ESP121

Business Communication

Instructor: Ms Huyen Le
 COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE TITLE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
(Giao tiếp kinh doanh)
Course number ESP121 (TACN 2)
Class time 2 classes per week x 10 weeks
LEARNING RESOURCES
Required textbook Loewy, D., Guffey, M. E. (2022). Essentials of Business
Communication. United States: Cengage Learning.
Referred textbooks Guffey, M. E., Loewy, D. (2017). Business Communication:
Process & Product. United States: Cengage Learning.
Thill, J. V., Bovee, C. L. (2017). Business Communication Today,
Global Edition. United Kingdom: Pearson Education.
Class Chapter - Pages Class Chapter - Pages

1 Unit 1 - Chapter 1 11 Unit 4 - Chapter 9

Thriving in a Digital, Social and Mobile Workplace Pages 2- 15 Writing Reports in Digital Age Pages 258- 268
2 Unit 1- Chapter 1 12 Unit 4 - Chapter 9
Understanding Culture and Communication Pages 16-24 - Preparing short information reports
- Preparing short analytical reports Pages 269-282
3 Unit 2 – Chapter 2 13 Unit 4 - Chapter 10
- Applying the 3x 3 Writing Process to Business Messages - Proposal and formal Reports
- Analyzing the Purpose and Audience - Preparing Formal Business reports Pages 292- 301
- Employing expert techniques to Adapt to your Audience Pages 40- 48
4 Unit 2 – Chapter 2 14 Unit 5 – Chapter 12
- Improving Tones and Clarity of the Messages - Creating effective Business Presentation
- Summarizing Learning Outcome - Organizing Presentations to Connect with Audiences Pages 369- 378
- Communication Workshop: Career Skills Pages 49- 61
5 Unit 2 – Chapter 3 15 Unit 5 – Chapter 12
Drafting messages begins with research. Pages 62- 74 - Understanding Contemporary Visual Aids
- Preparing Engaging Multimedia Presentations
- Communication Workshop: Collaboration is King. Pages 378-405
6 Unit 2 – Chapter 3 16 Unit 6 – Chapter 13
- Building Well-organized Paragraph Job search, resume and cover Pages 406- 416
- Communication Workshop: Social Media Pages 74- 85
7 Unit 3 – Chapter 5 17 Unit 6 – Chapter 13
Communicating in the Digital Age with Emails and Memos Pages 112- 119 - Customize your resume
- Cover letters –Do they still matters?
- Communication Workshop: Ethics Pages 417- 450
8 Unit 3 – Chapter 5 18 Unit 6 – Chapter 14
Making Podcasts Work for Business Pages 125- 132 - Sharpening your interviewing skills
- Before the interview
- During the interview Pages 451- 459
9 Unit 3 – Chapter 5 19 Unit 6 – Chapter 14
- Navigating Social Networking for Business - After Interview
- Communication Workshop: Social Media Pages 132- 151 - Communication Workshop: Career Skills
- Practice and Revision Pages 459- 490
10 Midterm 20 Review
 KIỂM TRA ĐÁNH GIÁ
Hình Trọng
Nội dung đánh giá Tiêu chí đánh giá
thức số
• Số buổi thực tế tham gia lớp học; - Đi học đủ số buổi học của học phần; 10%
Chuyên • bài tập trên hệ thống Mindtap - Tích cực tương tác và hoạt động trên
cần • Quá trình tương tác trên lớp lớp;
- Hoàn thành đủ, đúng hạn các bài tập
được giao
Kiểm tra - Thuyết trình nhóm: sinh viên trình bày nhóm, chủ đề theo - Thuyết trình: hoàn thành tốt, đầy đủ 30%
giữa kỳ các nội dung đã học trong học phần; phần trình bày theo nhóm; (50%)
- Viết: sinh viên làm bài thi trên giấy. Thời gian: 50’ - Viết: hiểu và trả lời đúng các câu hỏi
- 20 câu từ vựng và trắc nghiệm (5 điểm) về từ vựng, trắc nghiệm; Hoàn thành
bài viết theo đúng các tiêu chí đã học.
- 1 bài viết email theo các dạng đã học (5 điểm) (50%)
Thi hết Sinh viên làm bài thi trên giấy. Thời gian làm bài 60’ - Hiểu và trả lời đúng các câu hỏi về từ 60%
học phần Nội dung bài thi hết học phần: vựng, trắc nghiệm

- 10 câu từ vựng (2 điểm) - Hoàn thành bài viết theo đúng các
tiêu chí đã học.
- 20 câu trắc nghiệm (3 điểm)
- 1 bài viết báo cáo phân tích ngắn dựa trên bảng biểu và
thông tin cho trước hoặc 1 bài viết thư theo các dạng bài đã
học trong chương trình. (5 điểm)
 Group Presentation
Overview and purpose

• Objective: To research, organize, design, and deliver a professional group presentation on a

topic relevant to your major. This assessment evaluates your ability to work collaboratively,
apply business communication principles, and present information effectively.

