Week Five Notes
Week Five Notes
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OBJECTIVES
2. Explain the circumstances under which written form of communication may be the
communication.
Non-verbal
Verbal (use spoken or written words)
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Written communication includes letters, memorandum, reports, abstract, minutes, articles and
press releases. A message constitutes written communication when it is put in “black and white.”
It is a basically a formal type of communication. The sender of the message or his representative
Written communication has advantages in that it provides a written record and evidence of
dispatch and receipts; it is also capable of relaying complex ideas; provides analysis evaluation
and summary, abbreviation information to hard-pressed receivers; can confirm, interpret and
clarify oral communication and also forms the basis of contract agreement.
Written communication is usually considered binding on business organizations and is often used
Technological advancement has enlarged the scope of written communication through email,
Merits
i) Precise and Accurate: Written communication is generally prepared with great care and
precision. The very prospect of writing makes a person conscious. You have to be very serious
and organized while communicating in the written form, because written communication is open
to verification.
ii) Easily verified: Since written communication is on paper etc., it can be read and re-read. It
also offers itself to verification. There is also, thus, less chance of someone twisting the message
iii) Permanent record: Written communication constitutes a permanent record it also acts like
evidence. It proves very useful for future reference as it can be preserved for years. For example,
old orders and decisions can serve as basic for new ones.
iv) Suitable for lengthy and complicated messages: Lengthy and complicated messages can be
understood better when they are in the written form rather than in the oral. There is les chance of
misinterpretation and misunderstanding. Also, the language used in lea subject to change.
receiver can be fixed easily. People have the tendency of shifting responsibilities for mistakes,
iv) Has legal validity: Written communication is acceptable as a legal document. Written
(i) Slower method of communication: Written communication can be time- consuming since it
may take even two or even three days to reach the receiver (by letters, for instance). By contrast,
clarifications. The receiver may write back for clarifications and wait for a reply, making the
process tedious. Even if clarification is not needed, there is still a delay between the time the
(iii ) Leads to too much of paperwork: Since written communication is basically done on
paper, one may tend to use it as an escape mechanism paper- free offices remain a dream.
(v) Costly in terms of money and man- hours: Written letters is a costly process not only
because you need to spend money on postage, but also because several persons are involved in
the process of sending out a letter from an organization. Their time costs organization money.
While oral communication can be short and quick, written communication, because of its very
(vi) No flexibility: The written word is not subject to instant change after communication.
Therefore, conveying an afterthought may proves very lengthy, and, at times, even impossible.
(vii) Literacy essential: It goes without saying that in written communication, the sender as well
as the receiver should be literate. Literacy also means literacy in the language of the message.
The receiver should know the language in which a message has been written: it is no use
receiving a message in English if you are not conversant with that language.
Notwithstanding its limitations, it can be safely concluded that written communication remains
the backbone of an organization. Almost all formal communication is in the written form.
EXAMPLES OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
1. Curriculum Vitae
This is a summary of an individual, covering among other areas: personal details, education,
experience, skills, career objectives, hobbies etc. It is aimed at showing the reader what you are
capable of doing.
Preparations
i) What is your ideal position? (Here think about your perfect job, what you like about
ii) What kinds of things do you like doing? Think about hobbies, what do you do at
home or leisure
iii) Think about your favorite job in the past. What was it you liked about so much?
v) What are your reasons for leaving each position (remember at some point your
Content
a) Personal details
Name: Your official names (as they appear in your official documents such as academic
Languages spoken: list the languages you can communicate in an level of fluency
b) Career Objectives: State your objectives in relation to career, what do you aim for in
your career
d) Professional training: state the trainings you have had related to the profession particularly
e) Work experience: Date - Organization,-what experience/duties done (start from the recent to
the earliest)
f) Academic qualification: Date- Institution- qualification attained -starting from the highest
NB Referees must be people who know you very well, not your relatives and should always be
Dos of C.Vs
Emphasize those duties that are most relevant to your present application
with.
Describe your former/current employer include the size of the company and type of
industry
C.V’s don’ts
Include referees on the same page ( Referees should always be on a separate page unless
otherwise advised)
NB Your C.V must stand out. Remember to show your strengths and minimize weak points.
Start with personal details, careers statements your education, work experience start with the
Turn your skills around to show how relevant they are to the job. Your C.V should display
eagerness to learn and high degree of motivation. Employers look for someone eager to learn.
