, we can find many stories like this happening all the time.

In this economy lying can be tempting, but in the end it's best to tell the truth. Most of us don't have a perfect career history or the best experience for every job, so don't feel like that is the only way to get noticed. Be confident in yourself and your skills and it will show. It's up to you to create a honest resume, and I hope this helped you do so!



Information from: http://theladders.com/career-advice/lying-resume-how-far-stretch-truth
ToonDoo should say, "I'm 28", but for some reason it says fruits and veggies. Sorry about that!

Good Interview Questions

During an interview you are going to be asked many questions about yourself and how you will be a good addition to the company you are applying to. However an interview is not a one way street, you too have a responsibility to yourself to ask questions to the employer to make sure this is the job that is right for you.

Some sample interview questions are as follows:

1. What are the responsibilities of the position? - Most important question by far, you want to know what you will be doing if you get the job.

2. Is there room for advancement into management? - Advancing in the company may be important to some people who wish to further their career.

3. What is the pay/salary? - Money is a very important aspect of a job and may influence on whether or not you want to take the job if its offered to you.

4. What kind of conditions will I be working in? - You need to know whether you are working at a desk inside or outside in the weather.

5. How soon can I start? - This shows the employer that you are ready and eager to start the new job.


Also questions you DO NOT want ask may include:

1. Did I get the job? - You do not want to be impatient the employer will let you know whether or not you get the job.

2. When am I Eligible for vacation/sick time? - This is something that can be discussed after you get the job, plus if you ask during the interview you may look as if your already looking for time off.

3. What does the company do? - You should already know a little bit about the company you are interviewing for, it will show that you have taken the initiative to do a little research.

4. Can I change my schedule around? - This too is another aspect of the job that you can negotiate after you have become employed.

These are only a handful of questions that you could possibly ask your employer, make sure before you go to an interview to take some time and write down a few questions for your potential employer. Not only will this help you answer questions that you may have about the job, but it will also show the employer that you are genuinely interested in becoming an employee for the company.

Chelsea B's Making a Good First Impression

A first impression can take only a few seconds to form but a whole lot longer to change. Your peers, superiors, etc., judge you based on first appearance, demeanor, mannerisms, and body language. It's important to make a great first impression in the workplace or other social settings because it sets the tone for the rest of any working relationship. A few useful tips:

• Be on time
• Be courteous to and conscientious of others
• Be open and confident
• Have a genuine smile and positive attitude
• Relax but present self appropriately

Jessica J’s Fighting Resume Fears

The dire warning has been given by nearly every professor, career advisor, and parent in the modern world - “A resume can make or break your career!” With the fear of ruining your entire future hampering the resume writing process, it is no wonder that many people, especially young people, are at a loss when it comes to preparing an effective resume. Writing a resume is certainly a process that requires a bit of a time commitment, some deep thought, and often, the help of a professional; however, it is very achievable. These tips will help in fighting the resume demons and creating an effective resume.

1. Proofread- NEVER send out a resume with any typos. Just don’t do it! Typos, spelling mistakes and more can easily be eliminated by reviewing your own resume or asking someone else to take a look at it. A typo is a very easy way to make a very poor impression. Why would anyone hire someone that isn’t thorough enough to proofread their resume?

2. Always be truthful- lying on a resume is not only ineffective, it is also considered unethical. Many employers follow up on claims made in a resume, and you will not be hired if an employer finds a lie in your resume. Employers want trustworthy employees.

3. Create a resume that is the appropriate length- a resume is an introduction to an applicant that highlights important characteristics; it is NOT a life story. A potential employer may read hundreds of resumes, and is almost certain to not spend the time reading a very lengthy resume. If you are just getting your first job, a one page resume is probably long enough. As you gain more experience, two pages will be acceptable, but brevity is still important.

4. Use appropriate formatting- while it might seem that excessive color, graphics, and formatting on your resume will show your style, it is more likely to distract the reader and seem unprofessional. Limit yourself to black type in a standard font of size 10-12 pt. It is great to use bolding or italics to draw attention to certain areas, but be sure to use them sparingly. Don’t be afraid to leave some white space, as it will keep your resume from looking overwhelming.