• Format: 30-minute group presentation, followed by a brief Q&A session.

• Requirement: Every group member must actively participate in the presentation delivery.

• Topic: You have the freedom to choose a topic related to chapters in the BC course. The
topic should be suitable for a professional audience and allow for research and analysis.
 Group Presentation
Steps for preparation

Phase 1: Topic selection (Unit 2 - Chapter 2: Analyzing Purpose and Audience)

• Brainstorm potential topics relevant to your major. Consider topics that are current, interesting, and allow
for sufficient research.
• Analyze your potential purpose (to inform, persuade, analyze?) and your audience (assume a
professional, knowledgeable audience within your field, like colleagues or management).
• Select your final topic. Include a brief rationale for your choice.
Phase 2: Research & content development (Unit 2 - Chapter 3: Drafting messages begins with research)
• Conduct thorough research using credible sources (academic journals, reputable industry reports,
company data, etc.).
• Gather relevant information, data, examples, and case studies to support your points.
• Ensure the content is accurate, up-to-date, and directly relevant to your chosen topic and purpose.
 Group Presentation
Steps for preparation

Phase 3: Organization & structuring (Unit 2 - Chapter 3: Building Well-organized Paragraph & Unit 5 - Chapter
12: Organizing Presentations)
• Develop a clear and logical structure for your presentation:
- Introduction: Grab the audience's attention, introduce the topic and its significance, state your
purpose, and preview the main points.
- Body: Develop your main points with supporting evidence, examples, and analysis. Organize these
points logically (e.g., chronologically, topically, problem-solution). Ensure smooth transitions between
points and speakers.
- Conclusion: Summarize the key takeaways, restate your main message or recommendation, and
provide a strong closing statement.
• Divide the content and speaking roles fairly among group members. Plan who will present which section
and ensure seamless handoffs.
 Group Presentation
Steps for preparation

Phase 4: Visual aids design (Unit 5 - Chapter 12: Understanding Contemporary Visual Aids & Preparing
Engaging Multimedia Presentations)
• Create professional, visually appealing, and effective slides (or other appropriate visual aids).
• Follow design principles: keep slides uncluttered, use readable fonts and appropriate colors, incorporate
relevant images, charts, and graphs effectively.
• Visuals should support your verbal presentation, not replace it. Avoid text-heavy slides.
• Ensure consistency in design across all slides.
Phase 5: Rehearsal & delivery preparation (Unit 5 - Chapter 12: Creating effective Business Presentation)
• Rehearse extensively both individually and as a group.
• Practice your delivery: focus on clarity, pacing, volume, enthusiasm, and professional tone.
• Work on non-verbal communication: eye contact, posture, gestures.
• Ensure smooth transitions between speakers.
• Time your presentation accurately. You must adhere to the 30-minute limit. Practice with a timer.
• Anticipate potential questions and prepare thoughtful answers for the Q&A session.
 Group Presentation
Assessment Criteria
Individual Presenting Skills (Maximum Score: 10 points per member)
Each member will receive an individual score based on their delivery.

Criteria Description Points

Clarity, appropriate volume, pacing, fluency, enthusiasm, professional
Vocal Delivery 2
tone.
Eye contact with audience, confident posture, appropriate gestures,
Non-Verbal Delivery 2
professionalism.

Clarity & Conciseness Ideas presented clearly and logically within the allocated segment. 2

Deep understanding Showing a deep understanding about the topic 2

Ability to hold audience attention and connect with them during their
Engagement &
segment. 2
Handling Q&A
Ability to respond thoughtfully and professionally to relevant questions.
TOTAL 10
 Group Presentation
Group Performance (Maximum Score: 10 points for the group)
The entire group will receive one score based on the collective effort.

Criteria Description Points

Content Quality & Depth Accuracy, relevance, depth of research, strength of arguments/analysis. 2.0

Logical flow, clear introduction/body/conclusion, smooth transitions between sections and

Organization & Structure 2.5
speakers.

Visual Aids Design Clarity, professionalism, visual appeal, effectiveness in supporting content, consistency. 2.5

Teamwork & Balanced participation, seamless transitions, evidence of collaboration, overall

1.5
Coordination cohesiveness.

Overall Impact & Professionalism, engagement level achieved, adherence to time limits (40 mins), suitability
1.0
Adherence for audience/purpose.

Group Q&A Handling Ability of the group to collectively address questions effectively and professionally. 0.5

TOTAL 10
END

Instructor: Ms Huyen Le