The spelling of resumé comes from the French word for “summary.” The original meaning
carries through today, because the purpose of a resume is still to provide employers with a
Contact details
Introduction
Educational background
Work history
Relevant skills
The CV presents a full history of your academic credentials, so the length of the document is
variable. In contrast, a resume presents a concise picture of your skills and qualifications for a
specific position, so length tends to be shorter and dictated by years of experience (generally 1-2
pages).
A resume is usually accompanied by a customized cover letter in which the applicant expresses
an interest in a specific job or company and draws attention to the most relevant specifics on the
resume.
3. LETTERS
Broadly letters are classified as personal or non-personal letters otherwise known as informal
Business/formal letters.
Oral communication, whether in face to face or over the phones is rarely remembered in
full because its impact is felt mainly during the time it is being heard. Once the next oral
communication is taken up, the effect of the previous one is reduced. However, a letter
makes a lasting impression on the reader’s mind because it stays with him, goes with him
Frequently, a businessman finds it difficult to send his representatives to all the places of
his business connections. It is the letter that reaches any place at whatever distance. In its
effect, a business letter helps widen the area of operation. Only letters can send the goods
letter can find easy access to one and all. A letter knows what the right time to reach
different persons is and it enjoys the advantage of being able to wait till the reader has
A commitment in writing binds the parties concerned to the text of writing. A letter,
signed by a responsible person, is an authoritative proof of what is said in it. It can even
be treated as a valid document that can be produced as evidence in a court of law in case
of dispute.
Action can be taken, responsibilities can be fixed and mistakes can be pointed out only if
An important purpose of a business letter is to sell the good reputation and friendliness of
present customers and capturing new ones, reviving inactive accounts and inviting
customers to buy more and varied products. The underlying purpose of all letters –
v) Thus business letters are an indispensable means of communication for industry and
commerce. Business letters represent the firm just as much as the personality of the
firm’s salesman and the quality of its goods or services. Therefore business letters must
try to make the best possible impression on those who receive them.
Their function must go beyond those of presenting information clearly and courteously. They
must make friends, build goodwill and add to the company’s prestige.
Types of Business Letters
Business letters may be classified into the following kinds:-
i) Letters of Inquiry
These are simple letters for asking for information prices, literature and favours. This
these letters are difficult to write because sometimes the answer being given is negative.
They are therefore the most important letters to write and they require utmost tact and
courtesy.
Claim letters are those written by inconvenienced or offended customers or persons. They
These are letters written in response to clients’ complaints. When the adjustment asked
for is not granted, in refusal the writer has to give satisfactory reasons for refusal. These
letters are most difficult to write and hence require special understanding of people and of
v) Credit Letter
A large percentage of business transactions is carried on credit basis; hence, letters have
tactfulness.
These are also known as introductory letters, which aim at promoting goodwill and
public relations. It does not attempt to sells goods or services directly, but first make
Such letters include applications for vacancies, cover letters, resignation letters and even
There are some letters meant for maintenance of friendly relationships with customers
congratulations, letters of sympathy, invitations, and letters of friendships and thank you
These are letters written to remind those who do not clear their debts in time. Sometimes
they have to be threatened before they will pay what they owe. They are the most
iv. Reference/Subject
vi. Signature
Discussion
1. Heading
Most firms have letterheads which comprises: the name of the company, address, telephone
number, fax numbers and a short description of the firm’s business. It is usually placed at the top
3. Reference
This is printed on the same line as the date. Sometimes we have both:
i) OUR REF……..
4. Inside Address
This is the address of the firm or the recipient of the letter. If the letter is being directed to a
particular person or official, the phrase “For the attention of” is used.
5. The Salutation
This is the greeting part which commences a letter, and precedes the message. It would be
written below the inside addresses (or attention of……) and should start from the left margin and
with a comma.
This is a brief one-line mention of the major theme of the letter right in the beginning and adds
to its clarity.
Or
Opening paragraph: German proverb- A good beginning is half the battle won. It applies
doubly when it comes to writing successful business letters. This is where the reader should be
The letter should open with expression of pleasure, gratitude or acknowledgement or with
reference to the action you have taken in response to the readers’ previous letter if any.
Secondly, a reason for writing this letter should be given.
Thirdly, includes the essential names, dates locations or other data to put the message in
perspective.
The middle paragraph(s): Develops detailed messages. At this stage the detailed data which
In complex letters several middle paragraphs may in turn deal with one principal aspect of an
involved message. This will make it easier for the reader to grasp.
