business writing: using evidence to prove your point center for professional communication
Post on 03-Jan-2016
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Types of Reports
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: offer data, facts, feedback, and other types of information without analysis or recommendations.
ANALYTICAL REPORTS: offer both information and analysis, and they can also include recommendations.
is the ability to use argument or discussion to influence an individual’s beliefs or actions
Persuasion
are interpretations drawn from evidence that provide readers with good reasons for changing an attitude or following a course of conduct or action.
Proofs
Using Logical Proof in Your Work Lay out each statement/premise clearly
Use clear, well-edited, declarative sentences
Provide evidence for each premise Use credible sources; use cites
Draw a clear connection to the conclusion Connect the dots for the reader; don’t
make them guess
Compare and Contrast Evidence Compare and contrast can build author
credibility Use reliable sources to demonstrate
knowledge Can demonstrate impartiality,
disinterest, fairness
An Example…
Statement/Premise“Better Communication will improve our recruiting record.”
Evidence“We are losing recruits to other schools.” (data, data, data)
Bridge“Recruits are more likely to choose schools which communicate with them often during the recruiting process.”
An Example…
Foundation“Research shows that frequency and quality of communication were key factors in influencing recruits to attend a specific school. Communication strengthened recruits’ initial interest and helped overcome objections. Our informal survey of recruits show that they receive more mail and phone calls from other schools than from us.” (provide concrete data)
An Example…
Claim/Point of Persuasion“We should contact all potential recruits by telephone and follow up in writing.”
Counterclaim“Our communication style might be poor. Frequent communication might hurt rather than help.”
An Example…
Rebuttal“We will offer training sessions to our coaches and hire a consultant to help them write effective letters.”
Limiter“Better communication will help us recruit more effectively.”
Common Flaws in Cluster Projects
Slippery Slope If A happens, then B through Z will happen
Hasty Generalizations Insufficient or biased evidence
Either/or Oversimplifies the arguments
Persuasive Techniques in High-Context Cultures
Much of Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East
Persuasive Techniques in Low-Context Cultures
Much of Northern Europe, North America, Scandinavia, and Australia
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