Foundations of Business Communication: Instructor

By David L. Wondra and Dona J. Young

Essential communication techniques to streamline efficiency in every business "Foundations of Business Communication" uses a selection of margin boxes including Coaching Tips and Communication Challenges to reinforce the hands-on techniques of communication in an increasingly arms-length and borderless environment. "BusinessWeek" cases and related assignments provide real-world exposure and support.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0072979550
• ISBN13: 9780072979558
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill
• Length: 538 Pages
• Weight: 2.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.6" x 10.6"

Customer Reviews

A Must-Have Text for Anyone Interested in Improving Communication Skills

From the very beginning, you will see quite a difference between this textbook and all others you have tried. For instructors, you'll be thrilled to find a seamlessly integrated resource that combines grammar, writing, and business issues. As a writing instructor for over 15 years, I have tried many business communication texts only to be disappointed by their single focus on format without concept. Students should know why communication formats-from teamwork to e-mail to proposals-differ from situation to situation. Further, students should explore the reasons behind those choices and learn to make communication decisions on their own. Young's approach puts the power of communication in the students' hands right from the start of each chapter by offering students a chance to take an inventory of their skills. This self-examination helps the student recognize the importance of the key concepts of each chapter. At the end of each chapter, the student and instructor can review a checklist of concepts and skills that have been mastered, or the student and instructor can use the checklist for individual reinforcement of skills that require more attention. The End-Of-Chapter Activities are absolutely the most realistic, useful, and diverse range of assignments I've ever encountered as an instructor; this is extremely important because assignments must be tailored to the needs of the students and the scope of the course. Finally, the most exciting innovation in Young's approach is a set of integrated Handbooks that quite naturally and painlessly link technical skills to writing concepts. In these Handbooks, students may progress at their own pace, or the instructor may cover specific needs as a group. The handbooks do more than simply list grammar and style rules; indeed, they explain, provide practice, and prove competence. Students begin the handbook with a pre-test, inventory their strengths and weaknesses, and focus on practicing those skills. Students then take a post-test that shows their improvement and reinforces their confidence. For business communication instructors, there couldn't be a better text to guarantee success in the classroom. But I wouldn't limit the use of the text to academic settings, as the text is clear enough for all who would like to improve their communication skills, individually or in a corporate environment. I would go so far to say that Foundations could be enjoyed by a reading club because the concepts are presented in a fluid, coherent manner that are as pleasant to read as they are useful.