COMMUNICATION ETHICS LOCAL AND GLOBAL COMMUNICATION IN

Ethics - is the discipline that examines one’s moral standards MULTICULTURALSETTINGS

of a society.
FORMS OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Guidelines for ethical communication a. Interracial communication – communicating with people
a. Ethical Communicators are Respectful of Their from different races
Audiences b. Interethnic communication – interacting with people of
b. Ethical Communicators Consider the Consequences different ethnic origin
of Their Communication c. International communication – communicating between
c. Ethical Communicators Respect Truth representatives from different nations.
d. Ethical Communicators Use Information Properly. d. Intracultural communication – interacting with members of
e. Ethical Communicators Do Not Falsify Information. the same racial or ethnic group or co-culture.
f. Ethical Communicators Respect the Rights of Others
to Information Communication Style among Cultures
ETHICS OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION High-context communication - adheres strongly to being
- Ethical communication is fundamental to responsible indirect. High-context cultures (Mediterranean, Slav, Central
thinking, decision making, and the development of European, Latin American, African, Arab, Asian, American-
relationships and communities within and across Indian) leave much of the message unspecified, to be
contexts, cultures, channels, and media. understood through context, nonverbal cues, and between the
- Practicing ethics in communication is anticipating lines interpretation of what is actually said.
and weighing the effects of one’s message on an
audience. Low-context communication - works on straightforward
- Ethical use of language is also a must when preparing communication. Low context cultures (most Germanic and
for such deliberate form of communication. English-speaking countries) expect messages to be explicit
and specific.
COMMUNICATION AND GLOBALIZATION
“While the dream of global village holds great promise, the IMPROVING INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
reality is that diverse people have diverse opinions, values, COMPETENCE
and beliefs that clash and too often result in violence. Only The following guidelines may help you enhance your ability to
through intercultural communication can such conflict be communicate effectively across cultures (Gamble & Gamble,
managed and reduced” (Neuliep,2006). 2008):
1. Recognize the validity and differences of
Individualism - individualistic cultures focus on individual communication styles among people.
goals. (LOW CONTEXT) 2. Learn to eliminate personal biases and
Collectivism - Is the assumption that groups blend well by prejudices.
serving the in-group (family, neighbors, or occupational 3. Strive to acquire communication skills
groups). (HIGH CONTEXT) necessary in a multicultural world.

TYPES OF CULTURAL ORIENTATION TYPES OF LANGUAGE REGISTER

Horizontal Individualism
- speaks of an autonomous self that values the Frozen - This style of communication rarely or never changes.
individual more and independence is being It is “frozen” in time and content. This is official business and
highlighted. educational language which features complete sentences and
Vertical Individualism specific word choice, which often contains archaisms.
- values the autonomous self by seeing it as difference Example: PREAMBLE
and an equal to others. It also emphasizes status and
competition. Formal/Academic - is used in formal setting and is one-way,
Horizontal Collectivism usually follows a commonly accepted format, often used to
- notes the self as a member of a group sharing the show respect, word selection is more sophisticated.
same values and interests. The self is reliant and Example: Formal Speech
equality is expected.
Vertical Collectivism Consultative - a standard form of communications, users
- believes that the self is an integral part of the in engage in a mutually accepted structure of interfaces, this
group even if the members are different from the register can be described as two-way participation.
other. It also specifies the group’s interdependence Example: Doctor’s appointment
and in equality.
Casual/Informal - used in conversation with friends, very
informal language, idioms, ellipsis, and slang are common, it
is an indirect, and does not have a sequence, cause, and effect,
or consequence.
Example: conversation with friends
Intimate - This communication is private, reserved for close
family members or intimate relations, non-public, the
intonation is as crucial as wording and grammar, and often a
special vocabulary full of coded words is used.
Example: conversation between married couple

CREATING MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION

Presentation Media – an independent presentation that

contains information, using slides, video, recordings and
digital representations.