5. Adapt your resume to the position- Yes! You will need to adjust your resume for each job that you are applying for. If you choose to include an objective, you will obviously want this to fit the job you are looking to be offered. Also, you will want to include experiences and associations that are relevant to the job at hand. For example, 5 years of serving experience will be important to include on a resume seeking a restaurant management position, but may not be as important as emphasizing computer skills on a resume for a secretarial position.

6. Wording- make sure to use action verbs and quantifiable figures when describing experiences. Phrases like “generated an additional $1,000,000 in sales for the firm through creation of a new marketing campaign” will sound better than “worked on marketing to increase sales.” Remember to try not to repeat words, and make sure you are writing in the appropriate tense.

Remember that all resumes are different, and everyone will need to adapt their resume to suit their purposes. These resume tips will help in the creation of an effective resume, but are only some of the many aspects that should be considered when writing a resume. Be sure to take your time and ask for help if you need it—after all, a resume is something well worth the effort!

Sources:

"CareerPerfect." CareerPerfect. Web. 17 Nov. 2009.

Effective Resume - Top 10 Checklist For An Effective Resume. Web. 17 Nov. 2009.

Flick, Allison. "Resume Cohort Meeting." Honors Resume Cohort Meeting. Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL. 8 Sept. 2009. Speech.

"Tips for Effective Resumes." University of Minnesota. Web. 17 Nov. 2009.

"Ubersearch." Sharing Machine. Web. 16 Nov. 2009.

deKrizia L's Reducing Conflict in the Workplace

Conflict in the workplace as well as our daily lives is very common. The conflict itself can help us identify necessary changes to resolve the conflict. Unfortunately many of us become complacent; not willing to step out of our comfort zone and make the changes necessary to solve the problem. Many of us would rather leave the conflict alone, to "solve itself". Unresolved conflict can surface feelings of hopelessness, defeat, dissatisfaction as well as many other negative emotions. Once ill will has surfaced, a slight disagreement can quickly become a full-blown feud, or by addressing the situation with these practical and easy tips you can turn anger and hostility into positive feelings, creating a more productive environment.

Identify the Problem

Identify a clear and specific problem. Make sure everyone involved agrees there is a problem and knows exactly what the problem is.

Identify a mediator

When solving conflicts it's important to involve a neutral third party. This helps ensure both sides are fair and sensible in solving the issue.

Allow everyone involved to state his/her opinions about the problem

Everyone deserves the opportunity to express their opinion and in the workplace differing opinions should be encouraged. It's the job of the mediator to make sure everyone involved feels safe and supported.

Identify the ideal end result

This is important because most of the time the seperate goals turn out to be extremely similar

Figure out what can realistically be done to achieve each individual's goals and develope a compromise

It's important to take action and realize how it will affect future projects; if it doesn't work, what's the worst that could happpen? If no one agrees on any aspect of the problem, try to work backwards by identifying a long-term goal that everyone agrees with.

http://allbusiness.com/human-resources/workforce-management-conflict-resolution/12260-1.html

Image From: http://sreejith.net/category/hmm/page/2

Ryan K's Pros and Cons of Written and Verbal Reports

Reports

There are many different styles of reports including formal and informal. No matter what type of report you are doing there are pros and cons to each. With the pros and cons listed for each below, you will be able to decide whether a written or verbal report is best for your situation.

Written Reports

Pros

* Written reports have an advantage over verbal reports because they can be revised and edited until they achieve their purpose.

*Written reports provide a record that can be viewed in the future.

*Recipients of the report have longer to interpret what is being said and provide feedback.

*Written reports are more appropriate for business than face to face meetings.

*The chance of the message being understood is less since written reports provide more details.

Cons

*Audiences are not able to see your emotions or provide you with instant feedback.

*Due to the details included and revision process written reports can often take a long time to compose

*Recipients of written reports may not always read them or may skim over important details.

Verbal Reports

Pros

*Verbal reports allow the audience to ask questions and provide immediate feedback to the speaker.

*Speakers are able to adapt their verbal report to many different audiences with little effort. A written report to different audiences often takes many revisions.

