GEB 3213 Exam 2 Trammell Exam
Questions with Complete Answers
The "you" attitude - Answer-Establishes good relationship with audience....
-Substitute you & yours for I, me, mine & our
-Don't use too many pronouns
-Avoid using "you" in blaming context
Positive Emphasis - Answer--Call attention to the bright side of things
-Focus on opportunities, not mistakes or problems
-Focus on how an audience will benefit
-Use euphemisms strategically
Demonstrate Credibility - Answer--Emphasize commonalities
-Don't boast
-Mention credible references
-Support ideas with facts
-Avoid exaggeration & insincerity
-Be yourself
Be Polite - Answer--Be tactful & kind
-Go out of your way
-Respond promptly
Use Bias Free Language - Answer--Avoid gender bias
-Racial & ethnic bias
-Eliminate age references unless relevant
-Downplay references to disabilities
Sales Speech Slides - Answer-Name of product (38-46 type)
Main selling pt 1-3 (26-34 type)
Contact info (24-28 type)
-Aim for 7 lines, 7 words per line, 1 image, aim for nice balance of white space & text
Planning Your Persuasion - Answer-1) Know what you're selling (how will the audience
benefit, what makes the product stand out, cost)
2) Know your audience (Needs & wishes of your audience, what does audience have in
common)
3) Clearly express how you want the audience to act (write for more info, contact you,
give cc info)
AIDA Format - Answer-Tried & true way to write a persuasive message....
A- Grab the readers attention (provocative question, striking fact, startling story,
powerful quote)
, I-Introduce & arouse interest in the product (Initial selling point, what makes product
superior)
D- Create desire for product (Use specific evidence, don't give too many facts, aim to
include guarantees, downplay price)
A- Request Action (Request audience to act on your proposal, add incentives, use
emotional & self esteem appeals)
*2 other objectives = bring up central selling point in the beginning of the document &
take a unique approach.*
Direct Approach for Routine Messages - Answer-Most common letter format in U.S,
gets to the point right away saving reader time.
-Clear Content; brief & concise, active voice low fog index
-Positive Tone; Builds goodwill, include "you" attitude, positive emphasis
-Proper Form; Block letter, be consistent, importance balance of text & white space
-Deliver positive or neutral news, making & responding to requests, making &
responding to claims, placing & responding to orders, making positive recs.
1st paragraph = Main Purpose
Middle paragraph = Description & explanation
Closing paragraph = Positive/Neutral courteous closing
Direct Request Letter (Information Requests) - Answer-Make your request starting with
the first sentence, make request clear, don't overwhelm the reader, too much detail is
irrelevant, ask specific, open-ended questions, use polite language, display
appreciation.
Direct Request Letter (Order Request Letters) - Answer-Start with polite command,
clearly state how, where, when you want the materials shipped & how they'll be paid
Direct Request Letter (Claim Request Letters) - Answer-The customer is always right,
direct opening, explain the situation, close courteously to promote positive outcome.
-Responding; direct opening, promote company & services, add sharp detail to paint
clear picture
-Granting; open with positive, be straightforward, avoid sounding sarcastic,
condescending, resentful, explain situation, possibly admit to error/ apologize, avoid
unrealistic promises.
-Responding; (customer at fault) first time mistake, claim will be honored, don't infer the
customer is stupid, make clients error clear & to avoid issue again.
Goodwill Messages - Answer-Thank-you notes, congratulations, letters of condolence,
excellent way to establish strong network, generally brief in length.