Strategies Using Tools of Technology

Although the use of technology is personalized and creativity
is required, the following strategies are recommended for
effective delivery of information and ideas:
 Keep it simple
 Emphasize your key ideas
 Show what you can’t say
 Use close up shots and other images
 Keep the number of images you present manageable
 Combine variety with coherence
 Use large lettering

Multimedia Presentation Tips

Here are some tips for your multimedia presentations to be
more presentable:
1. Go for creativity. Create your own design. Try different
combinations and let your creativity flow.
2. Colors are nice. Flat colors are beautiful and contrast is your
friend.
3. Use good fonts. Comic Sans and Georgia will do.
4. Text is evil. Too many texts in one slide exhausts the
audience.
5. Images say more than a thousand words. Make the images
more powerful.
6. Big is beautiful. Think big. Think bold.
7. Info graphics are amazing. Use simple info graphics.8. Get
inspired. Remember your ultimate goal.

Always remember these:

 10-20-30 rule: 10 slides, 20 minutes, 30 font size
 1-6-6 rule: 1 main idea, 6 bullets, 6 words per bullet
 7-7 rule: 7 lines, 7 words
 9Ps: Prior Proper Preparation Prevents Poor
Performance of the Person Putting on the
Presentation.

Communication Aids - are visual support used to make

presentation interesting and effective. It is a great help to
present the ideas clearly by highlighting the significant
information.
Example: PowerPoint, Prezi, LinkedIn SlideShare,
Brainshark, TED.com
 Juncture – the pause in between the speech delivered to add
drama and timing.

First language(L1): Language Acquisition

Second language(L2): Language learning There are various contexts and dimensions that touch can
interpret. These dimensions that many have described include
Ethnocentrism – the belief that one’s own culture is superior intensity, duration, location, frequency, and instrument of
to others touch.
Proxemics – the use of personal space in communication Intensity: relates to how delicate or how strong the touch is.
Active listening – engaging with speaker through feedback Duration: relates to how short or prolonged the touch was.
and clarification Location: refers to the area where the person was touched.
Paralanguage – non-verbal elements that accompany speech, Frequency: represents the number of touches that happen.
such as tone and pitch Instrument of touch: refers to the touch with other body parts
Kinesics – the study of movement, gestures and facial like feet, lips, and other objects as well
expressions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Haptics – use of touch as form of communication Heslin outlines five haptic categories:
Chronemics – the study of the role of time in communication Functional/professional - expresses task-orientation
Semantic noise – misunderstanding due to differences in Social/polite - expresses ritual interaction
interpretation of words Friendship/warmth - expresses idiosyncratic relationship
Contextual noise – distractions due to the setting or Love/intimacy - expresses emotional attachment
environment Sexual/arousal – expresses sexual intent
Code-switching – to switch between languages or dialects The intent of a touch is not always exclusive and touching can
based on context evolve to each one of Heslin's categories.
Gatekeeping – in media communication, it is the control of ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
information flow by editors or moderators 8 Major communication models
Upward communication – info flow from employees to top There are 8 major models of communication, which can be
management divided into 3 categories:
Pathos – in persuasive communication, it is the emotional
appeal, this means suffering, experience and emotions Linear models of communication — They only look at one-
Audience adaptation – term for adjusting one’s speech based way communication. This is straightforward and used mainly
on the audience’s characteristics in marketing, sales, and PR, in communication with
Pathic communication – small talk and social niceties to customers. The most prominent linear models of
establish social bonds communication are:
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis – a theory that language shapes our  Aristotle’s communication model,
perceptions of reality  Lasswell’s communication model,
Semiotics - the study of signs and symbols as elements of  The Shannon-Weaver communication model, and
communicative behavior  Berlo’s S-M-C-R communication model.
Grapevine communication – informal and unstructured
communication with an organization
Cybernetics – in context of communication theory, it is the
science of communication and automatic control systems in
both machines and living things
Intertextuality – the relationship between texts and how they
refer to each other
Cognitive dissonance – the discomfort experiences when
holding contradictory beliefs or values
Media richness theory – different media have varying Interactive models of communication — They analyze two-
capacities to convey information way communication. Interactive models are used in internet-
Pidgin – refers to simplified form of speech used between based and mediated communication such as telephone
speakers of different languages conversations, letters, etc. However, feedback within
Communicare – latin term for to convey, to share, to impart interactive communication models is not simultaneous, but
and to transmit rather slow and indirect. These are the following:
Aristotle – father of modern communication  The Osgood-Schramm communication model, and
Communication mode – channel through which one  The Westley and Maclean communication model.
expresses his/her communicative intent.
 Aristotle also suggested that we look at 5 components of a
communication situation to analyze the best way to
communicate:
Speaker,
Speech,
Occasion,
Transactional models of communication — They illustrate Target audience, and Effect.
two-way communication where the message gets more
complex as the communication event progresses. Most
dynamic communication models. These include:
 Barnlund’s transactional communication model, and
 Dance’s Helical communication model.