*Verbal reports engage the audience more than written reports. Speakers will often times include visuals and graphics to make their reports more interactive.

Cons

*There is no written record of the report and audience members can not review important details.

*Body language may cause the audience to misinterpret what you are trying to say.

*Verbal reports are much more stressful to present than written reports. Public speaking is a major fear for many people.


References

1.http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Sm-Z/Written-Communication.html
2.http://communicatebetter.blogspot.com/2008/11/advatages-and-disadvantages-of-written.html

Lauren N's Lab Report

Lab Reports are a type of informal report that many of us will not use in our day-to-day life. They are more likely to be written in the science or engineer industry. Although, these reports can be viewed as boring, there are definitely items that you can add to make it stand out. Pictures and graphs always ease the reading of data and help to simplify a bunch of big words. They also can help to make such an unexciting report more fun. Make your lab report one to remember! Below, is a video that explains all of the must-haves of a basic lab report. Abide by these rules and you can't go wrong. Good luck!

Email Etiquette

Letters are a thing of the past now that we have the quick, efficient and easy to use emails. Emails have been taking over the workplace as a means of communication. As long as you have a computer and an email address you can tell anyone whatever you want from just about anywhere you want. However, many people in the workplace misuse the use of emails, resulting in a misunderstanding of just how important they are. This can be easily fixed if workers follow simple email etiquette.

-Emails are the electronic form of printed letter writing, so they still need to be treated seriously, respectfully and professionally.
-Avoid using humor in emails. If an employee is offended by a message or attachment in your email it could be seen as workplace related harassment. What’s funny to you could be taken the wrong way through the internet.
-Try and keep personal email use to as minimal as possible. A setback with emails is that anyone could hack into your email and spread personal news with others.
-Document and report illegal, suspicious, or unusual activity to the appropriate part of the organization.
-Lastly always remember that your organization or company can keep track of all your emails. This means keep your personal emails on a separate email account, and all of your business related emails with your business account.

Just remember to keep it simple, professional and to the point.

Frankie G's Fun With Feasibility Reports!

Writing a feasibility report can be very intriguing for a writer. At the end, you will make a decision based on the research on, whether or not a specific project is actually feasible.  These reports are designed to, "help readers decide whether it is possible to implement the plan." (p.667 text)  Even in a case where the research pans out and the writer is uncertain of what decision to make, he or she can choose to recommend researching the topic further and remaining undecided.  There are common grounds between Feasibility Reports and Recommendation Reports, however feasibility reports study whether the project can be implemented successfully, whereas recommendation reports provide the best choice among others (comparing).  In this blog post, I will discuss when and how a good feasibility report should be written.  

On http://www.howtobooks.co.uk/business/reports/feasibility.asp, I found a good format for writing your feasibility report:

What Points Should I Bear in Mind?

You must be unbiased and your approach must be logical. Be sure that you know the precise purpose of the proposed project and also its scope.

What Would be a Suitable Format?

This is a suitable format for a feasibility report:

1. Abstract

2. Summary

3. Contents list (including a separate list of illustrations)

4. Glossary

5. Introduction (purpose and scope)

6. Discussion (the main body providing the evidence - use appendixes if necessary)

7. Conclusions (flowing naturally from the discussion)

8. Recommendations (flowing naturally from the conclusions)

9. References (if necessary)

10. Appendixes (see section 6).

Sometimes sections 1 and 2 are combined.

Jessica J’s PowerPoint Predicament

Most all of us have experienced the terror of walking in to a presentation and being faced with yet another tedious PowerPoint presentation staring out into the crowd with monotonous rage. Despite this terrible feeling that we have all suffered through, each time we are assigned a presentation, our first instinct is to run into the warm and loving arms of our “frenemy,” Mr. PowerPoint. I can’t help but wonder, where is the line being drawn between loving and hating this electronic presentation fabricator? The truth of the matter is, PowerPoint is not a force of darkness, nor is it a power of good; rather it is a weapon that can be wielded by either side.

As a tool of darkness, PowerPoint functions in the following ways:

• PowerPoint is pure evil when it is substituted for an entire presentation.

