Modules 11 & 12

Module 11
This module focuses primarily on negative messages, which are a very common in business. This section really focused on how the audience will perceive certain negative messages and the best way to effectively communicate them with the least amount of harm done. Also in this module it was discussed on how to organize negative messages depending on the person whom you are writing to. The reason should come first, then refusal, a alternative option, and a goodwill ending. Something in this module that I found to be very interesting and informative was the comparisons of reasons on page 175. I thought that all of these examples were very good and could be helpful in the future. This module also talked about the use of buffers as well as many other things. Another section that I found to be particularly interesting was the section on how to give bad news to a superior. This is something that could be difficult so that section I feel was very important.

Module 12
Module 12 primarily focused on how to send persuasive messages. In this section the many different types of persuasive strategies were discussed including, the direct request pattern and the problem solving pattern. This chapter informed you when it is best to use each one of these strategies. The organization for a persuasive message should be first the request for action, following that should be details, and again the request for action. This organization is relatively different from the previous methods that we’ve read about. What I found very interesting in this chapter was the section about building credibility with the audience and building emotion appeal as well. I thought these two things were very important because they are a key component in a persuasive letter, and without these two things you might not be very successful.