CLUSTER
Business and Marketing
COURSE
Business Communications
WVEIS CODE
1409
Course Description:
The Skill Sets in this course are representative of the basic knowledge included in a Career and Technical
Education/Business and Marketing concentration. Incorporated into this course are elements of introductory
communications knowledge and skills necessary for a career in the business and marketing field. This course is
recommended as an Elective in the Administrative Support concentration.
SKILL SETS
Reading Strategies
Listening and Observation Skills
Oral Communication Skills
Written Communication Skills
Social Communication Skills
Career Communications
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Business Communications
WVEIS 1409
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Reading Strategies
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
Performance Objectives
 reading strategies to acquire meaning.
Students will
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
determine whether written material and electronic media provides factual
information or opinion.
 exhibit integrity in printed or oral communications.
 interpret relevant information from written materials.
 collect information from business correspondence, professional articles,
electronic sources and supporting graphic material.
 follow written directions to achieve tasks.
 select an appropriate reading method for a particular situation. (e.g., skimming,
scanning, speed reading or in-depth reading)
 determine the intent of printed propaganda and its impact on decision-making.
Listening and Observation Skills
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
Performance Objectives
 active listening and observation skills.
 verbal and nonverbal cues.
Students will
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
explain differences between hearing and listening.
explain the advantages for effective listening techniques.
implement effective listening techniques to assess and respond to major points
of a speaker’s message.
 utilize information from multiple speakers within a group to obtain key facts
and respond in an effective manner.
 determine methods to overcome major barriers to effective listening.
 collect, interpret and respond to different types of nonverbal messages and
cues appropriately in various situations, including other cultures.
 demonstrate the ability to follow oral instructions in completing jobs.
Oral Communication Skills
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
Performance Objectives
 verbal skills to obtain and convey information.
Students will
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establish the nature of effective verbal communications.
construct relevant questions to elicit information in the exchange of ideas in a
formal/informal setting.
provide responses to inquiries.
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
determine different types of nonverbal cues and discuss their impact on the
communication process.
 develop thoughts in an organized manner to reflect logical thinking.
 use proper telephone techniques and etiquette to gather and record oral
information.
 participate in group discussions.
 prepare effective oral presentations using tasks and techniques associated with
special presentation situations.
 demonstrate an awareness and acceptance of international, regional and
multicultural speech.
Written Communication Skills
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
Performance Objectives
 written correspondence to convey and obtain information.
Students will
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
determine the nature of effective written communication.
select and utilize appropriate formats for professional writing.
edit written work to be consistent with professional standards.
use acceptable steps in the writing process.
identify factors affecting the readability for specific audiences.
prepare professional e-mails, business letters, informational messages,
inquiries, persuasive messages, executive summaries, proposals and simple
and complex written reports that are grammatically correct and use appropriate
business style.
 use a variety of references, resources and graphics for the purpose of writing
business documents.
 develop effective electronic-based messages. (e.g. wiki, podcasting, blogs, etc)
Social Communication Skills
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
Performance Objectives
 basic social communication skills.
Students will
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determine personal self-concept and design a program for improvement.
relate the role that self-concept plays in one’s personal and professional life.
select appropriate business attire and demonstrate good grooming and personal
hygiene.
display a positive attitude in personal and professional settings.
display an appropriate work ethic.
set communication goals and demonstrate flexibility in adjusting those goals in
response to feedback from others or changes in the business environment.
apply team skills in a business environment.
apply the principles of group dynamics in structured activities.
respect the customer-client confidentiality.
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
demonstrate appropriate responses to passive, assertive and aggressive
behavior.
 select appropriate communication techniques to avoid, minimize or prevent
conflicts.
Career Communications
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
Performance Objectives
 forms of communication in the successful pursuit of a career.
Students will
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complete a career and job analysis.
compose formal letters of application.
create an appropriate resume.
complete application forms.
compose follow-up letters for job opportunities.
participate in mock interviews in various situations.
demonstrate appropriate dress in an interview situation.
discuss the significance of nonverbal communications in the interviewing
process.
list qualities that employers expect in potential employees.
use correct strategies for accepting or rejecting an employment offer.
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