Communicate with confidence by dianna booher pdf

COM510

Preview: COM510 : Business Communications

Course Guide

Prerequisites

Course Description

Instructional Materials

Course Learning Outcomes

Weekly Course Schedule

Week 1 - To Do List

Discuss: Introduce yourself to your classmates and your professor.

The ability to communicate with clarity, confidence, persuasion, and passion is an increasingly vital business skill. Develop the framework needed to understand your audience, instill credibility in your message, listen intently, and tell an engaging story, whether composing a quick email or creating a major presentation.

Required Resources Mary Munter. 2014. Guide to Managerial Communication (10th ed.). Prentice Hall.

Dianna Booher. 2003. Speak With Confidence! Powerful Presentations That Inform, Inspire and Persuade. McGraw-Hill.

Supplemental Resources Ethan Baron. January 12, 2015. To Employers, a Perfect MBA Looks Like This. https://poetsandquants.com/2015/01/12/to-employers-the-perfect-mba- looks-like-this/

Cathy Wellings. October 4, 2013. How Managers Can Improve Their Listening Skills. https://www.business2community.com/leadership/managers-can- improve-listening-skills-0636763

Judith Ross. May 6, 2009. How to Ask Better Questions. https://hbr.org/2009/05/real-leaders-ask.html

Sparkol. November 17, 2015. 8 Presentation Openers That Grab Your Audience From the Get-Go. https://www.sparkol.com/en/Blog/November-2015/8- Presentation-openers-that-grab-your-audience-from-the-get-go

Nancy Duarte (Speaker). March 21, 2013. Nancy Duarte: How to Tell a Story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JrRQ1oQWQk

Steve Jobs (Speaker). March 7, 2008. Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Create a written strategic communications plan for a challenge or opportunity.1

Compose a written communication based on a strategic communications plan.2

Create a professional verbal presentation that is refined by reflection and feedback.3

NOTE: The links in this document do not function. Please refer to your course to view/download linked content.

https://poetsandquants.com/2015/01/12/to-employers-the-perfect-mba-looks-like-this/
https://www.business2community.com/leadership/managers-can-improve-listening-skills-0636763
https://hbr.org/2009/05/real-leaders-ask.html
https://www.sparkol.com/en/Blog/November-2015/8-Presentation-openers-that-grab-your-audience-from-the-get-go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JrRQ1oQWQk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc
Week 1 - To Do List

Explore: Watch the video and answer the questions.

Learn: Read the assigned textbook chapters and custom content.

Discuss: Share where you are in your professional communication journey.

Prepare: Read the instructions and prepare for the Strategic Communications Plan assignment, due in Week 4.

Week 2 - To Do List

Learn: Read the assigned textbook chapters and custom content.

Prepare: Review the communication challenge topics and examples. Choose a topic.

Discuss: Share your experiences on what exceptional communication looks like.

Week 3 - To Do List

Explore: Watch the video and answer the questions.

Learn: Read the assigned textbook chapters and custom content.

Prepare: Read the instructions and prepare for the Strategic Communications Plan assignment, due in Week 4.

Discuss: Share your communications plan.

Week 4 - To Do List

Learn: Read the assigned textbook chapters and custom content.

Discuss: Provide and discuss an example of impressive writing.

Assignment: Submit the Strategic Communications Plan assignment.

Week 5 - To Do List

Learn: Read the assigned textbook chapters and custom content.

Discuss: Share how you will hook your audience.

Week 6 - To Do List

Week 6 - To Do List

Explore: Watch the video and answer the questions.

Learn: Read the assigned textbook chapters and custom content.

Discuss: Share your progress on communication.

Week 7 - To Do List

Explore: Watch the video and answer the questions.

Learn: Read the assigned textbook chapters and custom content.

Prepare: Read the instructions and prepare for the Written Communication assignment, due in Week 8.

Discuss: Post your written communication for feedback.

Week 8 - To Do List

Explore: Watch the video and answer the questions.

