- Write negative and persuasive messages effectively
- Establish common ground with your audience when presenting a persuasive message
Part 1: Review/Application Activity from Informative/Positive Messages [10 min]
OneNote Online
Part 2: Negative Messages [55 min]
1. Homework Check [10 min]: Types of Messages
- Negative "letters" for customers/outsiders
- Negative memo for superiors
- Negative memo for peers and subordinates
- Subject line: Is the subject line neutral or solution-oriented (p.165)?
- Clarity: Is the negative message stated clearly?
- Alternative: Is/are there any alternative/solution(s) recommended?
- Goodwill ending: Does it end with positive, forward-looking statement?
- You-attitude/Positive Emphasis: does the message properly avoid accusations/blame by avoiding the word "you"? Are there any "buffers" (pp.173-174) used? If so, what kind?
OneNote Online
(if we run short of time, we'll just practice writing a buffer part)
Part 3: Persuasive Messages [40 min]
1. Homework Check [15 min]: Types of Messages
- Direct request pattern
- Problem-solution pattern
3. Practice Analyzing a Persuasive Message [15 min]:
Read my comments in your own persuasive message (diagnostic memo exam) as well as "Common Areas of Improvement" from Diagnostic Memo Revision
[If time allows] Practice Writing a Persuasive Message
OneNote Online (practice writing "possible objection - countering" part)
Pre-Library Day Survey Practice Writing Buffer and Objection Countering for Diagnostic Exam Memos
