Once you have collected data for a message, you$$ll need to find a way to organize it$.$ Well$-$organized messages group similar ideas together, allowing readers to see relationships and follow arguments. You can use two primary techniques for organizing your information: a scratch list and an outline.

Scratch lists and outlines give you a chance to Incorrect $.$

Points:

$0/1$

Preparing a scratch list or an outline before you begin writing helps you arrange your thoughts before you get bogged down in word choice and sentence structure. In the end, this will help make your message more organized and easier to follow.

Answer the question based on the following scratch list.

The Boston Hotel

High$-$end linens

$600-$thread$-$count sheets

Coffeemaker and selected teas

Imported beer

Fresh$-$squeezed juices

Affordability

Food and drink

Double$-$thick bath towels

Silk pillowcases

Raw silk curtains with gold embellishments

$$100/$night four$-$star rooms

Free snacks, shampoo, and conditioner

Free wireless Internet

Which group includes supporting details that could be added to the previous scratch list?

Incorrect Sparkling water, evening wine tasting, and four$-$star hotel restaurant

High$-$end linens, free wireless Internet, and free snacks, shampoo, and conditioner

Safety, comfort, and half$-$price Tuesday

Points:

$0/1$

Sparkling water, evening wine tasting, and four$-$star hotel restaurant could each be added to the category food and drink. Safety, comfort, communication, and cleanliness are broader topics; thus, they are additional categories, not supporting details.

Business messages typically follow either a direct strategy or an indirect strategy. The direct strategy, or frontloading, places the main idea at the beginning of a message.

Using a direct opening strategy Incorrect $.$

Points:

$0/1$

The direct opening has at least three advantages: It saves the reader time by starting with the main idea, it sets a proper frame of mind by providing the main idea first, and it reduces frustration by eliminating extra verbiage.

An indirect strategy places the main idea after an explanation or reason.

Which of these is a situation that might call for an indirect strategy? Check all that apply.

Incorrect You need to inform your boss of a new lead.

Incorrect You need to inform your boss that they have made a significant error in their data calculations.

Incorrect You are terminating an employee.

Incorrect You want to schedule a meeting to update your boss on a client meeting.

Incorrect You need to congratulate your coworker on their recent promotion.

Points:

$0/1$

The indirect strategy works best with audiences who are uninterested, unwilling, displeased, or perhaps hostile. An indirect opening works well with bad news, sensitive news, and certain types of persuasive messages.

Which of these is a benefit to using an indirect strategy?

Saves the reader time

Incorrect Minimizes negative reaction

Eliminates audience confusion

Points:

$0/1$

There are three major benefits of using an indirect opening with messages of a sensitive nature or unwilling recipients: It respects the feelings of the audience by softening the impact of the message, it facilitates a fair hearing by delaying the main point, and it minimizes a negative reaction by delivering the news gently.

Read the following scenario and determine if the situation requires a direct or indirect message.