Lasswell’s communication model views communication as

the transmission of a message with the effect as the result.
What are the main elements of Lasswell’s communication
model?

Lasswell’s model aims to answer the following 5 questions

regarding its elements:
1. Who created the message?
Transactional communication models view 2. What did they say?
communication as a transaction, meaning that it is a 3. What channel did they use (TV, radio, blog)?
cooperative process in which communicators co-create the 4. To whom did they say it?
process of communication, thereby influencing its outcome 5. What effect did it have on the receiver?
and effectiveness. The answers to these questions offer us the main components
In other words, communicators create shared meaning in of this model:
a dynamic process. Communicator, Message, Medium, Audience/Receiver, and
Aside from that, transactional models show that we do not Effect.
just exchange information during our interactions, but create
relationships, form cross-cultural bonds, and shape our
opinions.
In other words, communication helps us establish our
realities.

The Shannon-Weaver communication model, therefore, is a

mathematical communication concept that proposes that
communication is a linear, one-way process that can be broken
down into 5 key concepts.
What are the main elements of the Shannon-Weaver
communication model? (this may include FEEDBACK)
Aristotle identified 3 elements that improve communication Sender, Encoder, Channel, Decoder, and Receiver.
within this model: Shannon and Weaver were also the first to introduce the role
Ethos — Defines the credibility of the speaker. Speaker gains of noise in the communication process. In his book
credibility, authority, and power by being an expert in a field Introduction to Communication Studies, John Fiske defines
of their choice. noise as: “Anything that is added to the signal between its
Pathos — Connects the speaker with the audience through transmission and reception that is not intended by the source.”
different emotions (anger, sadness, happiness, etc.) The noise appears in the form of mishearing a conversation,
Logos — Signifies logic. Namely, it is not enough for the misspelling an email, or static on a radio broadcast.
speech to be interesting — it needs to follow the rules of logic.
 Treatment — The way the source treats the message. They
have to be aware of the importance of the message so that they
can convey it appropriately.
Structure — The source has to properly structure the message
to ensure the receiver will understand it correctly.
Code — All the elements, verbal and nonverbal, need to be
accurate if you do not want your message to get distorted and
misinterpreted.

Berlo’s model of communication was first defined by David Step #3: The channel
Berlo in his 1960 book The Process of Communication. To get from the source to the receiver, the message goes
This communication model is unique in the sense that it gives through the channel.
a detailed account of the key elements in each step. Berlo’s S-M-C-R communication model identifies all our
Simply put, Berlo’s S-M-C-R communication model is a senses are the channels that help us communicate with one
linear model of communication that suggests communication another.
is the transfer of information between 4 basic steps or key Our sense of hearing lets us know that someone is speaking to
elements. Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver. us.
Through our sense of taste, we gather information about the
Step #1: The source spiciness of a sauce we are eating.
The source or the sender carefully puts their thoughts into Our sense of sight allows us to decipher traffic signs while
words and transfers the message to the receiver. driving.
We decide whether we like a certain perfume or not by
So, how does the sender transfer the information to the smelling it.
receiver according to Berlo’s S-M-C-R communication By touching the water, we feel whether it is too cold for a
model? swim.

