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COM 295 Apply Week 3 Selecting Source of Research (June,
2019 Syllabus)
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Refer to the “Evaluating Data Quality” practice activity.
Imagine that you are a marketing specialist at a media company. Over
the past few years, you have been researching how TV viewers use
mobile phones and other devices while watching TV. You want to find
out as much as you can about what other researchers, experts, and
commentators say about trends in this area as you prepare a strategy
brief for your executive team. Specifically, you want to know how TV
viewers use mobile phones, tablets, and other mobile devices while
watching sports events.
True/False: The first step you should take in developing your research-
based report is identifying what decision makers want to accomplish.
True
Correct
True/False: The information you can access through business databases
and other sources at your library is generally most reliable.

True
Correct
True/False: As you collect, analyze, and present data to others, you
should provide all the relevant facts, even if they do not fit into
convenient conclusions.
True
Correct
Who will your primary audience be for this business report?
low-level workers within the company
suppliers of the company
customers of the company

decision makers within the company
When you're evaluating secondary research and how well it can be
revised to address your specific business problem, you are considering
its
biases
reliability
adaptability
relevance
If you were to use a report or guide that generally describes research
about solving a particular issue, particularly one similar to the one you
are encountering, you would be using ____________.
scholarly journals
industry publications

business books
white papers
If you were looking for a research source that provides concise, easy to
understand research, which of the following research sources would you
be LEAST likely to use?
business periodicals
white papers
external blogs
scholarly journals
If, during your research, you were only interested in expert opinions on
the topic, which of the following types of secondary sources would be
LEAST helpful for you?

a white paper
a wiki
an industry report
a scholarly journal article
You can usually better assess the usefulness of ____________ than other
secondary sources because of the many online reviews available.
scholarly journals
external blogs
business books
industry publications

A drawback of using online databases is that they
provide outdated information
take time to navigate
are more expensive than primary research
are not found in university libraries
To ensure the completeness of a business message once you've compiled
your research and are preparing to deliver your message, you should be
sure to
avoid empty phrases
control paragraph length

be specific
use action verbs
Which of the following is most likely to negatively influence readers'
perceptions of your credibility?
generous white space
inaccurate statements
long paragraphs
passive voice
==============================================

COM 295 Apply Week 5 Communication Tools Comparison
(June 2019, Syllabus)
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Your coworker’s office is situated next to yours. One day she comes into
your office and informs you of a huge project that is in the process of
being assigned from upper management to your department’s manager.
Within forty eight hours, your department manager contacts you through
a text message informing you of your inclusion in this project.
Unfortunately, your manager included very minimal information about
project specifics, so you do not know enough to get a solid start.
Your manager is highly political and does not pay much attention to
detail. Also, he does not like his personnel reaching out to individuals
outside of the department, especially his counterparts. On the other
hand, you do have good relationships with other departmental managers.
You will need to gather information so you can start your project and
determine whether to use traditional or social media communication
tools when you deliver your message.
Your manager dislikes email and texting because he cannot hear the
other person's tone of voice or see facial expressions. His frustration is
related to a lack of
•
cues

•
resources
•
constraints
•
control
If, in your quest to gather information, you need to meet with team
members that are in different time zones around the world, which
communication channel is most likely to meet your needs?
•
an electronic discussion thread
•
a videoconference
•
a series of one-to-one phone calls
•
a conference call
If you would like to communicate with everyone in your department,
but it is not necessary for everyone to receive the message at the same
time, which of the following tools would you use?
•

a phone conversation
•
a conference call
•
a videoconference
•
an email
When you are ready to schedule a meeting with your department, or if
you have a short, one-to-one or one-to-many message to deliver, which
of the following would be the most appropriate to use?
•
a webinar
•
texting
•
a conference call
•
a blog

You have finished your first draft of the project, complete with several
large files for your team members to review. Several team members are
remote and located in different cities. What is the most efficient way for
you to distribute the files for review?
•
through a site such as Dropbox
•
in the body of an email
•
as an email attachment
•
on a social media site
One possible negative effect of the text you received from your
department manager is that
•
instant messages do not work for group conversations
•
instant messages cannot convey meta messages
•
the brevity of messages can make them sound bossy
•

instant messaging is an inherently serious channel
If you wanted to develop a personal brand, which social media tool
would be most effective?
•
a blog
•
a social bookmarking page
•
a wiki
•
a discussion forum
One advantage of using social media in the workplace is that social
media
•
discourage self-promotion and opportunism.
•
create a clear demarcation between professional and private lives.
•
improve productivity when used constantly.

•
ensure quicker access to business expertise and knowledge.
While working with your team on the project, you decide to utilize a
shared file platform. When doing so, it is important to
•
discuss protocols for co-editing files
•
keep comments general
•
create a single, shared login
•
grant each user access to all documents
Once you finish your project, you want to present it in a forum where
your audience is able to hear your tone of voice and see your nonverbal
cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and posture. The method of
communication that would best accomplish this is:
•
email
•
text message

•
videoconference
•
face-to-face conversation
==============================================
COM 295 Entire Course
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COM 295 Week 1 Practice Going on a Business Trip to China
COM 295 Week 1 Practice Case Analysis Credibility for an Entry-Level
Professional
COM 295 Week 1 Apply Communication Tools Scenario (2 Papers)
COM 295 Week 2 Practice Case Analysis Identifying Logical
Inconsistencies
COM 295 Week 2 Practice Case Analysis Evaluating Principles of
Persuasion in PR Messages
COM 295 Week 2 Apply New Hire Persuasive Message
COM 295 Week 3 Practice Case Analysis Evaluating a Routine Email

COM 295 Week 3 Practice Case Analysis Evaluating Charts for a
Presentation
COM 295 Week 3 Apply Selecting Sources of Research
COM 295 Week 4 Practice Case Analysis Establishing Credibility as a
Presenter
COM 295 Week 4 Practice Case Analysis Evaluating the Needs of an
Audience
COM 295 Week 4 Apply Recruitment Presentation
COM 295 Week 5 Communication Tools Comparison
==============================================
COM 295 Practice Week 5 Identifying Constraints of
Communication Channels(June 2019, Syllabus)
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Identifying Constraints of Communication Channels
Strategically selecting a communication channel means that you choose
the communication channel that is best able to meet your work
objectives. This process involves evaluating three qualities of
communication channels: richness, control, and constraints. Richness
involves two considerations: the level of immediacy and number of cues

available. Control refers to the degree to which communications can be
planned and recorded, thus allowing strategic message development.
Constraints refer to the practical limitations of coordination and
resources.
You will evaluate communication channels in terms of richness,
control, and constraints.
==============================================
COM 295 Practice Week 5 Moving toward the Social
Age(June 2019, Syllabus)
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Moving toward the Social Age
In the past several decades, major shifts in workplace culture have
occurred. These shifts have been identified with labels such as the
Industrial Age, the Information Age, and the Social Age.
You will notice overlapping dates for these eras since the dividing lines
between these areas are blurry. Currently, most companies operate in a
culture associated with the Information Age. However, some companies
still operate with values more aligned with the Industrial Age, and many
companies are more aligned with the values of the emerging Social Age.