** Remember, PowerPoint is a presentation tool, and should be used as a supplement rather than a substitute.

• Although a PowerPoint filled with the colors of the rainbow may seem like a force of goodness, it is merely evil in a cuter outfit.

** Using color appropriately can make for a better presentation, but please proceed with caution.

• Testing out different animations and transitions on PowerPoint is a great tool for procrastination, but it should be noted that it is also a fantastically awful way to waste your audience’s time.

** If the above was not clear enough, I am talking to you Mr. Having Every Letter Appear One At A Time Man.

• PowerPoint is a co-dependent being, relying heavily (okay, pretty much exclusively) on a working computer and power source.

** It is impossible to predict freak technology mishaps, so don’t fall prey to unhealthy relationship with PowerPoint that put you in the position to forget that you are the real presenter.

Have no fear PowerPoint enthusiasts, there are two sides to every story. If PowerPoint was truly only evil, surely Puffy the Presentation Slayer would have hit ESC by now. Here are some of the ways PowerPoint can save the day:

• PowerPoint can be a silent echo highlighting the key points in a presentation.

** Remember, highlighting key points is not the same as actually giving the presentation. Don’t believe me? Check out this version of the Gettysburg Address: http://norvig.com/Gettysburg/

• Giving presentations can be stressful; PowerPoint can serve as a good friend to hold your hand.

** PowerPoint can give you reminders of where you planned your presentation to go when you were creating it in the comfort of your living room.

• PowerPoint is both accessible and user friendly.

** A degree in computer science, or even a magic wand, is not required to get your point across.

• As horrible as it is to sit through a bad PowerPoint presentation, the feeling after walking away from a concise and interesting PowerPoint cannot be beat.

** The next time you’re creating a PowerPoint, remember to make one you would enjoy sitting through.

As our culture becomes increasingly more technologically savvy, tools like PowerPoint continue to become more commonplace. Simply remember: the choice of joining the light side or siding with darkness resides in each and every one of us.

Lauren N's Complain, Complain, Complain!

Many of us, through our daily life, experience the inconvenience of listening to someone complain. As annoying as this can be in our personal relationships, it is an even bigger frustration in a professional aspect. Whether leading a company or maintaining a position at the bottom of the totem pole, complaining affects the atmosphere negatively and brings morale down. When you feel you were mistreated by a business, it's often best to start with a complaint letter. If done correctly, you can often get action promptly as well as help the business in preventing these sorts of prolems from happening again. However, if you do not go about it the right way, it will be overlooked and not taken seriously. Below, are some suggestions and a sample complaint letter that will ensure your letter is read and taken seriously.

Address the letter to a person with some real authority -- someone who can fix the problem. This is usually the head of customer service, or a top officer such as the President of the company.

Type your letter.

Start out with data. State (a) when you bought the product, (b) where you bought it, (c) the name and model of the product, and (d) the serial number if you have it.

State the problem clearly. Be brief. Do not rant and rave (even if you are feeling that way!) Be businesslike and objective. Companies get lots of letters from "crackpots," and such letters usually do not get anywhere. State what you want. Do you want a refund? Do you want to exchange the product? If so, for what? Do you just want an apology?

Send copies of relevant documents like receipts. Do not send original receipts. Keep them.

Set a specific time for them to respond. A reasonable time is usually 10 business days or more.

Make sure you give your phone number (specify whether it is daytime or nighttime or give both), and your address, as well as your name. If you are writing to a company on the mainland, it helps to explain the time differential to Hawaii. There are plenty of people who have been woken up at 3 a.m. in the morning with a call from a customer service representative on the east coast. (Not a good way to get off on the right foot!)

Keep a copy of everything you send. If it's a big problem, you should consider sending your letter return receipt requested, so you can prove they got it, and when.


65 Market Street
Val Haven, CT 95135
June 30, 2004

Customer Service
Cool Sports, LLC
8423 Green Terrace Road
Asterville, WA 65435

Dear Sir or Madam:

I have recently ordered a new pair of soccer cleats (item #6542951) from your website on June 21. I received the order on June 26. Unfortunately, when I opened it I saw that the cleats were used. The cleats had dirt all over it and there was a small tear in front of the part where the left toe would go. My order number is AF26168156.