With the help of: Step #4: The receiver

Communication skills — First and foremost, the source needs A receiver is a person the source is speaking to — the
good communication skills to ensure the communication will destination of the conveyed message.
be effective. The speaker should know when to pause, what to
repeat, how to pronounce a word, etc. To understand the message, the receiver should involve the
Attitude — Secondly, the source needs the right attitude. same elements as the source. They should have similar
Without it, not even a great speaker would ever emerge as a communication skills, attitudes, and knowledge, and be
winner. The source needs to make a lasting impression on the acquainted with the social system and culture in which they
receiver(s). communicate.
Knowledge — Here, knowledge does not refer to educational
qualifications but to the clarity of the information that the Berlo’s S-M-C-R communication model example
source wants to transfer to the receiver. Watching the news on television is the perfect example of
Social system — The source should be familiar with the social Berlo’s S-M-C-R Model of communication.
system in which the communication process takes place. That In this case, the news presenter is the source of the news and
would help the source not to offend anyone. they convey the message to the audience.
Culture — Last but not least, to achieve effective The news is the message, the television is the channel, and the
communication, the source needs to be acquainted with the audience are the receivers of the message.
culture in which the communication encounter is taking place.
This is especially important for cross-cultural communication. The Osgood-Schramm model of communication
In their book Communication Models for the Study of Mass
Step #2: The message Communications, Denis Mcquail and Sven Windahl say that
The speaker creates the message when they transform their the emergence of this model “meant a clear break with the
thoughts into words. traditional linear/one-way picture of communication.”
The Osgood-Schramm model is a circular model of
Here are the key factors of the message: communication, in which messages go in two directions
Content — Simply put, this is the script of the conversation. between encoding and decoding.
Elements — Speech alone is not enough for the message to be As such, this model is useful for describing
fully understood. That is why other elements have to be taken synchronous, interpersonal communication, but less suitable
into account: gestures, body language, facial expressions, etc. for cases with little or no feedback. Interestingly, in the
Osgood-Schramm communication model, there is no
difference between a sender and a receiver. Both parties are
equally encoding and decoding the messages. The interpreter and Opinion leaders. immense influence as an environmental
is the person trying to understand the message at that moment. factor (X) on the sender of the message (A).
Furthermore, the Osgood-Schramm communication model These are political leaders, celebrities, or social media
shows that information is of no use until it is put into words influencers.
and conveyed to other people.
The Osgood-Schramm communication model
proposes 4 main principles of communication:
Communication is circular. — Individuals involved in the
communication process are changing their roles as encoders
and decoders.
Communication is equal and reciprocal. — Both parties are
equally engaged as encoders and decoders.
The message requires interpretation. — The information needs
to be properly interpreted to be understood.
As shown in the Osgood-Schramm communication model
diagram below, this model proposes 3 steps in the process of
communication: Barnlund’s transactional model of communication
Encoding, Decoding, and Interpreting. Barnlund’s transactional communication model explores
interpersonal, immediate-feedback communication.
Barnlund’s model of communication recognizes that
communication is a circular process and a multi-layered
feedback system between the sender and the receiver, both of
whom can affect the message being sent.
The sender and the receiver change their places and
are equally important. Feedback from the sender is the reply
for the receiver, and both communicators provide feedback.
At the same time, both sender and receiver are
The Westley and Maclean communication model suggests responsible for the communication’s effect and effectiveness.
that the communication process does not start with the
source/sender, but rather with environmental factors. What are the main elements of Barnlund’s communication
This model also takes into account the object of the model?
orientation (background, culture, and beliefs) of the sender `Barnlund’s transactional communication model
and the receiver of messages. diagram below illustrates the following main components of
The very process of communication, according to this this communication model:
communication model, starts with environmental factors that Encoding,
influence the speaker — the culture or society the speaker Decoding,
lives in, whether the speaker is in a public or private space, Communicators,
etc. The message (including the cues, environment, and noise),
`Aside from that, the role of feedback is also and
significant. The channel.