Learn: Read the assigned textbook chapters and custom content.

Discuss: Share a time when you gave or received a feedback.

Assignment: Submit the Written Communication assignment.

Week 9 - To Do List

Learn: Read the assigned textbook chapters and custom content.

Prepare: Read the instructions and prepare for the Verbal Communication assignment, due in Week 10.

Discuss: Practice your presentation.

Week 10 - To Do List

Explore: Watch the video and answer the questions.

Learn: Read the assigned textbook chapters and custom content.

Discuss: Review and discuss your final adjustments to your assignments.

Week 10 - To Do List

Assignment: Submit the Verbal Communication assignment.

Week 11 - To Do List

Learn: Read the course content.

Discuss: Share how you have you evolved as a communicator.

Grading Scale

Participation Total Points % of Grade

Discussion Participation 385 38.5%

Assignment Total Points % of Grade

w01v1 - Explore 5 0.5%

w03v1 - Explore 5 0.5%

w04a1 - Strategic Communications Plan 160 16%

w06v1 - Explore 5 0.5%

w07v1 - Explore 5 0.5%

w08a1 - Written Communication 200 20%

w08v1 - Explore 5 0.5%

w10a1 - Verbal Communication 225 22.5%

w10v1 - Explore 5 0.5%

Totals 1000 100%

Final Course Grade

Points Percentage Grade

900 - 1000 90% - 100% A

800 - 899 80% - 89% B

700 - 799 70% - 79% C

0 - 699 69% and below F

Unique Course Features

Grading Scale Notation

Please consult the University Catalog and your academic advisor to determine the final grade needed in this class to satisfy your specific degree conferral requirements.

Attendance Policy Please make sure to submit your weekly Blackboard discussions and assignments to maintain academic standing as they automatically record attendance.

NOTE: This course uses PlayPosit to host interactive videos. Activities in PlayPosit will count for attendance.

Assignments

w04a1 - Strategic Communications Plan

Summary

Click the linked activity title to access this assignment.

Text

Overview The ability to effectively communicate is one of the most in-demand and sought after skills in today’s workforce. As a business professional, you will be expected to not only communicate in a clear and concise way but to do so strategically. These communication skills are necessary to manage personnel effectively and to drive your organization toward its strategic goals and outcomes. Effective communication starts with planning. By developing a strategic communications plan, you will be more intentional in your messages and the actions you ask of your audience. This plan is the foundation for the other assignments in this course.

Communication Challenge Topics and Sample Student Communications Plan

Review COM510 Assignment Communication Challenge Topics [PDF]. Review Sample Student Communications Plan [DOCX].

Note: If you choose a scenario that differs from the suggested topics, you must submit a written overview to your professor for approval prior to completing the assigned work. Your overview must explain why the scenario you have chosen is relevant to you professionally.

Instructions Create a written strategic communications plan for the professional communication challenge or opportunity of your choice. Your plan should include the following components.

1. Description: a. What is your challenge or opportunity? b. Why is this professionally important to you?

2. Goal: a. What goals or outcomes do you want to achieve with this communication?

i. Is the communication goal clear, concise, and actionable?

3. Audience: a. Who is your target audience?

i. What are the professional positions of the audience members? ii. What demographic characteristics will the audience comprise? iii. What is your relationship to the audience? iv. What background knowledge and expertise does the audience have? v. What does the audience know, feel about, and expect concerning this communication? vi. What preconceptions or biases do you possess that might prevent you from building rapport with your audience?

b. What information is available about your audience? i. What research or sources will you use to obtain information about the audience? ii. What conclusions have you been able to draw about the audience?

c. What tone will you use to convey your message? i. Is the setting casual or formal? ii. Is the communication personal or impersonal?

4. Key Message: a. What is the primary message you must convey to your audience?

i. Is the message compelling and memorable? ii. Is the message clear and concise? iii. Is the message aligned with your audience's goals and needs?