So, you should be familiar with these various value sets and know how
to adapt to each one.
In this exercise, you will identify characteristics associated with the
Industrial Age (mid-1700s to 1985), the Information Age (1970 to
2025), and the Social Age (beginning around 2005 in some companies).
==============================================
COM 295 Week 1 Apply Communication Tools Scenario (2
Papers)
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COM 295 Week 1 Apply: Communication Tools Scenario
This assignment has two parts.
While working in your office, you get an urgent email from the director
of another department, Max. Max claims that your work activity created
a problem resulting in delays with his subordinates processing an
important project, and that he needs a solution to this problem as soon as
possible. Upon further investigation, you discover that there are some

sub-assembly components needed that are not available for use. You
have a couple of options that may help to mitigate the problem. You can
contact the inventory control manager to locate a similar item for use, or
you could attempt to communicate with the supplier in order to have
something similar sent to the plant.
After gathering a few options, you are be ready to communicate a solid
response to Max, while collaborating with your department’s director.
Part I:
Compare in 175 to 350 words the following communication tools that
could be used to create a response, and explain which method of
communication you prefer and why you chose this particular
communication method:
Face-to-Face interaction
Phone calls
Emails
Text
Part II:

Draft a 175- to 350-word email to send to the director (Max).
Include the following:
your summary of his claim
the information that you gathered about the problem
potential resolutions to the problem
your recommended solution to the problem
Use professional language to communicate your response.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment.
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COM 295 Week 1 Practice Case Analysis Credibility for an
Entry-Level Professional

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COM 295 Week 1 Practice: Case Analysis: Credibility for an Entry-
Level Professional
Complete the “Case Analysis: Credibility for an Entry-Level
Professional” in Connect.
Credibility for an Entry-Level Professional
Your credibility determines how others perceive and react to your
communications. In this exercise, you’ll test your ability to identify
actions that correspond with the three elements of credibility:
competence, caring, and character.
Read the case below and answer the questions that follow.

Jaxon, Sophia, and Emily were recently hired as audit assistants. This is
the first full-time professional position for each of them. During the first
few months of work, each of them experienced successes and failures.
Jaxon gained a reputation for finding out exactly what clients wanted.
He asked the right questions, he respectfully explained points of
disagreement with them, and he showed them he was genuinely
interested in them. Several of his colleagues commented that clients
trusted him to act appropriately on their behalf. His supervisor was
pleased that Jaxon always followed through on commitments and was
positive he wouldn’t avoid reporting tax violations made by clients.
However, Jaxon’s performance was far from perfect. His supervisor
noticed that Jaxon sometimes made fairly basic mistakes in his audits
and his colleagues would have to redo some of his work.
Sophia has gained a reputation for completing audits more accurately
than all other new audit assistants. Her supervisor is worried, however,
about her long-term success at the firm. Sophia tends to overpromise.

Last week, she told her supervisor she’d finish an important project but
instead worked on other tasks. Last month, she called in sick for a few
days. On one of her sick days, her supervisor saw pictures of her at a
nearby resort that she had posted to Facebook.
Emily is the top performer on audits among the new group of employees
at the firm. She is precise and efficient. She can typically accomplish
many tasks in about half the time of most other audit assistants. Her
supervisor is concerned, however, about her interpersonal skills. She
tends to often criticize her colleagues for their mistakes and rarely offers
appreciation for their help. She also seems to rub clients the wrong way
and comes across as “antisocial” according to one valued client.
1
Jaxon most apparently lacks which element of credibility?
Multiple Choice
Caring

Competence
Character
2
Sophia most apparently lacks which element of credibility?
Multiple Choice
Character
Caring
Competence
3
Emily most apparently lacks which element of credibility?

Multiple Choice
Competence
Caring
Character
4
What would you most recommend to Jaxon to improve his credibility?
Multiple Choice
Make a priority of staying true to commitments and avoiding any
deception.
Find ways to compliment the work of colleagues more often.

Have a mentor help overcome common mistakes in audits.
Take more vacation days.
Take online diversity training.
5
What would you most recommend to Sophia to improve her credibility?
Multiple Choice
Make a priority of not staying true to commitments and being deceptive.

deception.
6
What would you most recommend to Emily to improve her credibility?
Multiple Choice
Take online diversity training.
deception.
==============================================

COM 295 Week 1 Practice Going on a Business Trip to
China
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COM 295 Week 1 Practice: Going on a Business Trip to China
Complete the “Going on a Business Trip to China” Case Study in
Connect
Going on a Business Trip to China
Business professionals who are high in cultural intelligence possess
skills and attributes to work effectively with members of other cultures.
They respect, recognize, and appreciate cultural differences; possess
curiosity and interest in other cultures; avoid inappropriate stereotypes;
adjust conceptions of time and show patience; manage language
differences to achieve shared meaning; understand cultural dimensions;
establish trust and show empathy across cultures; approach cross-
cultural work relationships with a learner mind-set; and build co-cultures
of cooperation and innovation.

In this exercise, you evaluate the experiences of an operations manager
going to China to examine factories and potentially take bids for some of
your company’s operations. You will notice differences in
communication across cultures and analyze the interactions in terms of
cultural intelligence and the following cultural dimensions:
individualism and collectivism, egalitarianism and hierarchy, future
orientation, assertiveness, and humane orientation.
Recently, senior managers at Judith Carey’s company concluded that
some of the company’s operations needed to be produced in lower-wage
locations for the company to stay profitable. They placed Judith in
charge of learning about options in China, a country she had never
visited.

After several months of making contacts via phone and email, Judith
traveled to China to meet some potential manufacturers. She brought
two of her staff members along with her on the trip. She also asked Mei,
one of the company’s sales representatives in China, to join the group
and act as an interpreter. Mei had joined the company’s sales department
in China two years ago. Because she gained a marketing degree in a
Canadian university, Mei’s English was excellent.
The first stop on the trip would be with representatives of the Shunde
Manufacturing (SDM) Company, a potential manufacturer for the
company’s line of dolls. After a long plane trip and a sleepless night at a
hotel in Shanghai, Judith started the first day of work in China tired and
slightly disoriented. Her team first met the company’s president, Bo
Chen, and seven other men from SDM for lunch. Judith was seated next
to the company’s president for the duration of the two-hour lunch, which
included course after course of foods Judith had never seen or eaten
before. Judith sampled most of the dishes but was clearly uncomfortable.
During the meal, the company president asked Judith, “Ms. Carey, what
are your impressions of China?” Judith replied, “Well, Bo, I don’t really
know too much. I’m not quite used to the air here, with all of the

pollution. Of course, I’ve always known about the one-child policy, but
not much else. Do you think the policy is fair?” Bo stated, “China and
America must solve their problems in their own ways.” Then, he talked
about the final dish for the meal—a fish. He explained that ending the
meal with the fish had special symbolism in China and signaled a
prosperous future for their relationship.
Near the end of lunch, Bo told Judith, “We’ll meet for dinner and a
reception later at 6 p.m. I’ve arranged a tour for you this afternoon.
Several of our staff members will take you for a walk along the river, to
some beautiful Chinese gardens, and to the Shanghai Museum.” Judith
was a bit dismayed. She wasn’t really in the mood for touring. Rather,
she wanted to get down to business, but she obliged for the afternoon
tour. During the tour, Judith asked Mei, her interpreter, “What should I
do this evening to make sure we can talk about business?” Mei replied,
“Tonight, you should make friends with President Chen. Give him a nice
toast in front of his employees. Enjoy the wonderful food. Tomorrow
you can talk about business.”
That evening, Judith and her team were taken to a large private room at a
restaurant. The SDM Company was now represented by more than 20
employees. Judith and Bo spent most of the dinner discussing family and
professional experiences. Judith enjoyed the food, gave a toast
mentioning “future cooperation” and thanking “President Chen for his
hospitality,” and even sang karaoke when invited.