The closing paragraph: It states action needed. The paragraph states simply and clearly what
Since the action statement is the entire reason for writing letters other than informational ones,
the requirement or request for action appears virtually at the end of the letter and , thus
8. Complementary close
This is merely a polite way of ending a letter. Each form of salutation has an equivalent
Dear Sir (s)…….. Yours faithfully = very formal tone, suitable for business.
Dear Madam…..
Dear Mr.…………
Dear Miss………. Yours sincerely = semi-formal tone
9. Signature
11. CC
12. P/S
4. MEMORANDUM
A memorandum is a writtn form of communication that is similar to a letter but it is used for
In a large organization, it may be necessary to pass brief items of information from one office to
another or from one department to another. This is usually done on a memorandum (simply
iv. Date.
A memo is basically used for sending messages which are brief in nature. Such messages are
used for information only and not for decision making. Only used for internal communication
close, 3. has internal address only. However, like a letter, it has a reference, a date and subject.
Structure of a Memorandum
There are various types of memorandum formats e.g.
MEMORANDUM
Date: _______
From: ______ (Officer’s Name and Official position)
To: ______
Subject: ________
OR
MEMORANDUM
Date…………
From…………
To ………………………………………………………
Subject/REF………………………………………………………
Body ………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………...
5. BUSINESS REPORTS
A business report is an orderly presentation of facts about specific business activity such as a
project. A report is a basic management tool used in decision making. In large scale
organizations, top executives can’t keep a personal watch over all the activities, so they have to
depend on reports from the heads of various departments. A report is a feedback communication
from someone who has some information to someone who wants to use that information.
Types of reports
Reports are of different kinds. They depend upon the organization’s business situations. Broadly,
a) Routine/ Periodic/Progress reports: These are the most common types of reports written
at regular intervals. These may be weekly reports from the sales/ production/operations/
customer service personnel. The reports facilitate the monitoring of work and decision
making.
b) Informational reports. These are reports that examine business situations/ problems and
have to justify a decision that arises out of the facts gathered and relevant to the problem.
In such cases, managers offer recommendations based on the analysis and the
interpretation.
c) Situational reports. Managers are also expected to submit reports about their office/field
trips, conferences, and seminars to keep organization informed about what they have
gained from these activities. Such reports do not follow a formal order. Since they are
d) Feasibility reports. All business projects may not appear profitable. Therefore, based on
managers have to point out whether it is feasible to proceed with the project.
e) Research reports. Research is the backbone of an organization. Decisions about growth
depend so much on research that it has to be continuously carried out. Often, business
houses commission research studies that must examine the real problem objectively and
completely.
f) Business plan/ proposal. These are persuasive reports that attempt to secure new
business. They answer all the basic questions that the investor might want to know. The
In a good report, the writer is very clear about the exact purpose of writing it. Hi
Precision gives a kind of unity and coherence to the report and makes it a valuable
document.
2. Accuracy of facts.
The scientific accuracy of facts is very essential to a good report. Since reports invariably
3. Relevance.
The facts presented in a report should be not only accurate but relevant also. While it is
essential that every fact included in a report has a bearing on the central purpose, it is
equally essential to see that nothing relevant has escaped inclusion. Irrelevant facts make
a report confusing; exclusion of relevant facts render it in complete and likely to mislead.
4. Reader-orientation
A good report is always reader-oriented. While drafting a report, it is necessary to keep in
mind the person[s] who is[are] going to read it. A report meant for the layman will be
5. Objectivity of recommendation.
If recommendations are made at the end of a report, they must be impartial and objective.
They should come as logical conclusion to investigation and analysis. They must not
document of practical utility; hence it should be free from various forms of poetic
7. Clarity.
A good report is absolutely clear. Clarity depends on proper arrangement of facts. The
report writer must proceed systematically. He should make his purpose clear, define his
sources, state his findings and finally make necessary recommendations. He should
divide his report into short paragraphs giving them headings, and insert other suitable
8. Brevity
A report should be brief. It is difficult to define brevity in absolute terms. Nor brevity be
laid down as a rule. All that can be said is that a good report should be as brief as
possible. Brevity should not be achieved at the cost of clarity. Nor should it be at the cost
of completeness. Sometimes the problem being investigated is of such importance that it
calls for a detailed discussion of facts. Then a decision should not be evaded. Brevity in a
report is the kind of brevity one recommends for a précis. Include everything significant
9. Grammatical accuracy.
report as any other piece of composition. Who is going to read a report if its language is
faulty? Besides, faulty construction of sentence makes the meaning obscure and
ambiguous.
beginning. The extent of investigation will of course, depend on the length and importance of
the report. Major sources of information are company files, personal observation, interviews,
Taking notes
In the course of investigations, the writer keeps taking notes of anything that appears to be
related to the subject. Then there is no time to analyze them and determine how they will be
of help in the final report. But as the writer keeps turning them in his mind over and over
again, a kind of pattern starts emerging and he begins to be clear about what is relevant and
what is not. It is very general kind of pattern but it gives the writer at least a starting point.