5. Supporting Points: a. What three or four points, reasons, or justifications support your message?

i. What research or sources will you use to obtain facts and data about your message?

6. Channel Selection: a. What communication style will you employ (tell/sell or consult/join) and why?

https://atlas.strategiced.com/Course_Files/cf_COM510_Assignment_Communication_Challenge_Topics.pdf
https://atlas.strategiced.com/Course_Files/cf_COM510_Sample_Student_Communications_Plan.docx
b. What channels will you use to deliver your message, and why will they be the most effective? c. What purpose is served by each style and channel you have selected?

7. Action Request: a. What is your action request? b. Is the action request you are making to your audience clear, concise, and easily actionable?

Note: You may create and establish all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment. The scenario is yours to explain.

If you need to do any research, please go to Basic Search: Strayer University Online Library.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left- hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

Create a written strategic communications plan for a challenge or opportunity.

Scoring Guide

Description. 10 %

Unacceptable

Does not describe, or incompletely describes, the challenge or opportunity. May not provide information on why this topic is professionally important or relevant.

Needs Improvement

Partially describes the challenge or opportunity and/or provides some information on why this topic is professionally important or relevant.

Competent

Adequately describes the challenge or opportunity and/or provides information on why this topic is professionally important or relevant.

Exemplary

Fully describes the challenge or opportunity and provides information on why this topic is professionally important or relevant.

Goal. 5 %

Unacceptable

The communication goal is unclear or is not defined.

Needs Improvement

The communication goal is fairly defined. It is somewhat clear and may need further refinement to be concise and clearly actionable.

Competent

The communication goal is satisfactorily defined. It is mostly clear and actionable, but it could be more concise.

Exemplary

The communication goal is exceptionally well-defined. It is clear, concise, and actionable.

Audience. 20 %

Unacceptable

The communication does not include an audience analysis, draws irrelevant conclusions about the audience, or incompletely addresses the characteristics, motivations, and expertise of the audience. Does not identify the tone to be used to convey the message.

Needs Improvement

The communication includes an analysis of the audience, but it is insufficient. The communication includes some relevant conclusions about the audience, the characteristics, motivations, and expertise of the audience. Identifies only one element of the tone to be used to convey the message.

Competent

Audience analysis is sufficient to the task and thoughtfully considers most of the characteristics, motivations, and expertise of the audience, drawing mostly relevant conclusions. Identifies both elements of the tone to be used to convey the message.

Exemplary

Audience analysis is thorough and thoughtfully considers the characteristics, motivations, and expertise of the audience, drawing highly relevant conclusions. Identifies both elements of the tone to be used to convey the message.

Key Message. 15 %

Unacceptable

The key message is unclear, illogical, or both. It does not align with the goals and needs of the audience.

Needs Improvement

The key message is fairly clear, concise, and logical. It may be somewhat compelling and memorable and aligns somewhat with the goals and needs of the audience.

Competent

The key message is mostly clear, concise, and logical. It is sufficiently compelling and memorable and is sufficiently aligned with the goals and needs of the audience.

Exemplary

The key message is completely clear, concise, and logical. It is exceptionally compelling and memorable. It is well-aligned with the goals and needs of the audience.

Supporting Points. 15 %

Unacceptable

The communication does not provide three or four points,

Needs Improvement

The communication provides three or four points, reasons, or

Competent

The communication provides three or four points, reasons, or

Exemplary

The communication provides three or four points, reasons, or

https://research.strayer.edu/
reasons, or justifications to support the key message, and does not list sources to be used to support the message.

justifications that support the key message to some degree, but this support is incomplete and may not list relevant sources to be used to support the message.

justifications that support the key message sufficiently, and lists mostly relevant sources to be used to support the message.

justifications that clearly support the key message in a compelling manner, and lists entirely relevant sources to be used to support the message.

Channel Selection. 10 %

Unacceptable

The communication does not identify, or incompletely identifies, the communication style and/or communication channels, while failing to provide a sufficient rationale for the style and channel selections.

