HELP: I need to do a presentation and I don't know where to start!
Analysis of Samples
Writing Samples
Oral Presentations
Selected Handouts and Lecture Notes
Note: Not all these handouts may apply to your particular class.
Those that are required are marked with a red asterisk*.
The rest of the handouts provide general reference and background for business communication. We may refer to the other material in class; therefore, you may need to consult these handouts even if they are not listed as required initially.General Communication Theory
- Definitions of Communication and Communication Postulates*
- Ten Communication Basics from Hanneman*
- Models of Communication*
- General Systems Theory and Communication
- Root Metaphors and World Hypotheses from Pepper
Personal Communication Tips
- Listen Long: Tips for Effective Listening*
- Tips for Dealing with Stage Fright
- Rensselaer Writing Center: Tips for Writing and Presentations
- Writing Resources from Dictionary.com
- Virtual Communication Assistants Website - U of Kansas - Communication Studies
- CareerLab.com: Tips for job-hunting, cover-letters, resume tips, etc.
Organizational Communication
- Business Communication Myths*
- The Importance of Skill in Public Speaking
- Perspectives on Organizational Communication Theory
- The Trillion Dollar Bet (Transcript)
- Summary of Contrasting Ideas from Various Readings
- Glossary of Internet Terms
- Lateral Thinking
- Handling Conflict
- Communicating in a Crisis
- BOLA Business Open Learning Archive: Resources for Managers
Corporate Culture Case Studies
- Kmart and Corporate Culture*
- Culture at Chrysler*
- Culture Problems at the FBI*
- Russian Military Culture and the Kursk Rescue*
- Many U.S. employees feel overworked, stressed*
Leadership and Communication
- Leadership Proverbs*
- Kotter's contrast of leadership and management*
- Machiavelli on Leadership and Motivation*
- Contrast of Motivational Styles from Classical Sources*
Rhetoric
- The Ancient Art of Rhetoric
- Definitions of Rhetoric*
- The Rhetorical Situation
- Silva Rhetoricae: A Guide to the Terms of Classical and Renaissance Rhetoric
- Aristotle's Rhetoric (Full Text)
- Definition of metis*
- Definition of ingenium
- Definitions of wisdom
- A Description of Virtue, Necessity and Fortune in Machiavelli
- Vico, "On the heroic mind:" The divine purpose of a liberal arts education
Crafting an Influential Message
Invention: Finding materials that will influenceAnalysis
- Analyzing Your Rhetorical Situation*
- Finding a Topic
- Determining your Purpose*
- Determining your Central Idea
- Strategies for Persuading Different Kinds of Audiences*
- Aristotle's Artistic Proofs*
- Maslow and Human Needs (pathos)
- Getting Under Their Skin: Basic Motivational Appeals (pathos) *
- Tips for Using Support Material*
- Fallacies for Fun and Profit (logos)
- Tips for Effective Research
- Tips for Using Visual Aids*
- PowerPoint Presentations: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly*
- Choosing Your Channel: Strategic Considerations
Arrangement: Building a structure that will influence
Style: Finding words and images that influence
- A Map of Basic Oral Message Structure*
- Basic Presentation Structure*
- Effective Introductions*
- How to Get Attention*
- Making Connections: Using Transitions*
- Effective Conclusions*
- Strategies for Introductions and Conclusions*
- A Classic Sample of Structure and Appeals
- Rules for Clear Outlining*
- The Motivated Sequence*
- Motivated Sequence Samples
- A Sample Presentation Using the Motivated Sequence
Delivery: Speaking with influence
Memory: Making Influence Last
- Different Modes or Types of Delivery: Extemporaneous, Impromptu, Manuscript, Memorized*
- Using your voice and body to influence: Some tips for effective delivery*
- Using Delivery to Influence: Strategic Choices*
- Manuscript Speaking*
- Looking Good in Print: Delivery for the 21st Century
More Message Samples
Special Kinds of Messages
- Ideas for Sales and Persuasion*
- Tips for Giving Speeches of Introduction
- How to Write a Memo that Gets Results* (Investor's Business Daily, 12/24/98)
- Giving Reports and Briefings
Communicating in Groups
- Tips for Working in Groups*
- Meeting to Influence: Effective Meeting Tips*
- The Seven Sins of Deadly Meetings
Lecture Notes
- Introduction*
- Chapter 1*
- Preview of Organizational Strategies*
- Comparison of Organizational Strategies*
- Chapter 2: Traditional Strategies of Organizational Design*
- Chapter 3: Relational Strategies of Organizational Design*
- Chapter 4: Cultural Strategies of Organizational Design*
- Chapter 5: New Design Theories and Technology*
- Chapter 6
Examination Study Guides and Sample Questions
- Midterm Examination Study Guide and Sample Questions
- Final Examination Study Guide and Sample Questions
Extra Help and Information
Book List: a bibliography of popular business texts with excerpts
