Assignment 1: Exploring Priorities in Business Communication Course

This assignment, submitted by a student, focuses on identifying and prioritizing key aspects of business communication. The student outlines three priorities: reading extensively to build knowledge, writing regularly to hone skills, and speaking in teams to gain confidence. The student reflects on past workplace communication experiences, highlighting the need for improved skills and a better understanding of industry terminology. The assignment also discusses how specific course assignments, such as presentations, reports, and group speaking activities, will support the achievement of these priorities. The student concludes by requesting guidance and resources from the instructor to enhance their communication abilities and overall career prospects. The assignment demonstrates a proactive approach to learning and a clear understanding of the importance of effective communication in a professional setting.

Date: October 6, 2019
To:
From: Your Name (as it appears in SLATE)
Subject: Meeting my priorities in business communication
Thus far, I can authoritatively report that business communication is profoundly shaping my
communication skills. It has adequately prepared me to improve my writing and speaking skills.
It has dawned on me that communication skills are among the most important skills in my career.
To have a successful career progression, I need excellent communication skills. Therefore, to
excel in business communication, I have identified three critical priorities that I need to observe
strictly. The first priority that I have so far is reading adequately to improve my knowledge base.
I’m one individual who believes that I can speak reasonably when I am knowledgeable. In this
regard, I consider reading to be my first priority that will help me succeed in business
communication. Following the first priority is writing alone at least fivefold a week. Now that I
am reading, it is plausible that I put what I read in written. That is why I plan to write informal or
formal notes to gauge my writing skills. Thirdly, my priority would be speaking in teams. After
reading and writing, I think I would have gained confidence that would allow me to speak
reasonably in teams. Eventually, this would help me excel in business communication.

My previous experience with communication in the workplace was good. However, I have a
feeling that it was not as enjoyable as I expected. In the workplace, I realized that people are
street smart and have diverse knowledge on various topical issues. It was unfortunate for me
because I was not attentive to current affairs. Also, in my previous workplace I learnt that in
some instance people use technical terminologies. At some point, I had to decipher the meaning
of some words in the dictionary secretly because I never wanted to appear a fool. Generally, my
past experience with communication offered me an opportunity to rediscover myself especially
on communication. I learnt that I need to hone my communication skills. Thus, I chose the
above three priorities because I have a feeling that once I improve on them I will have a better
experience with communication in my future workplaces.
In this course, there are assignments that I strongly believe will be handy in helping me achieve
my three my priorities. Assignments on class presentations will help me meet my priorities.
Before any class presentation, I will feel the need of reading adequately so that I present
confidently and intelligently. I think writing reports will also help me meet the above priorities
on account that they will encourage me to read and write professionally. Finally, I feel that
assignments on speaking in small groups will help me meet my third priority which is speaking
in teams.
In a nutshell, you can help meet the above priorities by recommending relevant materials that I
should read. Also, I request that you assess any material that I shall write. Finally, you can guide
me on how to become a confident and persuasive speaker.