Unit Plan Basic Business Communications

This unit is designed to introduce students to the basic form of written communication used throughout the workplace--the business letter. It will also reinforce basic word processing applications of spell-check, thesaurus, cut & paste, print, etc.

Unit Objectives:

01.0 Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information systems to Accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace

02.0 Apply communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing) in a courteous, concise, and correct manner on personal and professional levels.

03.0 Use technology to enhance the effectiveness of communications in order to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance

04.0 Use information to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance

07.0 Practice quality performance in the learning environment and the workplace

12.0 Demonstrate human relations/interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace

LESSON 1 (50 minutes)

Do Now/Skill building: Individualized practice for speed and accuracy. Either use computer program or key from keyboarding text 16a. One time for speed, one time for accuracy. (5 minutes)

Opener: Putting your thoughts in writing. Show samples of correspondence typical of any business office. Business letters are major source of communication. When might you use a letter to communicate instead of the telephone? List examples on the board. Today we'll learn a basic format for business letter writing.

Lesson: Provide example of basic business letter on overhead. Identify placement of basic parts.

Activity: Students open Business Letter file (from disk or on network). File is a complete business letter, but arranged incorrectly. (Note: you would write this and include this in your unit plan).

Students are instructed to work with a partner to cut and paste each of their documents so that they look like the model on the overhead. Students collaborate to demonstrate cut and paste function. Teacher circulates and assists. Check documents on each screen for correct placement.

Students create two additional copies of the same letter to be sent to different customers. Select from customer addresses on the board. Save both files, print one file and compare to model. Keep in portfolio.

Evaluation: Teacher circulates reviewing work in progress and coaching.

LESSON 2: (50 minutes)

Do Now: Create a personal letterhead. Center your name and address on the top section of a new document. Use any font or style you like. Save file as Personal letterhead, print one copy and place in box on teacher's desk.

Opener: How would you describe yourself if you were telling someone else about YOU? Key ten words that you would use to describe yourself in a positive way. List several sample word on the board.

Lesson: Demonstrate use of thesaurus to create new words that communicate the same ideas. Each student then creates ten more synonyms to add to their list.

Review basic, business letter format. Review sample documents in portfolio. Provide example of basic business letter on overhead. Review placement of basic parts. Discuss what you might want to know about someone that you are meeting for the first time. Generate items and place on board. Ie name, where you were born, family, interests, etc. Did you ever have a pen pal? Meeting new people can be fun! Today we're going to introduce ourselves to a new person in class.

Activity: Students draw a name and address from the box and write a letter of introduction to the person they have selected. Letter must have at least two paragraphs and all basic letter parts. Create two letters. One to pen pal and one to instructor. Print two copies of letter, one addressed to instructor, one to pen pal. Save files. Deliver letters.

Evaluation: Introduce Process Checklist. Students must use checklist prior to submitting letter to their pen pal and instructor.

LESSON 3: (50 minutes)

Do Now/Skill building: Peer Technique Check Partners review technique during 1 and 2 minute timed writings. . Opener: If you could write to anyone in the world--who would it be? Brainstorm list.

Lesson: Students draft letter of their choice to be mailed when it is PERFECT Demonstrate proofreading and spell check. Demonstrate the Process Review Checklist.

Activity: Option a: Students write to the personality of their choice. Movie star, rock star, legislator, or other figure found in the reference of addresses of famous people provided by the teacher.

Option b: Students may write to a company requesting information about a product or service or even request a free sample.

Peers/teacher review letters and provide feedback on format, language, etc. Evaluation: Teacher circulates and reviews draft letters offering immediate feedback where necessary.

Lesson 4: (50 minutes)

Do Now/Skill building:

Skill building exercises. Conduct 30-second speed drills using easy straight copy from text. Push for higher speeds. Individuals record their own performance ignoring accuracy for the moment. Conduct two 1-minute timings for control. Record performance.

Opener: Professional communication is contagious. Demonstrate professional introductions. Model shaking hands with one or more students. Students role-play professional introductions to their pen-pal and one or two other classmates.

Lesson: Written communication practice: Envelopes.

Demonstrate a) keying labels for envelopes or b) keying envelopes.

Activity: Students print label or envelope for their "famous person" letter. Review letters, revise and print final copies.

Evaluation: Peer review/instructor review. Mail letters when and if they are perfect.