The next day, Judith arrived at the company’s headquarters. She and her
team discussed options for a partnership with SDM representatives for
the duration of the day. At the end of the day, both parties agreed to
continue their conversations in approximately one month.
1
When Bo Chen referred to Judith Carey as “Ms. Carey,” Judith
responded by referring to him as “Bo.” Which of the following cultural
dimensions can best explain this situation?
Multiple Choice
窗体顶端
future orientation
egalitarianism and hierarchy
humane orientation

individualism and collectivism
assertiveness
2
The first day of the visit is largely spent with lavish banquets and events.
Which of the following cultural dimensions can best explain this
situation?
Multiple Choice
窗体顶端
future orientation
individualism and collectivism
assertiveness

Explanation
In collectivist cultures, the relationship-building process generally takes
longer. Informal social gatherings are a mechanism to build trust and
appreciation.
3
When Judith Carey asked Bo Chen about his views of the one-child
policy, he stated, “China and America must solve their problems in their
own ways.” Which of the following cultural dimensions can best explain
this situation?
Multiple Choice
窗体顶端
humane orientation

assertiveness
future orientation
窗体底端
4
Judith’s interpreter, Mei, encouraged her to give a toast to Bo Chen.
Which of the following cultural dimensions can best explain this
situation?
Multiple Choice
humane orientation
assertiveness

future orientation
5
Overall, what statement is most true of Judith?
Multiple Choice
She shows no cultural intelligence.
She shows cultural intelligence at all times.
She shows cultural intelligence at some times but not others.
6
Which of the following elements of cultural intelligence should Judith
work on the most?
Multiple Choice

Possess curiosity and interest in other cultures.
Understand the etiquette of other cultures.
Manage language differences.
Adjust conceptions of time and show patience.
7
Overall, this case confirms that Chinese business culture is generally
considered what combination of individualism and egalitarianism?
Multiple Choice
high collectivism and low egalitarianism
high individualism and low egalitarianism
high collectivism and high egalitarianism

high individualism and high egalitarianism
==============================================
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It is your first week at an organization. While you have lots of
experience in operations management and customer service, the
organizational structure, communication channels, system and
procedures are still new to you.
During the interview process, you became familiar with the problems
facing the organization, and you are eager to apply your new ideas.
After introduction and exposure as a new team member, it is time to start
interacting with individuals using lateral, downward, and upward
communication in order to get information, figure out your team players,
and find people of influence.

Record a 2-to 3-minute audio message to your team members using one
of the methods of influence discussed in your text. Your goal is to
persuade them to form a work group to identify and solve the problems
facing the organization.
Give thought to how you would construct your message in order to
influence individuals to cooperate. You want your coworkers to relax
and accept the fact that you are here to make their jobs easier rather than
harder.
Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your message.
==============================================
COM 295 Week 2 Practice Case Analysis Evaluating
Principles of Persuasion in PR Messages
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COM 295 Week 2 Practice: Case Analysis: Evaluating Principles of
Persuasion in PR Messages

Complete the “Case Analysis: Evaluating Principles of Persuasion in PR
Messages” in Connect.
Evaluating Principles of Persuasion in PR Messages: reciprocation,
consistency, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity
The following principles of persuasion can be used to plan more
effective PR messages. With public relations messages, you intend to
garner positive attention from stakeholders to your company. By
applying principles of persuasion, you can do so more effectively. In this
exercise, you will evaluate which principles of persuasion are most at
play for various PR messages.

You are a PR specialist for a major wholesaler of fruits and vegetables,
distributing them to each state in the United States and each province in
Canada. You are planning a variety of PR campaigns and activities over
the next few months, all with a focus on nutrition and health.
In each question, you’ll evaluate which persuasive principles apply to
your various PR messages. You’ll choose from the following:
reciprocation, consistency, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity.
1
You want to write a press release about a free new app you’re offering.
The app allows people to keep track of what they’ve eaten each day and
reports on nutritional value and calories. It also creates customized
recommendations for improving your diet. By emphasizing the cost-free
nature of this useful tool in the press release, you are primarily relying
on which principle of persuasion?

Multiple Choice
reciprocation
scarcity
social proof
authority
liking
2
You are developing a series of short videos for your website. In the
videos, you interview local nutritionists and trainers about improving
their health. On which principle of persuasion are you primarily relying?
Multiple Choice
scarcity

authority
social proof
consistency
liking
3
You want to develop a Facebook fan page. On the fan page, you plan to
provide a forum for customers to share recipes of healthy dishes and
provide links to video clips of celebrities making their favorite dishes
with your signature fruits and vegetables. You are primarily using which
principles of persuasion?
Multiple Choice
social proof and consistency
social proof and authority
scarcity and consistency

consistency and liking
4
You are sending a tweet with a link to a health trivia contest. Customers
have three days to enter the contest in which they are eligible to win a
year’s supply of fruits and vegetables. When they finish entering their
contest responses, they are directed to a web page with the “Five Veggie
a Day Challenge.” On this web page, they have the option for
developing a personalized plan to eat five vegetable servings per day.
They can track how well they meet their plan on the web page, or they
can simply print out their plan. You are primarily using which principles
of persuasion?
Multiple Choice
social proof and consistency
social proof and authority
scarcity and authority
scarcity and consistency

5
You want to hold a free bloggers conference for bloggers of health
issues. At the event, you allow bloggers to meet and get to know
members of your company’s executive team. You also hold sessions
about driving traffic to their blogs and sponsor networking events so
bloggers can get to know one another. You are primarily using which
principles of persuasion?
Multiple Choice
reciprocation and liking
reciprocation, liking, and social proof
reciprocation
6
You want to hold a “Get Fit” event in which you intend to break the
world record for the most people doing aerobics at the same time. Your
goal is to have over 100,000 people at the event. As part of your efforts
to get people to participate, you are encouraging people to join the
“largest exercise event in the history of the world.” What principle of
persuasion is most at play here?

Multiple Choice
liking
consistency
social proof
authority
7
You write a press release about your company’s corporate social
responsibility efforts to fight obesity. In the press release, you explain
how your company’s employees volunteer to conduct healthy lifestyle
presentations at local schools. What principle of persuasion is most at
play here?
Multiple Choice

authority
consistency
scarcity
social proof
==============================================
COM 295 Week 2 Practice Case Analysis Identifying Logical
Inconsistencies
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COM 295 Week 2 Practice: Case Analysis: Identifying Logical
Inconsistencies
Complete the “Case Analysis: Identifying Logical Inconsistencies” in
Connect
Identifying Logical Inconsistencies

You should always verify whether your messages contain sound logic.
You can strengthen your logic by avoiding six types of logical
inconsistencies introduced in the book: unsupported generalizations,
faulty cause/effect claims, weak analogies, either/or logic, slanting of
facts, and exaggeration.
Unsupported generalizations involve unfairly stating all people or parts
of a group or category possess a certain characteristic.
Faulty cause/effect claims involve unsupported and unsubstantiated
statements about how one thing causes another.
Weak analogies are comparisons that lack sufficient similarities to
support conclusions. In other words, this is comparing apples and
oranges.
Either/or logic involves unnecessarily reducing or constricting issues to
two options or viewpoints.

