CASE STUDY: Learning Communication Skills

In the Classroom

Josh Miller is a finance student at a business college. He likes numbers and feels comfortable with order, structure, and right-or-wrong answers. As part of the graduation requirements, all students must take classes in speech and writing. Josh becomes nervous about writing reports or giving speeches and doesn't see the connection between the required class and his finance studies. One of Josh's biggest stumbling blocks is thinking of topics. He experiences writer's block and generally delays any project until the last possible minute.


1			What strategies in this chapter would help Josh think of topics and meet his deadlines?




2			What would you suggest to help him see the value of speaking and writing well?

In the Workplace

Josh has recently been promoted to regional manager for an investment firm. He feels very secure with the finance part of his job but feels pressure with the new promotion requirements. He will need to present bimonthly speeches to top management, run daily meetings, and write dozens of memos and reports. He must also give motivational seminars at least twice a year to his department heads. Josh would like to improve his writing skills and make his presentations clear, concise, and motivational.


3			What suggestions would you give Josh to help make his presentations more professional and interesting?




4			What strategies could he use to improve his writing?

Your Results:

In the Classroom

In the Workplace

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