This model consists of 9 crucial components:

Environment (X), (motivates a person to create and send a
message.)
Sensory experience (X¹), experiences something in their
environment that nudges them to send the message
Source/Sender (A), you are the sender, as well as a participant
in the interpersonal communication situation.
The object of the orientation of the source (X²), sender’s
beliefs or experiences.
Receiver (B), person who listens to the message.
The object of the orientation of the receiver (X³), receiver’s
beliefs or experiences, which influence how the message is
received.
Feedback (F), This model accentuates the role of cues in impacting our
Gatekeepers (C), editors of the message senders are trying to messages. So, Barnlund differentiates between:
communicate to receivers. Public cues (environmental cues),
Private cues (person’s personal thoughts and background), EFL: English as a foreign language, these are the non-native
and speakers who learnt English in a country where English is not
Behavioral cues (person’s behavior, that can be verbal and usually spoken.
nonverbal).
All these cues, as well as the environment and noise, are part
of the message. Each communicator’s reaction depends on
their background, experiences, attitudes, and beliefs.

Dance’s Helical model of communication

According to Dance’s Helical model of
communication, with every cycle of communication, we
expand our circle.
Therefore, each communication encounter is different
from the previous one because communication never repeats
itself.
Dance’s Helical communication model views
communication as a circular process that gets more and
more complex as communication progresses.

That is why it is represented by a helical spiral in the

Dance’s Helical communication model diagram below.
For many sociolinguists the most important and accurate
model is the one proposed by Braj Kachru in 1988. His
“Three circle model of World Englishes”, states that there
are three circles inside which, the different speakers are
classified. The different circles are:

In this guide, we have covered the most important models of

communication, divided into 3 categories:

Linear models — Mainly used in marketing, sales, and PR, in

communication with customers, these models view
communication as a one-way process.
Interactive models — Used in internet-based and mediated
communication, they refer to two-way communication with
indirect feedback. The Inner Circle is made up the traditional bases of English
Transactional models — The most complex models of and its speakers are the ones in charge of providing the norms.
communication, which best reflect the communication These places are where the norms are created and from which
process. they spread to the other circles. Some of the countries that
conform the Inner Circle are USA, UK and Canada, Australia,
New Zealand and Ireland.
THREE GROUP MODEL
ENL: English as a native language, these are native speakers The Outer Circle represents the places where they speak
born in an English-speaking country, having then this official non-native varieties of English because of their
language as their mother tongue or first tongue. colonial history. The speakers of these places are the ones who
ESL: English as a second language, these are the non-native challenge the norms and develop them. They are mainly ESL.
speakers who have learnt English almost at the same time as Some of the countries that belong to this circle are India,
their mother tongue. Pakistan and Egypt, Bangladesh, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana,
Nigeria, Tanzania, Jamaica and the Philippines.
The Expanding Circle is made up by EFL speakers where
English is not usually spoken. In this circle the speakers have
to follow the rules established by the Inner Circle and
developed or challenged by the Outer one. Some examples of
countries that belong to this circle are China, Russia and
Brazil. Field, tenor and mode are components of linguistics. Every
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- text, regardless of subject, can be viewed from the field-tenor-
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and mode framework. To put it simply, field is the subject matter
Threats. of the text; tenor is the relationship between the author and the
A "SWOT analysis" involves carefully assessing these four audience; and mode is how the text is constructed, particularly
factors in order to make clear and effective plans. whether it is written-like or spoken-like.
A SWOT analysis can help you to challenge risky
assumptions, uncover dangerous blind spots, and reveal
important new insights.
The SWOT analysis process is most effective when done
collaboratively.