Slanting of facts involves presenting those facts that are favorable to
your position. Some people refer to this as cherry-picking the facts.
Exaggeration involves overstating the value or significance of
something.
In this exercise, you will read a conversation among a team of marketing
professionals and identify the faulty logic in their conversation.

Ron opened the conversation. “TV advertising is increasingly
ineffective. Every report I’ve seen suggests that TV advertising will
continue to diminish during the next 5 to 10 years, and we’ll even see
spending on digital advertising surpass TV advertising pretty soon. I just
saw a report that showed that TV advertising only comprises 37 percent
of ad spending compared to 33 percent for digital advertising. Soon,
digital advertising will overtake TV advertising. (1) As a result, it’s clear
that digital advertising leads to high returns on investment. (2) We need
to shift all of our TV advertising to digital advertising right away.”
Maria jumped into the conversation. “Come on, Ron. Don’t you think
you’re being a bit dramatic? Last year, we had huge returns from our
Super Bowl ad. Suzie’s analysis showed that we picked up $50 million
in sales from a $4 million dollar investment on that ad. On top of that,
our brand reached an audience of 125 million people in one day. (3)
There’s no doubt that TV advertising is alive and well.”
“Maria, you know better than that,” Ron interjected. (4) “TV advertising
is no different than cassette tapes—it’s on its way to quick extinction.
We should invest all of our creative energies and budget allotments to
the advertising of the future. Right now, I think we all agree that our
focus is on Millennials, so why we’re still focusing on TV is confusing
to me.”

“Ron, I think you’re caught up in the hype of digital. (5) The latest
eMarketer research report about perceiving brand value shows that 70
percent of Millennials say they’re influenced by TV advertising. That’s
higher than any form of digital advertising, including social, online
display, and online video. Bottom line is that TV still is our best bet for
our target demographic.”
“Maria, we’ve looked at that research together. You’re basically citing
the only research study that shows that and it’s entirely based on self-
perceptions. I can show you five other studies that show the opposite
picture and which are based on more reliable research methods.”
Maria countered by saying, “Look, Ron, you can’t simply dismiss that
eMarketer research report so easily. (6) The report undeniably shows
that TV advertising is a completely effective approach that still
influences nearly every Millennial.”

Ron responded, (7) “Maria, I guess I don’t know how to reason with you
here. Virtually every study and data point indicates digital advertising
will be more effective than TV advertising.”
1
Which logical inconsistency is Ron most likely displaying in statement
1?
Multiple Choice
faulty cause/effect claims
weak analogy
either/or logic

2
2?
Multiple Choice
either/or logic
weak analogy
faulty cause/effect claims
3
Which logical inconsistency is Maria most likely displaying in statement
3?
Multiple Choice
unsupported generalization

either/or logic
weak analogy
4
4?
Multiple Choice
weak analogy
slanting the facts
either/or logic
5

Which logical inconsistency is Maria most likely displaying in statement
5?
Multiple Choice
weak analogy
either/or logic
==============================================
COM 295 Week 3 Apply Selecting Sources of Research
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COM 295 Week 3 Apply: Selecting Sources of Research
Refer to the “Evaluating Data Quality” learning activity.

Imagine that you are a marketing specialist at a media company. Over
the past few years, you have been researching how TV viewers use
mobile phones and other devices while watching TV. You want to find
out as much as you can about what other researchers, experts, and
commentators say about trends in this area as you prepare a strategy
brief for your executive team. Specifically, you want to know how TV
viewers use mobile phones, tablets, and other mobile devices while
watching sports events. You have collected a variety of information, and
now you want to evaluate the strength of these sources in terms of
relevance and expertise for your research problem.
Select three sources of research from the provided list that you would
use in preparing a strategy for your team.
White paper about TV
Article about Twitter
Scholarly journal article
A newspaper article
A blog post
A book
Wall Street Journal article
A Wikipedia post
A journal article
White paper

Discuss in 525 to 700 words the pros and cons of each source, as well as
why the three selected sources of research are the best three to use to
develop your strategy.
==============================================
COM 295 Week 3 Practice Case Analysis Evaluating a
Routine Email
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COM 295 Week 3 Practice: Case Analysis: Evaluating a Routine Email
Complete the “Case Analysis: Evaluating a Routine Email” in Connect.
Evaluating a Routine Email
Email continues to be the most common type of written communication
in most businesses. You can follow a variety of principles to use it
effectively: (1) use it for the right purposes, (2) ensure ease of reading,
(3) show respect for others’ time, (4) protect the privacy and

confidentiality of others, (5) respond promptly, (6) maintain
professionalism and appropriate formality, (7) manage emotion
effectively, and (8) avoid distractions.
Typically, as you write an email message, you should do the following:
(1) provide a short, descriptive subject line, (2) use greetings and
closings effectively, (3) keep your message brief yet complete, (4)
clearly identify expected actions, (5) provide a descriptive and
professional signature block, and (6) use attachments wisely.
Routine messages should be direct and front-loaded. The primary
message should have ten words or fewer, and you should typically place
it in the subject line of your email to immediately capture attention.
Furthermore, the primary message should appear in the first sentence or
two of the message and again in the closing if your message is several
paragraphs long.
In the body of the routine message, you should provide short paragraphs
with related details. To make sure your message receiver will comply,
include all needed information. As you draft the message, aim for a

helpful, professional, and reader-centered tone. Focus on making the
message easy to read. Readers expect to understand your primary
message in less than 10 to 15 seconds, so use short sentences and
paragraphs. Paragraphs should generally be between 20 and 80 words.
Design your message so that readers can find information in just
moments. Use bullets, numbering, special formatting, and external links
to relevant information to highlight key ideas.
SUBJECT: Proper Submissions
Hey,

[Sentence 1] Thank you for traveling to our recent event “Marketing to
Senior Citizens.” [Sentence 2] All of the following expenses will be
reimbursed: air travel (up to $500 for coach-class airfare), meals (for up
to $25 per meal), travel to and from the airport (for up to $75 per taxi
ride), and some incidentals (up to $20 per day).
[Sentence 3] Reimbursement will be sent to you after the following steps
are completed. [Sentence 4]An itemized spreadsheet of expenses must
be received by October 15. [Sentence 5] A date, an explanation, and an
expense amount should be included on the spreadsheet of expenses.
[Sentence 6] Additionally, a single file with copies of all receipts (in .pdf
form is best) must be attached in order for your reimbursement to be
processed.[Sentence 7] The spreadsheet and copy of expenses should be
sent to the following email address: teri@slpconsulting.com. [Sentence
8] The phrase “Reimbursement for Sept 15 Marketing Event” should be
written in the subject line.
1
Which of the following subject lines would be best for this email?

