Business English
Course description
This course is designed to enable students explore the importance of communication in the business world besides establishing a favorable bargaining ground in the business environment.
It also aims at developing in students an awareness of the significance of business communication through unfolding their interpersonal skills that contribute to effective and satisfying personal, social and professional business interaction
Course objectives;
By the end of the course, students will be able to;
• Use the office telephone effectively
• Hold effective meetings
• Record minutes using various formats
• Use polite language appropriately in different social contexts
• Engage in various types of official written communication
Learning outcomes
This course therefore aims at enabling students acquire the acumen of Business Communication in order to cope professionally in the work place. On successful completion therefore, students are expected to communicate effectively using Business language wherever they may be working.
Methods of Delivery: Lectures, Group work, Discussions, Presentations, Practical exercises
COURSE CONTENT
CONCEPT TOPICS
1. Business Communication
• Definition of business communication
• Effective business communication
• Methods of business communication
• Telephone communication; definition of telephone communication, telephone etiquette tips, rationale of using a telephone in the office, tips for using a telephone.
2. Meetings • Definition
• Purpose of holding meetings
• Types of meetings
• Preparation for a meeting
• Managing a meeting
• Roles of different members before, during and after the meeting
• Minutes; purpose, language, format and general guidelines for recording minutes.
3. Contextual Discourse Analysis • Definition
• Protocol
• Vocabulary to be used in contextual discourse
• Making enquiries
• Customer service
• Calming an angry customer
• Other areas to consider
4. Official Written Communication • Reports; types of reports, report elements, outlay, preparation and planning
• Formal letters; format and characteristics
• Memos

To be updated by lecturer

To be updated by lecturer