Once you have collected data for a message, you’ll need to find a way to organize it. Well-organized messages group similar ideas together, allowing readers to see relationships and follow arguments. You can use two primary techniques for organizing your information: a scratch list and an outline.
Scratch lists and outlines give you a chance to .
Answer the question based on the following scratch list.
The Boston Hotel
High-end linens
600-thread-count sheets
Coffeemaker and selected teas
Imported beer
Fresh-squeezed juices
Affordability
Food and drink
Double-thick bath towels
Silk pillowcases
Raw silk curtains with gold embellishments
$100/night four-star rooms
Free snacks, shampoo, and conditioner
Free wireless Internet
1. Which group includes specific supporting detail that could be added to the previous scratch list?
a. High-end linens; free wireless Internet; free snacks, shampoo, and conditioner
b. Safety, comfort, half-price Tuesday
c. Sparkling water, evening wine tasting, four-star hotel restaurant
d. Business messages typically follow either a direct strategy or an indirect strategy. The direct strategy, or frontloading, places the main idea at the beginning of a message.
e. Using a direct opening strategy .
f. An indirect strategy places the main idea after an explanation or reason.
2. Which of the following is a situation that might call for an indirect strategy? Check all that apply.
a. You need to convince your coworkers to adopt a new software program that they don’t understand.
b. You need to fire your receptionist.
c. You are sending a past-due notice on an account.
d. You need to inform your team that the upcoming project will be a challenge.
e. You want to schedule a meeting to update your boss on a client meeting.