Now is the time to analyze the collected data in the light of the pattern that has evolved. A lot
of data will have to be rejected while a need might be felt to collect more data. The final
pattern will emerge at the stage. The writer should never hurry through this stage, since this
Making an outline
Once the final pattern of the final report has taken shape in the writer’s mind, he should
prepare an outline to write the report. In this outline, the problem is stated, the facts are
recorded, they are briefly analyzed, and the logical conclusions are arrived at. An outline is
note essential, but it should be found extremely helpful in writing a systematic report.
The last stage is that of writing the report. It will need a complete shutting between the
outline and the notes. First a rough draft of the report is prepared. Then it is revised, pruned
and polished. If the writer has some more time at his disposal, he will find it advantageous to
come back to his rough draft after, say, a couple of days. This short interval will make his
revision work really meaningful. The writer should also be careful that the language of the
report is simple, unambiguous and free from grammatical errors. It is now to type it out in a
Organization of a Report
1. Letter form
2. Memorandum form
1. Letter form
In case of brief, informal reports, the arrangement followed in business letters is adopted.
Its main parts are the heading or the title, date, address, salutation, the body,
complimentary close and signature. It is usually written in the first person- I or We.
The body of the letter can be further divided into the following parts:
[i] Introduction-The introductory paragraphs present the terms of reference and the
subject to study. Here the writer states the problem confronting him in the light of the
[ii] Findings-The next few paragraphs present the findings of the investigation.
2. Memorandum form.
Adopting the memorandum form is a simpler way of presenting the reports, since here
the formalities of the letter are done away with. The title of the subject(s) is stated on the
top. This is followed by the name of the writer of the report, the date, the actual text and
the conclusion. As in the letter form, the text of the report is divided into paragraphs with
headings and sub-headings. Large business houses have different types of printed forms
to send reports. This simplifies the procedure and ensures uniformity of style.
3. Letter-text combination.
Long reports are usually written in the letter-text combination form. A complete report in
1. Introductory material;
3. Addenda
B Title page
C Contents page
D Summary
2. Body of the report include:
B Methods of procedure
C Findings
3. Addenda comprises:
A Bibliography
B Appendix
C Index
It is not essential that a report contains all these parts. Long reports containing most of these
A letter of transmittal is a routine letter written to transmit the report from the writer to the
[iii] It states the name and the position of the writer of the report
[iv] It also states when and by whom the report was authorized.
information contained in the letter of transmittal, it usually states the purpose and scope of the
report, refers to the writer’s sources of information, and highlights special features’. If a letter of
transmittal is written, the additional matter put in the letter of presentation is included in the first
Title page
The title page gives the title or heading of the report, the person [s] to whom it is
submitted, the date of submission and the name of the writer [s].
Contents page
This page gives the title and the page number of each chapter. If the report contains
illustrations, the contents page may also contain a table of illustrations with their page
numbers.
Summary
In case the report is very lengthy, it is advisable to include a summary or synopsis of the
This is the first part of the body of the report. Here the terms of reference, the subject of the
This explains how the investigations were made and what the sources of information were.
Findings
It’s the main part of the report. It contains the facts found out by the writer along with his
comments. It may include text, charts, graphs, statistical tables and even excerpts from other
published reports.
Based on facts and finding, the writer draws some definite conclusions. He puts forward some
Bibliography
If the writer of the report consulted some other materials, a list of references and bibliography
should be included.
Appendix
These are statistical data, charts and diagrams that are incorporated in the main body of the
report.
Index
In case of lengthy reports, an index of the contents of the report may be included.
Signature
A report must be dated and signed by the person(s) submitting it. In case of a report prepared by
REVISION QUESTIONS
1. It is important for the sender of a message to conduct audience analysis in order to choose
the right form, media, and time among other aspects of communication. In the light of the