Notes that business communication courses should include basic machine dictation training. Lists advantages of machine dictation over other methods and gives an example of a unit outline for training students. Provides two exercises and a form for evaluating dictation. (TJ)

The author requires students to sample articles in two magazines and compare their readability levels. He also emphasizes the importance of writing directly--not up or down--to an audience. (RL)

Notes that an assignment to write a technical book review for a journal informs business students about a technical subject, teaches criticism and judgment, and tests their knowledge and writing skills. Describes the steps followed by students in completing such an assignment. (TJ)

Notes that using magazine advertisements to teach sales letter writing can help students understand sales techniques they see daily, but do not think much about. Presents a four-point strategy to help them put together effective sales letters. (FL)

Shows that requiring students to evaluate the business communication course in a memo to the teacher gives students writing practice while ensuring total feedback about the course from all the students. (RL)

Describes a "warm-up" exercise that gives students practice in documentation procedures and prepares them for the later assignment of an extended research paper. Provides an outline of the short paper assignment. (RL)

Indicates how annual reports can be used for class discussions, class demonstrations, and out-of-class writing assignments in business communications courses. (RL)

Describes the writing assignments and general philosophy of the basic course at Georgia Tech. (KS)

Offers a writing assignment in which students analyze the operations of a failing small business and make written recommendations on improving prospects. (AEA)

Discusses some characteristics and possible sources of homework problems to be used in business communication courses. (RL)

Describes a business communications class assignment to complete an annotated bibliography on high technology communication and its objectives. Includes questions discussed by the class on the due date of the assignment. (HTH)

Essays discuss (1) a business communications class assignment in writing letters of commendation for products or services, (2) a heuristic approach to improving oral reports, and (3) a controlled walkthrough approach for analytical report writing. (HTH)