BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
PRIMARY FOCUS
Business Core: Business Communications; Career Preparation, Job Acquisition and Retention;
Information Technologies; Leadership Development; Business Management, International Business;
Entrepreneurship
BUSINESS STANDARDS COVERED
CTE Foundation Standards
 Business Communications: FS2.2.5, FS2.2.2(2.5), FS2.2.4(2.3), FS2.2.4(2.6)
 Career Preparation, Job Acquisition and Retention: FS3.3.1, FS3.3.2, FS3.3.3, FS3.3.6
 Information Technologies: FS4.4.2
 Leadership Development: FS9.9.4
CTE Pathway Standards
 E-commerce: A3.3.1, A5.5.1
 Information Support and Services: A1.1.3, A6.6.2
 Media Support and Services: B2.2.1, B4.4.3
INTRODUCTION
Real World Application
Effective business communication is an essential part of a successful business. Business
communication entails three vital areas: written correspondence, verbal communication, and body
language.
Virtual World Application
As in the real world, effective business communication is an essential part of a successful virtual
business.
OBJECTIVE
All virtual business employees will have an understanding of effective business communication.
IMPLEMENTATION
Time Line: 1st Quarter (revisions throughout year, as needed)
RECOMMENDED STEPS TO FOLLOW
Step 1: Know your purpose – What is the overall goal of the communication?
Step 2: Determine your audience – Who is receiving the information?
Step 3: Select appropriate means of communication – Type and format of communication must take
into account the audience.
Step 4: Be consistent – Do not change format or tone throughout the message.
General Written Communication Guidelines
Effective business writing is necessary for business letters, office memos, project reports, and various
other means of written communication. Accepted style requirements for writing business
correspondence include:

Brevity – Keep it to the point. Use as few words as possible without losing the objectives of
the message.


Clarity – Be clear and concise to ensure easy understanding of the message.
Grammar and Spelling – Proofread the correspondence for grammar and spelling errors before
it is released to its audience.
Pay attention to detail. Do not allow written communication to be released to its audience before it has
been proofread for errors and content. Business communication can create a positive or negative
public image of the company. It can also make or break a sale. Written communication can also help
or hinder the writer’s career progress. Upper-level managers or executives may only know the writer
by the writer’s written correspondence.
Methods of Communication
The following methods of communication have been included in this unit. Click on the link to access
the respective lesson and samples, or access the component from the “Samples” list located in the
Business Communications introduction page.

Addressing an Envelope – Business correspondence should always be sent out with a
properly addressed envelope. This section provides guidelines for addressing envelopes.

Business Letters – A business letter is written correspondence intended for an audience
outside of the company. There are various acceptable forms of a business letter. This section
provides information on correct business letter formatting and the components that every
business letter should contain. Examples have also been provided in the following formats.
o Business Letters – Block Format with Letterhead
o Business Letters – Block Format with NO Letterhead
o Business Letters – Modified Block Format with Letterhead
o Business Letters – Modified Block Format with NO Letterhead

Creating Company Letterhead – Business correspondence should be created on company
letterhead. This section provides information on creating company letterhead.

Email Etiquette – Electronic mail is written correspondence transmitted over the World Wide
Web (Internet). This section provides valuable insight on proper email etiquette.

Facsimile – A facsimile is a paper image (i.e., printed document) that is transmitted over a
telephone line via a fax machine. This section provides an example and information concerning
professional facsimile formatting.

Memorandums – A memorandum is in-house written communication. It is only intended to
be seen by company personnel. This section provides an example and information on creating
a memorandum.

Telephone Etiquette – Proper telephone etiquette is essential in the workplace. This section
provides information concerning professional telephone etiquette.
RUBRICS
A Business Communications Rubric and Grade Summary have been provided for evaluation purposes.
OTHER RESOURCES
There are numerous website with information regarding business communications to be added.