If you have mildly disappointing information to deliver as part of a positive message, you should

If you have mildly disappointing information to deliver as part of a positive message, you should

Excellence in Business Comm., 10e (Thill)

Chapter 8 Writing Routine and Positive Messages

1) When making a routine request, you should begin with

A) an indication of the importance of your request.

B) a statement of who you are.

C) a clear statement of the main idea or request.

D) a question.

E) a humorous comment.

Answer: C

2) When making a routine request, you should

A) use the inductive plan.

B) assume that the audience will comply.

C) demand immediate action.

D) explain the consequences of failing to comply.

E) assume that the audience will not comply.

Answer: B

3) Which of the following would be the best opening for a routine request?

A) Please send me a summary of last month's east region sales data.

B) As soon as you get this, send me last month's sales data.

C) I know you may not want to, but send me last month's sales data.

D) I am very sorry to ask you to do this.

E) Hopefully, this will not be too much trouble for you.

Answer: A

4) In the body of a routine request, you should

A) beg the reader to grant your request.

B) explain and justify your request.

C) give your sales pitch.

D) explain what will happen if the audience does not do what you are asking.

E) state your main idea.

Answer: B

5) When asking multiple questions in a request message

A) begin with the least important question and work your way up to the most important.

B) avoid any open-ended questions.

C) begin with the most important question.

D) weave your questions into the rest of the content of your message.

E) combine as many questions as possible into one.

Answer: C

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When should the direct approach be used if responding to a request for information or action?

1. When should the direct approach be used? Answer: When you write messages that contain positive news or straightforward information that is neutral, a direct approach is usually the best choice.

Why is the close of a routine reply or positive message generally short?

The close of routine replies and positive messages is usually short and simple, because you're leaving things on a neutral or positive note and not usually asking for the reader to do anything. Often, a simple thank you is all you need.

How can a routine positive message be used as a resale message when writing to a customer?

How can a routine, positive message be used as a resale message when writing to a customer? convince readers the candidate has the characteristics necessary for the job or assignment.

When asking questions in a request message you should do which of the following?

explain and justify your request. When asking questions in a request message, begin with the most important question. include the time limits involved in your request.