SQ3R is a reading comprehension method named for its five

steps: survey, question, read, recite, and review. Follow the Common Types of Signs and Their Purposes
steps below to learn how to glean as much information as Here are some common types of signs and their purposes:
possible from the text requirements from any class. Traffic Signs:
These signs are used on roads and highways to regulate traffic,
provide information, and ensure safety. Examples include stop
signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, and directional signs.
Warning Signs:
Warning signs are used to alert people to potential hazards or
dangers in a particular area. Examples include "Caution: Wet
Floor" signs or signs indicating the presence of high voltage.
Informational Signs:
These signs provide useful information to the public, such as
restroom signs, exit signs, and signs in public buildings that
indicate room numbers or directions.
Regulatory Signs:
Regulatory signs specify rules, regulations, or laws that must
TOE – Training of Educators be followed. Examples include "No Parking" signs, "No
Smoking" signs, and "Speed Limit" signs.
KWL Safety Signs:
The KWL Chart starts students thinking about what they Safety signs are used in workplaces to promote safety and
Know about a topic, what they Want to know, and what inform workers about potential risks. Examples include signs
they have Learned in the end. This note-taking device indicating the location of fire exits and the proper use of safety
guides students through a three-step process to activate equipment.
background knowledge, develop a purpose for learning, and Directional Signs:
summarize. These signs guide people to specific destinations or areas,
such as signs in airports, train stations, and shopping malls
that show the way to different terminals, platforms, or stores.
Commercial Signs:
These signs are often used by businesses for advertising and
branding. They can include store signs, billboards, and neon
signs with the business's name and logo.
Environmental Signs:
Environmental signs are used to promote awareness and In chemistry, elements are represented by symbols (e.g., "H"
conservation of natural resources and ecosystems. They may for hydrogen, "O" for oxygen) based on their atomic
indicate protected areas or provide information about local composition.
flora and fauna. Gender Symbols:
Sign Language: Symbols like ♀ and ♂ are used to represent the female and
Sign language is a unique form of communication that uses male genders, respectively.
hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to
convey messages, primarily used by people with hearing Symbols are powerful tools for communication because they
impairments. can convey complex ideas and emotions with a single visual
or textual representation. They are integral to language,
Signs are essential for public safety, communication, and culture, and human interaction, helping us understand and
navigation. They help people understand their environment, express ideas in a more efficient and abstract way.
follow rules, and make informed decisions. Additionally, they 7 Types of Communicative Strategies
are designed to be easily recognized and understood, making Nomination - presenting a particular topic clearly, truthfully,
them valuable tools in various aspects of daily life. and saying only what is relevant.
Restriction - constraining the response or reaction within a set
Common Types of Symbols and Their Meanings. of categories.
Here are a few common examples of symbols and their Turn-taking - recognizing when and how to
meanings: speak because it is one’s turn.
National Flags: Topic control - keeping the interaction going by asking
Flags are symbols of countries or regions. They often questions and eliciting a response.
incorporate colors, shapes, and symbols that represent the Topic shifting - introducing a new topic followed by the
history, values, and identity of a nation. continuation of that topic
Religious Symbols: Repair - overcoming communication breakdown to send more
Religions often use symbols to represent their faith and comprehensible messages.
beliefs. For example, the cross is a symbol of Christianity, the Termination - using verbal and nonverbal signals to end the
crescent moon and star are associated with Islam, and the Om interaction
symbol is important in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Traffic Signs:
In transportation and road systems, signs with various symbols Parts of a Business Letter
(like stop signs, yield signs, or speed limit signs) convey A business letter is a formal letter. Unlike a résumé or cover
important information and regulations to drivers and letter, it can be more than one page, and is likely to contain six
pedestrians. parts:
Corporate Logos: 1. The Heading
Many companies have logos that are designed to symbolize The heading contains the return address with the date on the
their brand, values, and products. For instance, the Apple logo last line. Sometimes it is necessary to include a line before the
represents innovation and simplicity. date with a phone number, fax number, or e-mail address.
Literary Symbols: Often there is a line skipped between the address and the date.
In literature, symbols can be objects, characters, or concepts It is not necessary to type a return address if you are using
that carry deeper meanings. For example, the rose is a stationery with the return address already imprinted, but you
