Assignment 1: Persuasive Argument (25%) Purpose We can never overemphasize the importance of effective communication skills in the workplace. Speaking to your colleagues, supervisors, and clients will be part of your daily routine, and it's important to be clear, concise, and polite when talking to others.

You have certainly participated in countless conversations throughout your life, and it may seem like such an easy task to carry out a conversation that it doesn't need explanation or practice. Still, some people are better than others at conversation, which suggests that practicing to express your opinions and arguments will make you a better communicator. In this assignment, your task is to provide a persuasive argument to your classmates, based on the scenario below.

How to Proceed Review your notes on effective speaking techniques and persuasive language.

Read through the scenario provided.

Scenario You are a member of a volunteer board of Student Life, a non-profit organization at Extended Education. The organization has received an anonymous donation of $100,000. The Executive Director has identified the following options to use the money:

to open a library; to open a computer lab; to open a daycare; to open a sports club; to open a leisure centre; or to open a [insert your own idea].

The initial discussion about this plan is on the agenda for your today's board meeting. You've thought about the opportunities and would like to provide your arguments in support of one of them.

Choose one of the options on the list or suggest your own idea on how to utilize the donation.

Prepare and submit your speaking notes as a Word document to Assignment 1: Persuasive Argument dropbox before the deadline specified in the course schedule provided in the course outline. Your notes should be about 250 words (for a 2-minute presentation).

In class, present your persuasive argument in support of one of the options to others.

Your instructor will assess your presentation in person.

Grading You will be assessed in accordance with the following rubric.

Criteria 3 Points 2 Points 1 Point Points Content Student provides argument in a professional, logical, structured, and concise manner. Student provides argument in mostly professional and logical manner, but it can be better structured, and more concise. Argument lacks professional or logical manner, is not well structured, either too short or too long. _/3 Register Student uses expressions and register appropriate for the level of formality and situation. Student mostly uses expressions and register appropriate for the level of formality and situation, but some language may appear too formal or casual for the given context. Student uses expressions and register inappropriate for the level of formality or situation. _/3 Assertive communication strategies Student uses appropriate assertive communication strategies to get the message across. Student uses mostly appropriate assertive communication strategies to get the message across. Argument mostly lacks appropriate assertive communication strategies to get the message across. _/3 Non-verbal communication Student uses appropriate non-verbal behaviours. Student uses mostly appropriate non-verbal behaviours. Student may not use appropriate non-verbal behaviours consistently. _/3 Total _/12