Business Communication 1
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Course Introduction

 

Core Standards of the Course

STRAND 1
Effective Communication - Student will understand that Effective Communication results in the receiver understanding the intended message.

Standard 1
Recognize the purpose of a message.

1. Political- Understanding propaganda and fake news
   
2. Commercial
   
3. Social
   
4. Personal
   
5. Education
   

Standard 2
Understand and identify how the audience and situation affects style and tone.

1. Recognize when to use communication channels based on audience: Friends, Boss/Supervisor, People you supervise.
   
2. How appearances (visual aids and dress for example) impact message
   

Standard 3
Barriers and effective communication.

1. Identify the barriers to effective communication.
   
   • Organizational barriers
   • Physical barriers
   • Physiological barriers
   • Language barriers
   • Cultural barriers
   • Psychological barriers
   • Technical barriers
2. Use bias-free language to develop responsible ways of thinking and acting. Bias-free language does not discriminate and therefore includes all audience members in a fair and friendly manner.
   

Performance Skills
Create a presentation on any subject that shows the following:

1. Clearly identified audience
   
2. Tailor a presentation to an audience
   
3. Use bias-free language.
   

STRAND 2
Nonverbal Communication - Students will identify and demonstrate effective non-verbal communication by recognizing barriers to communication.

Standard 1
Nonverbal communication is the transfer of information through the use of body language including eye contact, facial expressions, gestures and more.

1. Recognize the effect of nonverbal communication: Facial Gestures, Hand gestures, Body language, Mannerisms, Eye contact
   

Performance Skills (choose one)
Demonstrate nonverbal communication. This includes the following:

1. Practice nonverbal forms of communication.
   
2. Demonstrate how altering non-verbal communication can change a message.
   
3. Give a specific example of a communication barrier in business
   

STRAND 3
Spoken Communication - Students will develop and practice effective spoken communication skills.

Standard 1
Define Spoken Communication - Spoken communication refers to the production of spoken language to send an intentional message to a listener, especially in contrast to using gestures or mannerisms (non-verbal communication).

Standard 2
Understand correct use of the following components/characteristics of spoken language.

1. Pronunciation: how you say a word. This includes emphasizing different syllables, words, or phrases. Pronunciation can vary based on geography or tradition.
   
2. Enunciation: to pronounce a word clearly; articulating every syllable of the word.
   
3. Tone: is the inflection, the rise and fall of the sound, such as ending a question in a higher pitch. Often conveys specific emotions to the listener. Can include volume.
   
4. Cadence: rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words, including pauses.
   

Standard 3
Understand how to create an effective spoken presentation.

1. Prepare thoroughly and plan your message
   
2. Consider your audience
   
3. Avoid reading your presentation
   
4. Dress appropriately
   
5. Introduce yourself and your topic
   
6. Speak clearly using projection to reach the back row
   
7. Have confidence, make eye contact and use your space
   
8. Be careful with filler words
   
9. Summarize and end strong
   
10. Be prepared to answer questions
    

Performance Skills
Practice and use oral communication skills. This includes the following:

1. Plan and present short presentations
   
2. Analyze a famous speech
   
   • Evaluate cadence, enunciation, pronunciation and tone

STRAND 4
Written Communication - Students will produce effective written communication documents.

Standard 1
Use digital tools to identify and correct common grammatical errors

1. Misspelled and misused words
   
2. Run on sentences or fragments
   
3. Proper capitalization (proper nouns, I, start of sentences)
   
4. Improper punctuation (when to use semicolons, colons, commas, and periods)
   

Standard 2
Use effective writing to produce emails appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

1. Appropriate use of salutation and opening of an email
   
2. Use correct tone and professionalism (etiquette) for the audience and intended message
   
   • everyday/routine/good news
   • sales/persuasive
   • bad news/refusal messages
3. Appropriate use of complimentary close
   
4. Understand the use of e-mail attachments
   
5. Editing (read it through) before publishing/send
   

Standard 3
Know how to access and select the appropriate templates for document design.

1. Explore available templates - in google, Microsoft, or other web resources
   
2. Understand the importance and need for document layout
   
3. Know which templates will enhance your message
   

Performance Skills (choose one)
Students will demonstrate their understanding of effective written communication

1. Compose and send either a good news or a bad news email
   
2. Have students evaluate email or another piece of writing looking for grammar, purpose, audience, and layout.
   

STRAND 5
Listening Skills - Students will develop and practice proficient listening skills in the workplace; including phone calls, video calls, and in person.

Standard 1
Understand how to follow directions and listen attentively

1. Take accurate notes
   
2. Ask questions
   
3. Follow directions
   
4. Make eye contact and exhibit other non-verbal cues, such as nodding, and smiling
   

Standard 2
Demonstrate the proper use of telephone and video call techniques

1. Speak clearly and take part in conversation
   
2. Be aware of your background, muting self or turning off camera
   
3. Be courteous- professional in chat, not texting during meetings, etc.
   
4. Leave effective messages including contact information- spoken slowly
   
5. Reply to messages in a timely manner
   

Performance Skills (choose one)
Students will practice listening skills.

1. Watch or participate in a business meeting and take notes
   
2. Practice following oral directions and taking notes.
   
3. Demonstrate proper phone technique.
   

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Racheal  Routt and see the CTE/Business website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - THALEA  LONGHURST.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.