Needs Improvement

The communication identifies the communication style and communication channels, but to an insufficient degree. The rationale for the style and channel selections explains the chosen method of delivery insufficiently.

Competent

The communication identifies the communication style and communication channels sufficiently. The rationale for the style and channel selections explains the chosen method of delivery adequately.

Exemplary

The communication style and communication channels are thoughtfully chosen. The rationale for the style and channel selections explains the chosen method of delivery in a compelling and thorough manner.

Action Request. 15 %

Unacceptable

The request made of the audience is unclear, or the action cannot be taken based on the communication.

Needs Improvement

The request made of the audience is fairly clear, but it may not be actionable.

Competent

The request made of the audience is sufficiently clear and actionable.

Exemplary

The request made of the audience is thoroughly clear and easily actionable.

Write in a professional manner using proper grammar, mechanics, spelling, formatting, and citations. 10 %

Unacceptable

Writing does not meet minimal standards. Tone is not professional. Communication is wholly lacking in logic, clarity, and/or consistent formatting and contains many errors in grammar, mechanics, spelling, and citations.

Needs Improvement

Writing is satisfactory. Professional tone is developing. Communication shows moderate logic, clarity, and/or consistent formatting and may contain more than a few errors in grammar, mechanics, spelling, formatting, or citations.

Competent

Writing could be improved but meets acceptable standards. Tone is professional. Communication shows logic, clarity, and consistent formatting and may contain few or no errors in grammar, mechanics, or spelling. There may be small errors in formatting or citations.

Exemplary

Writing is excellent. Tone is professional and sophisticated. Communication shows logic, clarity, and consistent formatting. Contains no errors in grammar, mechanics, or spelling, and formatting and citations meet standards.

w08a1 - Written Communication

Summary

Click the linked activity title to access this assignment.

Text

Overview Business managers use written communication every day. Opportunities for written communication in the business world include everything from reports, memos, and documentation to emails, instant messaging, and social media. Effective written communication can help build and grow business relationships, accelerate results, solicit input and feedback, and rally personnel toward shared goals. Your ability to write messages that are clear and concise, while positioned strategically and presented professionally, will distinguish you in your field.

In this assignment, you will develop a written communication for the challenge or opportunity scenario you have identified. The written message needed to fulfill this assignment will depend on your scenario.

Instructions Compose a written communication based on your Strategic Communications Plan.

Part 1

1. Develop your written communication. a. State your key message clearly.

i. Do not "bury the headline"—the main point should be presented directly. ii. Your key message must be clear and concise.

b. Provide the necessary information and build credibility. i. Provide an appropriate amount of background information for the audience, given the type of communication. ii. Get to the point without unnecessary verbiage. iii. Build your position as an expert or trusted colleague.

c. Support your key message with three or four supporting points or reasons. i. Supporting points should be appropriate for the context and needs of the audience. ii. Reasons should be compelling and relevant.

d. Employ either the tell/sell or consult/join techniques. e. Clearly relay to the audience an actionable request.

2. Write professionally. a. Communication should be clear and concise. b. Communication should build logically. c. Sentences should flow smoothly, using appropriate transitions and varying sentence structure. d. Employ appropriate formatting for ease of reading and clarity of message (headers, bullet points, etc.).

3. Demonstrate professional presence. a. Be authentic and genuine in your communication. b. Use the appropriate tone and vocabulary for your audience. c. Establish rapport to connect with your audience and grow the relationship.

Part 2

4. Channel and style. a. Explain why you chose the specific channel you used for the written communication. b. Explain what style you employed in your written communication (tell/sell, consult/join) and why.

5. Use feedback to refine your communication. a. Describe or list the feedback you received on your written communication from the Week 7 discussion. b. Explain how you used the feedback to revise and improve your message.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left- hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

Compose a written communication based on a strategic communications plan.

