Examines several examples of "black holes" in the language--usages that "suck all the meaning out of a sentence." (FL)

Suggests some basic steps for understanding and constructing an effective executive summary. (AEA)

Points out two facets of the concluding section of a problem-centered report: the semantics of three widely used terms--finding, conclusion, and recommendation--and what can be done to clarify them; and how these terms can be put into useful patterns that will facilitate organizational decision making. (FL)

Presents dictionary definitions of "plagiarizing" and "copyright" and discusses the difference between plagiarizing and paraphrasing, giving illustrations of each. (TJ)

Offers tips to business communication teachers on how to write for money. Tips include: (1) Begin by writing for free, (2) use business contacts, (3) vary approaches to writing, and (4) write about personal experiences. (FL)

Argues that many of the points taught in college English composition classes can be contrary to good business writing, particulary the "college impersonal tone," grammatical correctness, and adequate development and support of ideas. (FL)

Offers guidelines for writing letters that say "no," including: (1) Whenever possible, be indirect rather than direct; (2) cushion bad news with a positive or neutral opening; and (3) talk directly to the reader by using personal pronouns and terms the reader will recognize. (FL)

Contains hints on note taking, layout, and other skills that are necessary for preparing the minutes of a meeting. (RL)

Argues that teaching abstract writing is a legitimate activity in business communication courses. (HOD)

Examines the role of communications in accounting, with particular emphasis on the accounting education. (FL)

Includes checklists to use as an aid to developing contacts in industry, selling a letter and report writing seminar program to industry, developing the program content, presenting the program, and evaluating the program. (RL)

Demonstrates a model business-report format that can be used in business classes other than business report writing. (RL)

Sets out a list of 10 principles to instill in students of business communication and calls for papers and responses to the list. (AEA)

Discusses three facets of classical invention: (1) the use of topics, (2) the distinction of kinds of issues, and (3) the difference between technical and nontechnical methods of argument. (AEA)

Explains and illustrates some rarely explained and often underemphasized punctuation principles. (AEA)