Analyzes problems inherent in the Challenger project. Suggests that these are illustrative and worth the consideration of business communication teachers and practitioners as well as communication consultants. (JAD)

Examines the relationship between communication apprehension and various aspects of the learning situation, including: general verbal activity score, year in school, course grade achieved, student rating of the instructor, and student major. Reports a relationship between the level of communication apprehension and students' chosen occupational…

Uses the 1979 Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident to illustrate the communication problems embedded in a crisis. Describes the reactions created by the stress related to crisis. Suggests business communication strategies for improving communication to the public. (SR)

Discusses the following barriers which interfere with listening efficiency: content, speaker, medium, distractions, mindset, language, listening speed, and feedback. Suggests ways to combat these obstacles to accurate comprehension. (MM)

Offers suggestions for overcoming the fear of speaking in public and rules on how to give effective presentations. (SRT)

Describes an international business communication course taught at Murray State University. Acquaints students with the challenges of international business communication, provides guidelines for successful cross-cultural business communication, and gives practice in solving international business problems through the use of the guidelines. (RAE)

Discusses errors in the serial transmission of information faced by managers and scholars who rely on secondary instead of primary sources. Presents a humorous case study as an illustration, then describes how distortions resulting from the serial transmission of information result from the following systematic processes: condensation, closure,…

Indicates the recognition on the part of chief executive officers that they are the company spokespersons and must have good communication skills in order to communicate effectively to the media and special interest groups. (EL)

Presents a "real life" business communication problem as a basis for class discussion. Suggests ways in which students can be encouraged to develop a persuasive solution. Refers to a checklist of various content possibilities for an effective sales letter. Includes figures and a copy of the actual announcement sent. (JD)

Points out how the work of Robert Zoellner helps students to achieve professional competence as speakers and writers. Discusses the "talk-write" model, which focuses on speaking and writing as behaviors and uses reinforcement to shape effective writing. (EL)

Shares on-the-job impressions of technical writing with the intention of providing information about the technical writer's roles in business communication. (EL)

Presents a business communication scenario for students to role-play and analyze, using a systematic process for identifying communication roadblocks occurring on the job, especially when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and other countries. Discusses ways to improve the communication process to enable students to develop…

Points out that readability indexes can serve a useful role in the teaching of writing when used as they were intended to be used. Focuses on Gunning's Fog Index. (EL)

Describes the ubiquitous and insidious nature of oxymorons to raise awareness level vis-a-vis oxymorons. Indicates the potential detrimental effects of the use--intended or unintended--of oxymorons in business communication. Addresses seven points that attempt to articulate these dangers. (JD)

Suggests that communication consultants are diverse in degree qualifications, in disciplines, and in kind of consulting services offered. Also suggests that consultants serve large businesses and that they conduct various writing and nonwriting workshops for client organizations. Notes that word-of-mouth and college referrals are important means…