Multiple Choice
Please Submit Your Expenses before October 15
In Order to be Reimbursed Promptly, Please Remember to Submit Your
Expenses within Four Weeks
Thank You for Attending the “Marketing to Senior Citizens” Event
Reimbursement
2
Which of the following greetings would be best for this email?
Multiple Choice
Hello Katie,
Dear Valued Client,

Hello!
To whom it may concern:
3
What statement best describes sentence 1?
Multiple Choice
It is a warm and an appropriate opening to the message.
It is irrelevant to this message.
It sets the wrong tone.
It is too long.
4
What is true of sentences 3 through 8?

Multiple Choice
Each sentence is a passive sentence.
Each sentence is an active sentence.
Each sentence is not specific.
Each sentence is not helpful.
5
Assume that you begin the second paragraph (sentences 3 through 8)
with the following sentence: “Please email Teri Stephens
(teri@slpconsulting.com) by October 15 with the following pieces of
information:” Which items should you include in a bulleted list?
Multiple Choice
an itemized spreadsheet and a file with copies of all receipts
an itemized spreadsheet, a file with copies of all receipts, and the subject
line

an itemized spreadsheet and the subject line
an itemized spreadsheet and bank account information
6
This email lacks a focus on the future. Which of the following calls to
action would be the best focus on the future?
Multiple Choice
Feel free to contact me any time about developing campaigns to attract
senior citizens.
Hurry and get your receipts in so you can get your reimbursement right
away!
Good luck reaching your marketing goals!
7
Overall, which statement about the address block is most accurate?

Multiple Choice
It is professional and complete.
It is unprofessional and complete.
It is professional and incomplete.
It is unprofessional and incomplete.
==============================================
COM 295 Week 3 Practice Case Analysis Evaluating Charts for
a Presentation
www.com295rank.com

COM 295 Week 3 Practice Case Analysis: Evaluating Charts for a
Presentation
Complete “Case Analysis: Evaluating Charts for a Presentation” in
Connect.
Evaluating Charts for a Presentation
You should generally evaluate your charts in terms of the following: title
descriptiveness, focal points, information sufficiency, ease of
processing, and take-away message.
Title descriptiveness. Most readers look first at the chart’s title to grasp
its message. Thus, the title should explain the primary point of the chart.
However, it must be short enough for the reader to process quickly
(generally fewer than ten words).

Focal points. A chart should draw the reader’s attention to the most
critical relationships and ideas. Each of the chart’s focal points should
support one main idea. The focal points can be visually generated in
many interesting ways, including font choices (bold, italics), color, size,
and callout boxes.
Information sufficiency. Charts should contain enough information for
the reader to quickly and reasonably understand the ideas that are being
displayed. Clear labels and legends should demonstrate what is being
measured and in what units. In some cases, readers will expect to know
data values at each point within the chart.
Ease of processing. A basic purpose of a chart is to convey complicated
information as quickly as possible. By selecting only the necessary
information and placing labels and data at appropriate places, you enable
your reader to process the information quickly and efficiently. Ideally,
your reader should grasp the key ideas within 10 to 15 seconds.
Take-away message. An effective chart leaves a lasting impression
about your key point. The take-away is the essence of your chart—how

the information, title, focal points, and other formatting combine to
convey a lasting message.
You are a marketing specialist at a media company. Over the past few
years, you have been researching how TV viewers use mobile phones
and other devices while watching TV. You have found that,
increasingly, viewers expect to engage via mobile devices with TV
shows and their audiences while watching TV.
Recently, you finished a survey that you have conducted annually for the
past three years. Each year, you randomly sampled adults over 18 across

the country. The number of participants in the surveys was 1,543 adults
in 2012, 2,337 in 2013, and 2,342 in 2014. You compiled the following
statistics from the survey:
You and your colleagues will soon give a presentation to executives at
your company. You want to focus on how to engage TV viewers with
their mobile devices. During the presentation, you will present some of
the findings of this survey, and you want to support the view that TV
viewers increasingly expect an interactive, engaging experience that
involves using their mobile phones.
You and your colleagues have created the following charts (each of
which has strengths and weaknesses):
1
Of these charts, which title most reinforces the theme of your
presentation? (Remember, you want to support the view that TV viewers
increasingly expect an interactive, engaging experience that involves
using their mobile phones.)

Multiple Choice
Line Chart 1
Line Chart 2
Line Chart 3
2
Of these charts, which one is best as far as focal points?
Multiple Choice
Line Chart 3
Line Chart 1
Line Chart 2

Bar Chart 1
Bar Chart 2
3
Of these charts, which one is best as far as information sufficiency?
Multiple Choice
Line Chart 2
Line Chart 1
Line Chart 3
Bar Chart 1
Bar Chart 2
4

Of these charts, which one is best as far as ease of processing?
Multiple Choice
Line Chart 3
Line Chart 1
Line Chart 2
Bar Chart 1
Bar Chart 2
5
The bar charts could be improved as far as information sufficiency by
including all of the following items except what?
Multiple Choice

an axis with percentages
a note that describes the samples
a note that describes the survey questions
a note indicating the timeframe of the sampling
6
Which bar chart is easier for readers or audience members to process?
Multiple Choice
Bar Chart 1
Bar Chart 2
7

Assume that you want to show a new type of viewer behavior that has
grown rapidly during the past few years. Which of the following items
would most dramatically make this point with a chart?
Multiple Choice
Tweeted during shows.
Voted for a reality show contestant.
Checked the accuracy of something said on TV.
Visited a website mentioned on TV.
Entered a contest mentioned on TV.
==============================================
COM 295 Week 3 Practice Evaluating a Routine Email
(June 2019 Syllabus)

www.com295rank.com
EVALUATING A ROUTINE EMAIL
Email continues to be the most common type of written
communication is most businesses. You can follow a variety of
Principles to use it effectively: (1) use it for the right purposes, (2)
ensure ease of reading, (3) show respect for others’ time,(4) protect the
privacy and confidentiality of others, (5) respond promptly, (6) maintain
professionalism and appropriate formality, (7) manage emotion
effectively, and (8) avoid distractions.
Typically, as you write an email message, you should do the
following: (1) provide a short, descriptive subject line, (2) use greetings
and closings effectively, (3) keep your message brief yet complete, (4)
clearly identify expected actions, (5) provide a descriptive and
professional signature block, and (6) use attachments wisely.
Routine messages should be direct and front-loaded. The primary
message should have ten words or fewer, and you should typically place
it in subject line of your email to immediately capture attention,
Furthermore, the primary message should appear in the first sentence or
two of the message and again in the closing if your message is several
paragraphs long.
In the body of the routine message, you should provide short
paragraphs with related details. To make sure your message receiver will
comply, include all needed information. As you draft the message, aim
for a helpful, professional, and readercentered tone. Focus on making the

message easy to read . Readers expect to understand your primary
message in less than 10 to 15 seconds, so use short sentences and
paragraphs. Paragraphs should generally be between 20 and 80 words.
Design your message so that readers can find information in just
moments. Use bullets, numbering, special formatting, and external links
to relevant information to highlight key ideas.
Read the case below and answer the question that follow.
SUBJECT: Proper Submissions
Hey,
[Sentence 1]Thank you for travelling to our recent event “Marketing to
Senior Citizens,” [Sentence 2] All of the following expenses will be
reimbursed: air travel (up to $500 for coach-class airfare), meals (for up
to $25 per meal), travel to and from the airport (for up to $75 per taxi
ride), and some incidentals (up to $20 per day).
[Sentence 3] Reimbursement will be sent to you after the following steps
are completed. [Sentence 4] An itemized spreadsheet of expenses must
be received by October 15. [Sentence 5] A date, an explanation, and an
expense amount should be included on the spreadsheet of expenses.
[Sentence 6] Additionally,a single file with copies of all receipts(in .pdf
form is best) muct be attached in order for your reimbursement to be
processes. [Sentence 7] The spreadsheet and copy of expenses should be
sent to the following email address: teri@slpconsulting.com. [Sentence
8] The phrase “reimbursement for Sept 15 Marketing Event” should be
written in the subject line.

