Effective Professional Communication: A Rhetorical Approach
Rebekah Bennetch, University of Saskatchewan
Corey Owen, University of Saskatchewan
Zachary Keesey, University of Saskatchewan
Copyright Year: 2021
Publisher: University of Saskatchewan
Language: English
Formats Available
Conditions of Use
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
CC BY-NC-SA
Reviews
The stated goal of the text is to analyze the communication process in professional settings so readers can maximize their chance to gain and retain employment upon university graduation. The text is adequately comprehensive in its examination of... read more
The stated goal of the text is to analyze the communication process in professional settings so readers can maximize their chance to gain and retain employment upon university graduation. The text is adequately comprehensive in its examination of "communication through political, rhetorical, ethical, and interpersonal lenses."
The information is accurate and sources adequately documented.
Most of the text, particularly chapter 16 on digital communication, reads as relevant and will remain relevant for some time.
The content is well-presented, with detailed analyses and descriptions, pertinent examples, and clear cross-references.
The writing therein is consistent in tone and style. The chapters, 36 in total, follow a consistent format of Learning Objectives, Key Terms, Content, Key Takeaways, and References.
Chapter topics are distinct enough to be assigned as independent reading units. Information from one chapter, when it is relevant in another, can be summarized quickly, so chapters could be selectively assigned or reordered to suit course design.
The text flows quite smoothly through discussions of rhetorical theory, essentials of technical writing, types of technical correspondence, job search strategies, report writing strategies, and public speaking essentials.
There were no issues with the interface.
There were no grammatical errors.
Content does not come across as offensive or culturally insensitive. Several sections in Chapter 4 speak to audience diversity and reminds the writer to remain cognizant of the intended audience. Chapter 5 also discusses ethical issues concerning diversity and workplace dynamics to promote a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment.
Overall, this is a sound text that provides a comprehensive overview of effective professional communication. I suggest the addition of templates for some of the document types highlighted. Furthermore, templates and exercises, perhaps contained in a supplemental text, may be beneficial to enhance student learning of concepts and ideas.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Communication
- Rhetorical Theory
- Technical Writing Essentials
- Technical Correspondence
- Applying for a job
- Writing a Report
- Public Speaking
Ancillary Material
About the Book
Welcome to Effective Professional Communication, your text book for the RCM 200 course at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
As you already know, this course focuses on communicating in professional environments. Even if you haven’t held a job before, you know–at least on a basic level–that how you communicate changes depending on the context of your situation; specifically, you talk differently when you speak to customers/clients versus your co-workers versus your supervisors.
Our goal in this text is to break down the communication process in professional environments so you can maximize your chance to get hired and retain your job once you graduate from university. We will do this by looking at communication through political, rhetorical, ethical, and interpersonal lenses and applying this knowledge to your future career.
About the Contributors
Authors
Rebekah Bennetch coordinates RCM 200: Effective Professional Communication and teaches several upper-year technical communication courses for the Ron and Jane Graham School of Professional Development in the College of Engineering. She holds an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, an MEd in Educational Technology and Design, and is pursuing a PhD in Education. She’s also a mom to a teenager and a cat, and originally hails from Savannah, Georgia on the land of the Yamassee, Muscogee, and Creek Peoples.
Corey Owen holds an MA in English, an MA in Classics, and a PhD in English. Since 2007, he has been a faculty member in the Ron and Jane Graham Centre for the Study of Communication (now known as the Ron and Jane Graham School of Professional Development), where he teaches introductory and advanced courses in rhetoric and communication.
Zachary Keesey is an educator and author. He holds a Masters of Education in Teaching and a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing. He has taught in K-12 and university settings in the United States, Canada, and Japan with an emphasis on designing supports for English Language Learners and international students. He is originally from Gladstone, Oregon, the traditional lands of the Molalla and Clackamas Peoples.