Jenzabar University

The basic communication process consists of eight essential elements: source creates and communicates a message; receiver receives the message from the source; message is the stimulus or meaning produced by the source for the receiver; channel is the way a message travels between source and receiver, feedback is the message the receiver sends in response to the source; environment is the physical atmosphere where the communication occurs; context involves the psychological expectations of the source and receiver; and interference is anything that blocks or distorts the communication process.

Critical thinking means becoming aware of your thinking process. Sometimes our thinking is very abstract and becomes clear only through the process of getting thoughts down in words. Successful writing forms a relationship with the audience, reaching the reader on a deep level that can be dynamic and motivating. Excellent business writing can be inspiring, and it is important to not lose that sense of inspiration as we deconstruct the process of writing to its elemental components. As a habit of mind, critical thinking requires established standards and attention to their use, effective communication, problem solving, and a willingness to acknowledge and address our own tendency for confirmation bias, egocentrism, and sociocentrism.  

Concentration in writing is important because you must be focus clearly on the task before you. In order for your work to be productive, you will need to focus your attention on your writing. Unavoidable interruptions make it even more important to develop a habit of concentrating when you write.

The following twelve-item checklist, adapted here, serves as a useful reminder of the importance of preparation in the writing process:
1. Determine your general purpose: are you trying to inform, persuade, entertain, facilitate interaction, or motivate a reader?
2. Determine your specific purpose (the desired outcome).
3. Make sure your purpose is realistic.
4. Make sure your timing is appropriate.
5. Make sure your sources are credible.
6. Make sure the message reflects positively on your business.
7. Determine audience size.
8. Determine audience composition.
9. Determine audience knowledge and awareness of topic.
10. Anticipate probable responses.
11. Select the correct channel.
12. Make sure the information provided is accurate, ethical, and pertinent.

There are four basic types of sentences: declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory.

Examples:

Declarative – You are invited to join us for lunch.
Imperative – Please join us for lunch.
Interrogative – Would you like to join us for lunch?
Exclamatory – I’m so glad you can join us!

Declarative sentences make a statement, whereas interrogative sentences ask a question. Imperative sentences convey a command, and exclamatory sentences express a strong emotion.