Best,
Jack Manning
SLP Consulting, Principal
Email: jack.manning@slpconsulting.com
Skype: slp.manning
Which of the following subject lines would be best for this email?
• Please Submit Your Expenses before October 15
• In Order to be Reimbursed promptly, Please Remember to
Submit Your Expenses within Four Weeks
• Thank You for Attending the “ Marketing to Senior Citizens”
Event
This email lacks a focus on the future. Which of the following calls to
action ouldbe the best focus on the future?
• Feel free to contact me any time about developing campaigns to
attract senior citizens.

• Hurry and get your receipts in so you can get you reimbursement
right away!
• Good luck reaching your marketing goals!
Overall, Which statement about the address block is most accurate?
• It is professional and complete.
• It is unprofessional and complete.
• It is professional and incomplete.
Before I write routine messages, Imake sure I’ve gathered all of the
relevant information.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always

Before I write routine messages, I spend a significant amount of time
analyzing and piecing together the information
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
Before I write routine messages, I learn as much as Ireasonably can
about the needs of the message receiver(s)
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
As I write routine messages, I think about how the message receiver(s)
will feel while reading the message.

• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
As I write routine messages, I think about how the message receiver(s)
will respond.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
As I write routine messages, I think about how quickly the message
receiver(s) will be able to read the message.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes

• Usually
• Always
Before sending a routine message, I place myself in the position of the
message receiver(s) and reread the message imagining how the message
will be interpreted.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
Before sending a routine message, I carefully double-check the entire
message to make sure it is appropriate and accurate.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually

• Always
Before sending a routine message, I frequently ask people I trust to read
the message or ask them how they would handle the communication.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
Before sending a routine message, I use a spell-checker.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always

==============================================
COM 295 Week 4 Apply Recruitment Presentation
www.com295rank.com
COM 295 Week 4 Apply: Recruitment Presentation
Refer back to the Planning a Presentation Click & Drag learning
activity.
Envision that you work for a major, nationwide accounting firm. Your
firm has many openings, and wants to recruit the most qualified
accounting students. You’ve been asked to help recruit talent at several
local universities. You begin the recruiting process with many of these
accounting students via Facebook and LinkedIn. Once you have
identified high-potential recruits, you organize several social events to
get to know them better. You also hold several informative sessions
about what it’s like to work at your firm and about what career paths are
available. Since so many other firms are competing for the top recruits,
the presentation about opportunities at your firm is critical. You want to
make sure that your presentation is organized for maximum impact.
Use the six identified parts of a presentation to record a 2- to 3-minute
video of yourself delivering a recruiting presentation. Remember that

your target audience consists of potential employees right out of college,
so you should tailor your presentation to appeal to topics that will be of
interest to these recruits.
Include the following in your presentation:
Introduce your organization (history, specific business focus,
background, etc.).
Present the various career opportunities available within your
organization.
Provide examples of various ways to advance and get promoted within
the organization.
Specify benefits provided by the organization that can attract recruits
fresh out of college (continued education, professional development,
employee training, tuition assistance, etc.).
Demonstrate how the organization has been adopting technology and
training employees.
==============================================
COM 295 Week 4 Evaluating the Needs of an Audience
(June 2019, Syllabus)

www.com295rank.com
Evaluating the Needs of an Audience
Understanding the needs of your audience is one of your first tasks as
you develop your presentations. As you do your homework about the
audience, answer the following questions to the degree possible:
How will audience members benefit from the product, service, or ideas I
am proposing? This is the single most important question you can use to
guide you as you design your presentation. In particular, focus on
benefits that fulfill an unmet need.
What communication styles will your audience respond to based on their
motivational values? Identify the motivational value systems (MVSs) of
your audience and how you might appeal to the following MVSs: blue
MVS, red MVS, green MVS, and hubs.
What is the learning style of your audience? Most people fall into one of
three major learning styles: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.

Assume that you work in a human resources department. Recently, a
small earthquake struck near the headquarters of your company.
Although there were no injuries and little damage, your company
president thinks that all employees should be more prepared for a major
earthquake. In her words, “You never know when we’ll get the big one.”
She has asked you to promote some earthquake preparedness
workshops. The company president is holding an employee town hall
meeting for approximately 100 employees this week. She has given you
ten minutes to describe and promote the upcoming earthquake
preparedness workshops. The workshops will run for two hours and
involve expert training. Attending the workshops is entirely voluntary.
You have scheduled five workshops to allow as many employees as
possible to fit a workshop into their schedules.
Now, you need to think about how best to use your ten minutes to
promote the workshops.
Which of the following is most likely an obstacle to employees attending
a two-hour workshop on emergency preparedness?
Multiple Choice
•
fitting a workshop into their busy schedules
Correct
•
skepticism that an earthquake will occur during their lifetimes

•
security in the fact that their home insurance plans will cover any
earthquake damage
•
distrust in company leadership
Explanation
Two hours is a big commitment for most employees, especially when
it’s voluntary. This would likely be the primary obstacle for nearly all
employees. They would not be skeptical that an earthquake might occur
in their lifetimes; after all, they just felt an earthquake recently. There’s
no reason to believe they feel secure in their insurance plans and distrust
company leadership. If anything, these workshops show that the
company’s leaders are interested in the well-being of their employees.
You plan to explain to the employees that the workshop will be
engaging. It will include a variety of activities, including short videos,
simulations, and hands-on activities. You will emphasize that the
workshop will move quickly from activity to activity. This will most
appeal to what type of learner?
Multiple Choice
•
kinesthetic learners
Correct
•

visual learners
•
auditory learners
Explanation
This format of training appeals most to kinesthetic learners, those who
like to be actively involved and need a change in activities fairly
frequently.
As part of your ten-minute pitch about the workshops, you plan to show
several diagrams and charts. One diagram depicts the procedures in
place at your workplace. One chart shows the dramatic reduction in risks
to homes that can be achieved with simple preventative measures. This
approach most appeals to what type of learner?
Multiple Choice
•
visual learners
Correct
•
•
auditory learners

Explanation
Charts and diagrams clearly appeal most to visual learners.
With the company president’s permission, you’ve thought of a variety of
incentives to get employees to attend the workshops. Which of the
following would not be an effective incentive?
Multiple Choice
•
a food storage starter kit for only $99
Correct
•
a free meal
•
a $100 company donation to the Red Cross in the name of each
employee who attends the workshops
•
a free emergency preparedness guidebook
Explanation
Any time you’re asking employees to attend voluntary events, you will
need to think of some good incentives to attend. Most employees would
never pay for anything related to a workshop, especially a workshop that
most employees would consider non-urgent. On the other hand, most
employees are attracted to free items and services.