Scoring Guide

Develop your written communication. 25 %

Unacceptable

Does not include, or does not state clearly and concisely, the key message. Does not offer support, or offers insufficient support, for the key message. Does not provide all necessary information or fails to build credibility. The request made of the audience is unclear, or action cannot be taken based on the communication.

Needs Improvement

The key message is reasonably clear and concise and is supported by one or two reasons. A minimal amount of necessary information is provided. Some attempt has been made to build credibility. The request made of the audience is fairly clear, but may not be actionable.

Competent

The key message is sufficiently clear and concise and is supported by three or four reasons that are sufficiently compelling, appropriate, and relevant. A moderate amount of necessary information has been provided, and a reasonable attempt has been made to build credibility. The request made of the audience is sufficiently clear and is actionable.

Exemplary

The key message is clear and concise and is supported by three or four reasons that are compelling, appropriate, and relevant. All necessary information has been provided and successfully builds credibility. The request made of the audience is thoroughly clear and easily actionable.

Write professionally. 20 %

Unacceptable

The written communication is not satisfactorily professional. It is unclear and/or not concise and is presented in an illogical order. Sentences do not flow easily throughout the document. Insufficient formatting has been used to make the document easier

Needs Improvement

The written communication is somewhat professional. It is fairly clear and/or concise and is presented in a fairly logical order. Sentences flow easily throughout some of the document. Formatting has been used to make the document easier to read and

Competent

The written communication is professional. It is mostly clear and/or concise and is presented in a mostly logical order. Sentences flow easily throughout most of the document. Formatting techniques are mostly consistent and aligned with best practices for the type of

Exemplary

The written communication is highly professional. It is completely clear and/or concise and is presented in a thoroughly logical order. Sentences flow easily throughout the entire document. Formatting techniques are consistent throughout, utilize best

to read and understand, and business formatting standards are not implemented.

understand, but the formatting is applied inconsistently and does not consistently use best practices for the type of business writing that it is.

business writing and help the reader quickly understand the message.

practices for the type of business writing, and help the reader quickly understand the message.

Demonstrate professional presence. 15 %

Unacceptable

Does not demonstrate, or demonstrates incompletely, a level of professional presence. The written communication lacks an authentic voice, uses an inappropriate tone for the type of communication, and contains inappropriate vocabulary in context. The document does not help to build confidence in the author while maintaining clarity for the audience.

Needs Improvement

Demonstrates a passable level of professional presence. The written communication has a fairly authentic voice, uses a somewhat appropriate professional tone for the type of communication, and employs contextually appropriate vocabulary that attempts to build confidence in the author while maintaining clarity for the audience.

Competent

Demonstrates a moderate level of professional presence. The written communication has an adequately authentic voice, uses a mostly appropriate professional tone for the type of communication, and employs contextually appropriate vocabulary that helps to build sufficient confidence in the author while maintaining clarity for the audience.

Exemplary

Demonstrates a high level of professional presence. The written communication has an authentic voice, uses an appropriate professional tone for the type of communication, and employs contextually appropriate vocabulary that helps to build confidence in the author while maintaining clarity for the audience.

Channel and style. 15 %

Unacceptable

Does not describe the channel and style choice or does so ineffectively.

Needs Improvement

Satisfactorily describes the channel and style choice. It may lack some clarity or sound reasoning to support the decision.

Competent

Adequately describes the channel and style choice. The rationale is mostly logical and sound.

Exemplary

Fully describes and makes a highly logical and sound channel and style choice. Decisions are fully explained and supported.

Use feedback to refine your communication. 15 %

Unacceptable

Does not describe the feedback received. Does not explain how feedback was used to revise and improve the written communication.

Needs Improvement

Satisfactorily describes or lists the feedback received. Partially explains how the feedback was used to revise and improve the written communication.

Competent

Adequately describes or lists the feedback received. Sufficiently explains how the feedback was used to revise and improve the written communication.

Exemplary

Accurately describes or lists the feedback received. Fully explains how the feedback was used to revise and improve the written communication.

