Type of Communication |
Purpose |
Assignment |
Written |
Compare literature
or research |
Literature review |
| Report findings | Progress, Lab or Task report; Feasibility report that explores options for solving a problem | |
| Persuade readers | Proposal that explains situation, objectives, methods, qualifications, costs, and benefits; Recommendation report that explores options and favors one option over others | |
| Extend public relations | Newsletters; Brochures | |
| Instruct a task
or procedure |
Instructions; Procedural explanation | |
| Describe physical object or mechanical part | Technical description | |
| Communicate info to global audiences | Web page design; Instructions | |
| Review written work | Peer review; Document testing | |
| Communicate to or with colleagues or other peers | Collaborative writing; Written correspondence (memos and letters); Electronic communication (e-mail; online chats) | |
Oral |
Informal Presentation | Short (5 min), in-class presentation (not graded) |
| Formal Presentation | Longer (15-20 min), in-class presentation with visual aids, clear organization, professional presentation | |
| Inform audience | Informative presentation (intro, body, conclusion) using PowerPoint | |
| Persuade audience | Problem to solution; Motivational sequence;
Proposition to proof
Recommendation among several options |
|
| Demonstrate or instruct task | Present instructions for task or procedure; often includes physical materials | |
Visual |
Interpretation of data | Visual displays using data display computer programs; visual displays must address situation and context |
| Illustrate an object | Computer-generated drawings using AutoCad program to demonstrate objects in various dimensions | |
| Illustrate a process | Flow charts; Diagrams using drawing programs or Microsoft Word | |
| Describe parts of an object | Technical description | |
| Page design | Brochure or Flyer; Placement of figures or graphs within text | |
| Visually display research results | Scientific posters |