Chapter 2

Question 1

List the 5 steps in the communication process.

Answer 1

1. The sender has an idea.
2. The sender encodes the idea.
3. The sender selects a channel and transmits the message.
4. The receiver decodes the message.
5. Feedback returns to the sender

Question 2

In what ways is business writing different from high school writing and private messages?

Answer 2

Has purpose and a strategy
Written to solve problems and convey information
Economical and length is not rewarded
Audience oriented

Question 3

What are the components in the 3 x3 writing process?

Answer 3

Pre writing
Drafting
Revising

Question 4

What does WIIFM mean? Why is it important for business writers?

Answer 4

WIIFM is an acronym for What’s in it for me? This acronym is important because it reminds writers to shape a message from the perspective of the reader.

Question 5

What are three ways to avoid biased language?

Answer 5

-using alternative forms for words (artificial instead of man made)
-using plural nouns and pronouns (teacher and their students vs teacher and her students)
-changing to gender neutral word (server instead of waiter or waitress)

Question 6

What seven factors should writers consider in selecting an appropriate channel to deliver a message?

Answer 6

1. Importance of the message
2. Amount and speed of feedback and interactivity required
3. Necessity of a permanent record
4. Cost of the channel
5. Degree of formality desired
6. Confidentiality and sensitivity of the message

Question 7

What is the “you” view? When can the use of the pronoun you backfire?

Answer 7

The “you” view uses second-person pronouns to signal to readers that the writer has their needs in mind. The “you” view is effective when it focuses on audience benefits. It is ineffective and can backfire when it is used to manipulate or when it conveys blame

Question 8

How can a business writer sound conversational but also be professional?

Answer 8

Conversational language sounds like individuals talking to each other, but it stays professional by avoiding texting abbreviations, slang, low-level diction, sentence fragments, chit-chat, and anything that sounds adolescent.

Question 9

Why is positive wording more effective in business messages than negative wording?

Answer 9

Positive wording generally conveys more information than negative wording does. Positive wording also is uplifting and pleasant to read

Question 10

Economical

Answer 10

Clear and concise quality of writing.

Question 11

Prewriting

Answer 11

First phase of writing includes analyzing, anticipating, and adapting to the messages to fit the purpose and audience

Question 12

Drafting

Answer 12

Second phase of writing, which includes researching, organizing, and actually writing the business message.

Question 13

Revising

Answer 13

Third phase of writing process, which includes revision for clarity and readability, proofreading for errors, and evaluating for effectieveness.

Question 14

Evaluating

Answer 14

the completed message is assessed for effectiveness; the final step in the third and final phase of the writing process.

Question 15

Passive voice

Answer 15

The subject is being acted upon. This voice is useful when the goal is to redirect attention from the doer to the recipient of the action or to the action itself, or when deemphasizing negative news.