Write in a professional manner using proper grammar, mechanics, spelling, and formatting. 10 %

Unacceptable

Writing does not meet minimal standards. Tone is not professional. Communication is wholly lacking in logic, clarity, and/or consistent formatting and contains many errors in grammar, mechanics, spelling, and citations.

Needs Improvement

Writing is satisfactory. Professional tone is developing. Communication shows moderate logic, clarity, and/or consistent formatting and may contain more than a few errors in grammar, mechanics, spelling, formatting, or citations.

Competent

Writing could be improved but meets acceptable standards. Tone is professional. Communication shows logic, clarity, and consistent formatting and may contain few or no errors in grammar, mechanics, or spelling. There may be small errors in formatting or citations.

Exemplary

Writing is excellent. Tone is professional and sophisticated. Communication shows logic, clarity, and consistent formatting. Contains no errors in grammar, mechanics, or spelling, and formatting and citations meet standards.

w10a1 - Verbal Communication

Summary

Click the linked activity title to access this assignment.

Text

Overview From quick conversations to phone calls, meetings, formal presentations, and sales pitches, you must employ effective verbal communication skills at all times. While verbal interactions are extremely common, they can also be stressful. Every interaction contains the potential for success…and the

danger of failure. To be "on your game" at all times requires purposeful practice, reflection, and adjustment based on input and feedback. No matter what your verbal communication skills are, you can improve them.

In this assignment, you will develop and deliver a verbal communication for the scenario you have identified. Your communication should match your challenge or opportunity. For example, if your challenge is an interview for a new position, you may choose to record yourself answering a few key questions that might be posed by the interviewer.

For the purposes of this course, your video presentation should not exceed 5 minutes. (Your scenario might require a much longer presentation, but limit your response to the key 5 minutes in this case.)

Instructions For Part 1, create and deliver a verbal communication that aligns with your strategic communications plan. Record your presentation for submission to your instructor.

For Part 2, reflect on your presentation, and document your preparation and how you used feedback to refine your verbal communication.

Part 1 – Verbal Communication (Video)

1. Develop and deliver your verbal communication. a. Use an impactful opening statement to engage, set context, and/or create relevant meaning for the audience. b. Use compelling stories, statistics, or facts to support your key message. c. Where appropriate, make your request of the audience clear and actionable. d. Use visual aids (where necessary) that support and complement your verbal communication, but do not drive the conversation. e. Limit recordings to no more than 5 minutes.

2. Demonstrate professional presence. a. Be authentic and genuine in your delivery. b. Use the appropriate tone and vocabulary for your audience. c. Use body language and eye contact effectively. d. Speak concisely with clarity and confidence. e. Build rapport and connect with your audience to grow the relationship. f. Dress appropriately and employ an appropriate camera frame (with a neutral background that is free of distractions). g. Employ only professionally presented and appropriately prepared visual aids, if used.

Part 2 – Reflection and Feedback (Written)

3. Reflect on your presentation preparation. a. Describe the approach you took to plan for your presentation. b. Explain how you rehearsed for the presentation. c. Offer suggestions for how you might better prepare in the future.

4. Use feedback to refine your communication. a. Describe or list the feedback you received on your verbal communication from the Week 9 discussion. b. Explain how you used the feedback to revise and improve your message and/or delivery.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left- hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

Create a professional verbal presentation that is refined by reflection and feedback.

Scoring Guide

Develop and deliver your verbal communication. 25 %

Unacceptable

Does not include an impactful opening statement and/or does not use compelling stories, statistics, or facts. Does not make a clear and actionable request of the audience. Visual aids, if used, do not complement or support the verbal communication. Recording is longer than 5 minutes.

Needs Improvement

Attempts to make an impactful opening statement and/or uses somewhat compelling stories, statistics, or facts. Makes an actionable request of the audience but the request lacks clarity. Visual aids are somewhat complementary and support the verbal communication to some degree.