==============================================
COM 295 Week 4 Practice Case Analysis Establishing
Credibility as a Presenter (June 2019, Syllabus)
www.com295rank.com
Establishing Credibility as a Presenter
One of your first presentation strategies should be to establish
credibility. Without appearing self-serving, find ways to increase your
perceived credibility. Use the presentation to show your thorough
understanding of a business issue. Frame your ideas in ways that show
clear benefits to your company, its employees, and its stakeholders. In
every way, display honesty and openness.
During the presentation, you establish your competence by showing that
you know the content well. You show your caring by connecting
emotionally with audience members and adapting to their needs. You
show your character by being open and honest. After your presentation,
following up as appropriate with audience members shows your caring
and character as well. Some audience members may raise issues for you
to look into or ask for additional information. Comply with these
requests promptly and you will establish a reputation for responsiveness.

In this exercise, you will evaluate how your actions and statements build
your credibility in terms of competence, caring, and character.
and other devices while watching TV. You have found that viewers
increasingly expect to engage via mobile devices with TV shows and
their audiences while watching TV.
About one month ago, you and your colleagues gave a presentation to
executives at your company regarding some of your survey results. The
executive team members were generally impressed with the information,
but they also seemed skeptical that your company needed to make any
major changes. These executives made various statements referring to
using mobile devices while watching TV as "largely a fad" or simply
"nonmonetizing." They also expressed concern about making major
changes to cater to the youngest viewers (under 25 years old), who they
feel are not their most important demographic. However, they were
impressed with your presentation enough that they wanted you to dig
deeper into the data and come up with some recommendations.
After a month of deeper analysis of your data, you have found even
stronger evidence that viewers under 40 use their mobile devices

frequently while watching TV. You thought these data helped bolster
your argument that younger TV viewers expect an interactive experience
while watching TV programs—using mobile devices to interact with TV
hosts, actors, and other viewers; to participate in contests and games;
and to interact in other creative ways with the programming.
With more and more TV viewers recording shows and watching
commercial-free later, you thought that adopting an interactive approach
to many programs could counteract this trend and get viewers excited
about watching programs live. In fact, you think there is currently a
great opportunity to develop a new business model that embraces
interactive programming.
Now, you've returned to make a presentation to this same group of
senior vice presidents (SVPs): Katie O'Harrah, SVP of marketing; Jake
Ecksberg, SVP of programming; Sam Clawson, SVP of interactive;
Marco Feinstein, SVP of communications; and Peter Orwell, SVP of
business development. You know most of these executives are skeptical
of major changes to the current business model, but you also expect
them to listen objectively to your views. You will recommend that the
company aggressively pursues programming with an interactive
component. In particular, you will suggest pilot-testing interactive
features for three shows that are most popular with your 31- to 40-year-
old demographic.
Which of the following statements is most likely to raise your credibility
through competence?
Multiple Choice
•

"We've provided the original data from the survey on the corporate
intranet so you can access it yourselves."
•
"I do think we should let our creative teams worry about that."
•
"In addition to these survey results, we've found from many sources—in
our viewer labs, with focus group research, and with interviews of
dozens of industry experts—that viewers expect more interactive TV."
Correct
•
"We've done all of this research to help us gain a competitive
advantage—to gain insights about where the market is going so that we
can focus our efforts in the right direction."
Explanation
The correct statement most emphasizes the reliability of you and the
data. It emphasizes your ability to gather research well and form
thoroughly analyzed conclusions. It also emphasizes reliability through
many sources of information. In short, this statement emphasizes your
ability to approach your business problem well and get the job done.
By showing a thorough understanding of your survey results, organizing
your content in a clear manner, and generally showing you are prepared
for this presentation, you are most demonstrating what aspect of
credibility?

Multiple Choice
•
caring
•
character
•
competence
Correct
Explanation
By coming prepared with well-analyzed and well-organized content, you
are primarily demonstrating competence. You inspire confidence that
you know what you're talking about.
Before introducing the results of your survey, you explain in detail how
you collected the data and the possible limitations of this survey. You
also tell the SVPs where they can access all of the raw data on the
corporate intranet. What aspect of credibility are you most
demonstrating?
Multiple Choice
•
character

Correct
•
competence
•
caring
Explanation
You are primarily demonstrating character. You are focusing on
transparency by opening up the survey process and data to the SVPs. It's
unlikely they will have time to go through your data, but they are likely
to now place more trust in your character and assume that you will not
manipulate the data for your own personal agenda.
After the presentation, you discover that you provided some inaccurate
figures. In a few cases, you inadvertently overstated by more than 50
percent the use of mobile devices while watching TV. You immediately
email the SVPs with the correct figures and explain what you think this
implies about your recommendations. What aspect of credibility are you
most demonstrating?
Multiple Choice
•
character
Correct
•
competence
•

caring
Explanation
In this case, the best choice is character. You've made a mistake and you
do not want to hide it. You are living up to high moral and ethical values
by fixing the mistake and ensuring transparency.
==============================================
COM 295 Week 4 Practice Case Analysis Establishing
Credibility as a Presenter
www.com295rank.com
COM 295 Week 4 Practice: Case Analysis: Establishing Credibility as a
Presenter
Evaluating the Needs of an Audience
Understanding the needs of your audience is one of your first tasks as
you develop your presentations. As you do your homework about the
audience, answer the following questions to the degree possible:

How will audience members benefit from the product, service, or ideas I
am proposing? This is the single most important question you can use to
guide you as you design your presentation. In particular, focus on
benefits that fulfill an unmet need.
What communication styles will your audience respond to based on their
motivational values? Identify the motivational value systems (MVSs) of
your audience and how you might appeal to the following MVSs: blue
MVS, red MVS, green MVS, and hubs.
What is the learning style of your audience? Most people fall into one of
three major learning styles: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.

Assume that you work in a human resources department. Recently, a
small earthquake struck near the headquarters of your company.
Although there were no injuries and little damage, your company
president thinks that all employees should be more prepared for a major
earthquake. In her words, “You never know when we’ll get the big one.”
She has asked you to promote some earthquake preparedness
workshops. The company president is holding an employee town hall
meeting for approximately 100 employees this week. She has given you
ten minutes to describe and promote the upcoming earthquake
preparedness workshops. The workshops will run for two hours and
involve expert training. Attending the workshops is entirely voluntary.
You have scheduled five workshops to allow as many employees as
possible to fit a workshop into their schedules.
Now, you need to think about how best to use your ten minutes to
promote the workshops.
1
You’re considering gaining the attention of the employees by
mentioning that nearly two-thirds of homes are at significant danger of
catching fire in the event of a major earthquake. What need are you most
appealing to with this attention-getter?

