Better Said and Clearly Written: An Annotated Guide to Business Communication Sources, Skills, and Samples

(Hardback)

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This bibliography on business communications which also indexes the availability of sample documents and other learning aids, has been compiled with students, faculty, librarians and other working professionals in mind. It combines research sources with an annotated bibliography that emphasizes practical solutions to business and technical communications problems. The topical arrangement facilitates the prompt location of materials that emphasize specific communication skills such as editing, interviewing and public speaking. The fine-tuned subject index details the locations of all sources on a particular topic and specific kinds of assistance, such as outlines and sample documents. The guide is composed of two major divisions of three chapter each. Part I, the research handbook, assists researchers who need answers to basic questions: chapter 1 details standard reference sources including dictionaries, bibliographies and directories; chapter 2 lists research tools such as indexes and online data bases; and chapter 3 cites additional important resources including grammar hot lines, national associations and research institutions. Part II, a topical bilbiography of books published between 1980 and 1988, facilitates the location of outlines, guidelines, examples, workbooks, sample documents and similar forms of assistance. Chapters 4 through 6 are devoted to three skill areas: general skills such as editing, graphics and visuals, and word processing; written documents such as abstracts, newletters and feasibility studies; and oral products such as interviewing, presentations and workshops and seminars. Three distinct indexes provide access to this information by name, title and subject. "Better said and clearly written" will aid technical writers, small business owners, corporate personnel and anyone wishing to improve their oral and written communication skills.

Reviews

Belanger's annotated bibliography of business communication sources is an excellent selection tool, and it makes one realize just how many resources there are that can help business people to develop skills in both oral and written communication. A listing of other bibliographies covering business communication, some broader in scope than this one, some focusing on a specific aspect of communication such as interviewing, forms the first section of this bibliography. Other sections list quotation sources, periodical indexes that analyze communication and technical writing journals (periodical articles are not included in the bibliography), databases, LC subject headings, associations in the field, publishers of business and technical communication books, and, believe it or not, a list of grammar hotlines! Further practical chapters annotate books covering style, written and oral communication skills, report writing, and resume writing. The annotations on the resume books ought to settle the frequent question of which provide samples of vitas, of engineering resumes, or of professional resumes. The bibliography provides three indexes: title, name, and detailed subject. Recommended for college and public libraries whose clientele requests sources on business communication.-Choice
This annotated bibliography fo books, periodicals, databases, and programmed-instruction workbooks i intended to help business and engineering students, faculty, librarians, and other working professionals . . . to communicate more effectively in school and the workplace.' More than 1,000 sources are listed that can be used for research in business or to improve written and spoken communication. Among the areas covered in the communication chapters are technical writing; business style manuals; writing marketing plans, business plans, business letters, handbooks, and manuals, newsletters, and resumes; preparing graphics for reports; and books on public speaking, question and-answer sessions, telephone skills, and television interviewing. One unique list details grammar hot lines, categorized by the state in which they are located. . . . The unique aspect of this book is its coverage of sources on written and spoken communication. Public, academic, and special libraries that serve business professionals or business students may want to purchase it for that reason.-Reference Books Bulletin
This bibliography on business communications, which also indexes the availability of sample documents and other learning aids, is directed toward students, faculty, librarians, and other working professionals. It combines research sources with an annotated bibliography. The topical arrangement facilitates the location of materials related to specific communication skills such as editing, interviewing, and public speaking. The subject index locates sources by topic and specific kinds of assistance, such as outlines and sample documents.-Reference & Research Book News
This bibliography was prepared for individuals in the workplace who want to improve their oral or written communication skills. The book is divided into two sections. The first part is a handbook for conducting research in business and technical communications and for answering basic questions on correct grammar. This section lists research tools (dictionaries, etc.), research resources (indexes, etc.), and information sources (telephone numbers of national associations, publishers, etc.). The second section is a topical guide to sources published on written and/or oral communication skills. Sources were chosen based on their focus on approaches, formats, checklists, guidelines, and sample documents. Each source listed is given author, title, publication information, and annotation. An annotation gives a general description of the book's contents and indicate whether outlines, guidelines, sample documents, or similar items are included. There are three indexes: personal name, title, and subject.-Preview
"This annotated bibliography fo books, periodicals, databases, and programmed-instruction workbooks i intended to help business and engineering students, faculty, librarians, and other working professionals . . . to communicate more effectively in school and the workplace.' More than 1,000 sources are listed that can be used for research in business or to improve written and spoken communication. Among the areas covered in the communication chapters are technical writing; business style manuals; writing marketing plans, business plans, business letters, handbooks, and manuals, newsletters, and resumes; preparing graphics for reports; and books on public speaking, question and-answer sessions, telephone skills, and television interviewing. One unique list details grammar hot lines, categorized by the state in which they are located. . . . The unique aspect of this book is its coverage of sources on written and spoken communication. Public, academic, and special libraries that serve business professionals or business students may want to purchase it for that reason."-Reference Books Bulletin
"This bibliography on business communications, which also indexes the availability of sample documents and other learning aids, is directed toward students, faculty, librarians, and other working professionals. It combines research sources with an annotated bibliography. The topical arrangement facilitates the location of materials related to specific communication skills such as editing, interviewing, and public speaking. The subject index locates sources by topic and specific kinds of assistance, such as outlines and sample documents."-Reference & Research Book News
"This bibliography was prepared for individuals in the workplace who want to improve their oral or written communication skills. The book is divided into two sections. The first part is a handbook for conducting research in business and technical communications and for answering basic questions on correct grammar. This section lists research tools (dictionaries, etc.), research resources (indexes, etc.), and information sources (telephone numbers of national associations, publishers, etc.). The second section is a topical guide to sources published on written and/or oral communication skills. Sources were chosen based on their focus on approaches, formats, checklists, guidelines, and sample documents. Each source listed is given author, title, publication information, and annotation. An annotation gives a general description of the book's contents and indicate whether outlines, guidelines, sample documents, or similar items are included. There are three indexes: personal name, title, and subject."-Preview
"Belanger's annotated bibliography of business communication sources is an excellent selection tool, and it makes one realize just how many resources there are that can help business people to develop skills in both oral and written communication. A listing of other bibliographies covering business communication, some broader in scope than this one, some focusing on a specific aspect of communication such as interviewing, forms the first section of this bibliography. Other sections list quotation sources, periodical indexes that analyze communication and technical writing journals (periodical articles are not included in the bibliography), databases, LC subject headings, associations in the field, publishers of business and technical communication books, and, believe it or not, a list of grammar hotlines! Further practical chapters annotate books covering style, written and oral communication skills, report writing, and resume writing. The annotations on the resume books ought to settle the frequent question of which provide samples of vitas, of engineering resumes, or of professional resumes. The bibliography provides three indexes: title, name, and detailed subject. Recommended for college and public libraries whose clientele requests sources on business communication."-Choice

Author Bio

SANDRA E. BELANGER is Head of the Academic Services and Co-Unit Head of the Merged Reference Unit at the San Jose State University Library. She is sole author of Better Said and Clearly Written, also published by Greenwood.