Competent

The opening statement is adequately impactful and/or uses mostly compelling stories, statistics, or facts. The verbal communication makes a sufficiently clear and actionable request from the audience. Visual aids, if used, are mostly complementary and support the

Exemplary

The opening statement is highly impactful and/or uses extremely compelling stories, statistics, and facts. The verbal communication makes an entirely clear and actionable request of the audience. Visual aids, if used, are entirely complementary and support the

© 2020 Strategic Education, Inc.

Recording may be more than 5 minutes.

verbal communication. Recording is no more than 5 minutes.

verbal communication. Recording is no more than 5 minutes.

Demonstrate professional presence. 25 %

Unacceptable

Does not demonstrate, or demonstrates incompletely, a level of professional presence. Verbal communication is inauthentic or uses an inappropriate tone and contextually inappropriate vocabulary. The speaker fails to build confidence with the audience and does not achieve rapport. The speaker's appearance and demeanor are not professional. Visual aids, if used, are unsatisfactory and unprofessional in look and feel.

Needs Improvement

Demonstrates a passable level of professional presence. Verbal communication may be lacking a completely authentic voice, uses a fairly appropriate professional tone for the audience, and uses fairly contextually appropriate vocabulary that helps to build some confidence in the speaker while maintaining clarity for the audience. The speaker attempts to build rapport with the audience and is fairly professional in appearance. Visual aids, if used, are lacking in professionalism and presentation.

Competent

Demonstrates a moderate level of professional presence. Verbal communication is mostly authentic, uses a satisfactory professional tone for the audience, and uses vocabulary that is largely appropriate in context. The speaker builds confidence and rapport with the audience while maintaining clarity. The speaker's appearance is mostly professional. Visual aids, if used, are satisfactory and professional in look and feel.

Exemplary

Demonstrates a high level of professional presence. Verbal communication is authentic, employs an appropriately professional tone for the audience, and makes use of vocabulary that is appropriate in context. The speaker successfully builds confidence and rapport with the audience. The speaker is professional in appearance and presentation. Visual aids, if used, are professional in look and feel.

Reflect on your presentation preparation. 20 %

Unacceptable

Does not reflect, or reflects incompletely, on the presentation. Does not provide the necessary information.

Needs Improvement

Reflects on the presentation to some degree and provides some, but not enough, information.

Competent

Reflects adequately on the presentation and provides a moderate amount of necessary information.

Exemplary

Provides an exceptionally reflective description of the presentation preparation. Provides all necessary information.

Use feedback to refine your communication. 20 %

Unacceptable

Does not describe the feedback received. Does not explain how feedback was used to revise and improve the written communication.

Needs Improvement

Satisfactorily describes or lists the feedback received. Partially explains how the feedback was used to revise and improve the written communication.

Competent

Adequately describes or lists the feedback received. Sufficiently explains how the feedback was used to revise and improve the written communication.

Exemplary

Accurately describes or lists the feedback received. Fully explains how the feedback was used to revise and improve the written communication.

Write in a professional manner using proper grammar, mechanics, spelling, and formatting. 10 %

Unacceptable

Writing does not meet minimal standards. Tone is not professional. Communication is wholly lacking in logic, clarity, and/or consistent formatting and contains many errors in grammar, mechanics, spelling, and citations.

Needs Improvement

Writing is satisfactory. Professional tone is developing. Communication shows moderate logic, clarity, and/or consistent formatting and may contain more than a few errors in grammar, mechanics, spelling, formatting, or citations.

Competent

Writing could be improved but meets acceptable standards. Tone is professional. Communication shows logic, clarity, and consistent formatting and may contain few or no errors in grammar, mechanics, or spelling. There may be small errors in formatting or citations.

Exemplary

Writing is excellent. Tone is professional and sophisticated. Communication shows logic, clarity, and consistent formatting. Contains no errors in grammar, mechanics, or spelling, and formatting and citations meet standards.