To resolve the problem, I would like you to credit my account for the amount charged for my cleats, I have already went out and bought a new pair of cleats at my local sporting goods store so sending another would result in me having two pairs of the same cleats.

Than you for taking the time to read this letter. I have been a satisfied customer of your company for many years and this is the first time I have encountered a problem. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at (555) 555-5555.

Sincerely,

Signature

Ken Thomas

http://www.letterwritingguide.com/samplecomplaint.htm

Ryan K's Writing a Cover Letter that STANDS OUT

Having a professional resume is very important for obtaining a job but without a cover letter that stands out employers may overlook important qualities as well as experience you may possess. A cover letter is also important so employers know what position you are applying for. Here are a few tips to ensure that your cover letter stands out and you receive an interview.

Keep it Simple

Employers look over dozens of cover letters everyday and do not have time to read through lengthy paragraphs. Make sure to keep your letter to about three to four paragraphs. Also, make sure to not restate your entire resume. Block style is the most common format for cover letters because it looks as if it were typed on a typewriter and is easy to read.

Selling Yourself

A resume contains extensive information about your education, skills, and wok experience but in a cover letter you will want to pick three to four key points that show the employer why you are right for the job. Make sure to include relevant experience and skills that qualify you for the position. It is crucial that you sell yourself in the cover letter because this is your introduction to the employer and may determine if you receive an interview.

Customizing Your Letter

When you are writing your cover letter make sure to include how you fulfill the employer's desired qualifications. It is best to review what the employer's qualifications are before writing your letter and then customize your letter by providing examples on how you fulfill these requirements. The cover letter is used to inform the employer what position you are applying for but more importantly it should highlight what you can provide for the employer.

Common Mistakes

There are a few things that you should avoid in order to make your letter stand out from the others. Do not use phrases such as "thinks outside the box" or "excellent verbal communication skills." Although you may possess these qualities employers have heard these terms thousands of times and it will not be advantageous to use them. Also, do not use Dear Sir or Madam in your letter (resume-help.org). This does not make your letter stand out and implies that you have sent the same letter to numerous employers. It is best to address your letter to a specific person to show that you have put time into the letter and you are serious about the position.

By following the tips listed above your cover letter will stand out to employers and they will be able to easily recognize that you have the qualifications for the position you are applying for.

References

1. www.resumehelp.org.cover_letter_tips.htm
2..www.reslady.com/coverletters.html
3.www.accent-resume-writing.com/covertips

Frankie G's Amazing Acceptance Letters!

According to the text, "A job acceptance letter may be the easiest letter you'll ever write." (pg. 432 Technical Communications...)  After you have gotten that job you so desperately wanted, it is now time to show your thanks and tie up some loose ends.  This letter of acceptance is not only showing appreciation, but also acting as a contractual agreement between you and the employer. It is important to be clear and concise and talk about your responsibilities, salary, and anything else you've discussed prior to the letter. Here is a good example I found on the web:

7 Shawnee Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078
201-555-0303

Mrs. Walter Mellish 
Greenley Corp., Inc. 
1010 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 

Dear Mrs. Mellish:

It was certainly wonderful news when you called this afternoon to offer me the position as assistant buyer for Greenley Corp. Please consider this letter my formal acceptance.

I am pleased to accept your offer at a salary of $29,000 annually.

As we agreed, my starting date will be July 28 to enable me to finish a summer computer class that will enhance my skills for Greenley Corp.

I also understand that I will receive full company pay and benefits during the 12-week training program and that I am considered probationary during that time.

Thank you again, Mrs. Mellish, for offering me this wonderful opportunity, and do let me know if I can do anything in advance of my start date to facilitate the paperwork, or if there are any areas you'd like me to be reading up on.

What a delight it will be to work with you and the Greenley team!

Sincerely,

Jane Oakley

http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_accepting_letter.html

In a typical situation, the employer may send an offer letter at the same time, sometimes with a contract.  Therefore it is essential that you make another good impression with the employer and also in showing gratitude once again for receiving the job.