Multiple Choice
safety of families
safety of colleagues
job security
data security
2
Which of the following is most likely an obstacle to employees attending
a two-hour workshop on emergency preparedness?
Multiple Choice
fitting a workshop into their busy schedules
skepticism that an earthquake will occur during their lifetimes

security in the fact that their home insurance plans will cover any
earthquake damage
distrust in company leadership
3
You plan to explain to the employees that the workshop will be
engaging. It will include a variety of activities, including short videos,
simulations, and hands-on activities. You will emphasize that the
workshop will move quickly from activity to activity. This will most
appeal to what type of learner?
Multiple Choice
visual learners
auditory learners
4
You plan to explain that, immediately after most disasters, there are few
people prepared to lead and direct rescue efforts. As part of the training,

employees will learn how to lead rescue efforts and how to direct and
coordinate resources. Which type of motivational value system does this
message appeal to the most?
Multiple Choice
red MVS
blue MVS
green MVS
hub MVS
5
You also plan to explain that preparing to help others during an
emergency is an act of love and loyalty right now. This message most
appeals to employees with which MVS?
Multiple Choice
blue MVS

red MVS
green MVS
hub MVS
6
As part of your ten-minute pitch about the workshops, you plan to show
several diagrams and charts. One diagram depicts the procedures in
place at your workplace. One chart shows the dramatic reduction in risks
to homes that can be achieved with simple preventative measures. This
approach most appeals to what type of learner?
Multiple Choice
visual learners
auditory learners

7
With the company president’s permission, you’ve thought of a variety of
incentives to get employees to attend the workshops. Which of the
following would not be an effective incentive?
Multiple Choice
a food storage starter kit for only $99
a free meal
a $100 company donation to the Red Cross in the name of each
employee who attends the workshops
a free emergency preparedness guidebook
==============================================
COM 295 Week 4 Practice Case Analysis Evaluating the Needs
of an Audience

www.com295rank.com
COM 295 Week 4 Practice: Case Analysis: Evaluating the Needs of an
Audience
Establishing Credibility as a Presenter
One of your first presentation strategies should be to establish
credibility. Without appearing self-serving, find ways to increase your
perceived credibility. Use the presentation to show your thorough
understanding of a business issue. Frame your ideas in ways that show
clear benefits to your company, its employees, and its stakeholders. In
every way, display honesty and openness.
During the presentation, you establish your competence by showing that
you know the content well. You show your caring by connecting
emotionally with audience members and adapting to their needs. You
show your character by being open and honest. After your presentation,

following up as appropriate with audience members shows your caring
and character as well. Some audience members may raise issues for you
to look into or ask for additional information. Comply with these
requests promptly and you will establish a reputation for responsiveness.
In this exercise, you will evaluate how your actions and statements build
your credibility in terms of competence, caring, and character.
and other devices while watching TV. You have found that viewers

increasingly expect to engage via mobile devices with TV shows and
their audiences while watching TV.
About one month ago, you and your colleagues gave a presentation to
executives at your company regarding some of your survey results. The
executive team members were generally impressed with the information,
but they also seemed skeptical that your company needed to make any
major changes. These executives made various statements referring to
using mobile devices while watching TV as “largely a fad” or simply
“nonmonetizing.” They also expressed concern about making major
changes to cater to the youngest viewers (under 25 years old), who they
feel are not their most important demographic. However, they were
impressed with your presentation enough that they wanted you to dig
deeper into the data and come up with some recommendations.
After a month of deeper analysis of your data, you have found even
stronger evidence that viewers under 40 use their mobile devices
frequently while watching TV. You thought these data helped bolster
your argument that younger TV viewers expect an interactive experience
while watching TV programs—using mobile devices to interact with TV
hosts, actors, and other viewers; to participate in contests and games;
and to interact in other creative ways with the programming.

With more and more TV viewers recording shows and watching
commercial-free later, you thought that adopting an interactive approach
to many programs could counteract this trend and get viewers excited
about watching programs live. In fact, you think there is currently a
great opportunity to develop a new business model that embraces
interactive programming.
Now, you’ve returned to make a presentation to this same group of
senior vice presidents (SVPs): Katie O’Harrah, SVP of marketing; Jake
Ecksberg, SVP of programming; Sam Clawson, SVP of interactive;
Marco Feinstein, SVP of communications; and Peter Orwell, SVP of
business development. You know most of these executives are skeptical
of major changes to the current business model, but you also expect
them to listen objectively to your views. You will recommend that the
company aggressively pursues programming with an interactive
component. In particular, you will suggest pilot-testing interactive
features for three shows that are most popular with your 31- to 40-year-
old demographic.
1

through competence?
Multiple Choice
“We’ve provided the original data from the survey on the corporate
intranet so you can access it yourselves.”
“I do think we should let our creative teams worry about that.”
“In addition to these survey results, we’ve found from many sources—in
dozens of industry experts—that viewers expect more interactive TV.”
“We’ve done all of this research to help us gain a competitive
can focus our efforts in the right direction.”
2
through caring?
Multiple Choice

3
through character?
Multiple Choice

4
By showing a thorough understanding of your survey results, organizing
your content in a clear manner, and generally showing you are prepared
for this presentation, you are most demonstrating what aspect of
credibility?
Multiple Choice
caring
character
competence

5
Each of the SVPs has many questions for you. You give each time to
pose the questions, and you take time to answer each question carefully.
In each case, you acknowledge the importance of the question. In most
cases, you provide a thorough, compelling response. In a few cases, you
promise to find a good answer for them within a week. What two aspects
of credibility are you most demonstrating?
Multiple Choice
competence and character
competence and caring
caring and character
6
Before introducing the results of your survey, you explain in detail how
you collected the data and the possible limitations of this survey. You
also tell the SVPs where they can access all of the raw data on the
corporate intranet. What aspect of credibility are you most
demonstrating?

Multiple Choice
character
competence
caring
7
After the presentation, you discover that you provided some inaccurate
figures. In a few cases, you inadvertently overstated by more than 50
percent the use of mobile devices while watching TV. You immediately
email the SVPs with the correct figures and explain what you think this
implies about your recommendations. What aspect of credibility are you
most demonstrating?
Multiple Choice

character
competence
caring
==============================================
COM 295 Week 5 Communication Tools Comparison
www.com295rank.com
Part I:
Compare traditional communication tools with social media
communication tools in no more than 175 words. What are the pros and
cons of each?
Part II:
Review the following scenario:
Your coworker's office is situated next to yours. One day she comes into
your office and informs you of a huge project that is in the process of
being assigned from upper management to your department's manager.
Within forty eight hours, your department manager contacts you through

a text message informing you of your inclusion in this project.
Unfortunately, your manager included very minimal information about
project specifics, so you do not know enough to get a solid start.
Your manager is highly political and does not pay much attention to
detail. Also, he does not like his personnel reaching out to individuals
outside of the department, especially his counterparts.
On the other hand, you do have good relationships with other
departmental managers.
Discuss in 525 to 700 words the following:
Explain how you would go about gathering the information needed to
start your project, while navigating the tough political map.
Select one of the communication tools from Part I to deliver your
message, and explain the rationale behind your selection.
Describe how you would use the selected communication tool in the
given scenario to deliver your message.

==============================================

COM 295 RANK Introduction Education--com295rank.com

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