common symbol in Urdu poetry, representing love, beauty, should always use a date. Make sure the heading is on the left
and passion. It is often used to symbolize the beloved or the margin.
ideal of love. Example:
Cultural Symbols: Ms. Jane Doe
Various cultures have symbols that represent their traditions, 543 Washington St
heritage, and values. For example, the Chinese dragon Marquette, MI 49855
symbolizes power and strength. Tel:
Emoticons and Emoji: Fax:
In digital communication, symbols like smiley faces or Email:
thumbs-up emojis are used to express emotions and reactions. June 28, 2011
Mathematical Symbols: 2. Recipient’s Address
In mathematics, symbols like "+" and "-" represent addition This is the address you are sending your letter to. Be sure to
and subtraction, while "π" represents the mathematical make it as complete as possible so it gets to its destination.
constant pi. Always include title names (such as Dr.) if you know them.
Chemical Symbols: This is, like the other address, on the left margin. If a standard
8 ½” x 11” paper is folded in thirds to fit in a standard 9”
business envelope, the inside address should appear through
the window in the envelope (if there is one). Be sure to skip a The modified block form is the same as the full block form,
line after the heading and before the recipient’s address, then except the sender's address is right-aligned. This format is
skip another line after the inside address before the greeting. slightly less formal than the full block format. This format is
For an example, see the end of this sheet for a sample letter. most appropriate when addressing the letter to someone with
3. The Salutation whom you have a working relationship.
The salutation (or greeting) in a business letter is always 3. Semi block format
formal. It often begins with “Dear {Person’s name}.” Once The semi-block business letter format is the same as the full
again, be sure to include the person’s title if you know it (such block format, except the paragraphs have indentations. If you
as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr). If you’re unsure about the person’s don't like the look of the single line between your paragraphs,
title or gender then just use their first name. For example, you you can opt for this format. The semi-block format is also
would use only the person’s first name if the person you are appropriate for formal letters.
writing to is “Jordan” and you do not know whether they 4. Simplified form
identify as male, female, or non-binary. The simplified business letter format uses a subject line
The salutation always ends with a colon. instead of a salutation. Beyond that exception, it follows the
4. The Body same format as the full block business letter format. The
The body is the meat of your letter. For block and modified simplified format is best for letters that have multiple
block letter formats, single space and left justify each recipients. You can use the simplified form for circulars or
paragraph. Be sure to leave a blank line between each memos.
paragraph, however, no matter the format. Be sure to also skip 7 types of resumes
a line between the salutation and the body, as well as the body 1. Chronological resume
and the close. The chronological resume is a common format that can help
5. The Complimentary Close hiring managers determine the relevancy of previous work
The complimentary close is a short and polite remark that ends experiences. It allows them to review your resume quickly to
your letter. The close begins at the same justification as your determine if you have the desired work experience. This type
date and one line after the last body paragraph. Capitalize the usually begins with a professional summary and lists your
first word of your closing (Thank you) and leave four lines for previous employers in reverse order, beginning with your most
a signature between the close and the sender’s name. A comma recent positions.
should follow the closing. 2. Functional resume
6. The Signature Line Functional resumes emphasize your skills rather than your
Skip at least four lines after the close for your signature, and work experience. For example, if you studied human resources
then type out the name to be signed. If you are printing this or have training in that field, a functional resume may begin
letter out and sending it by mail, you will sign your name in by listing your relevant human resources skills, like
pen. This line will include your first and last name, and often recruitment and communication.
includes a middle initial, although it is not required. You may 3. Combination resume
put your title beforehand to show how you wish to be The combination resume or hybrid resume includes your
addressed (Ms., Mrs., Dr.). functional and related skills in addition to your reverse-
The signature should be in blue or black ink. chronological job history. This template allows you to
7. Enclosures emphasize your most prominent skills while still providing
If you have any enclosed documents, such as a resume, you hiring managers and recruiters with a timeline of your
can indicate this by typing “Enclosures” one line below the employment.
listing. You also may include the name of each document. 4. Resume profile
(Encl, notations) A resume profile or a professional profile provides a brief one-
to four-sentence overview of your abilities, knowledge and
Formatting for different types of business letters strengths as they relate to the position to which you're
There are different types of business letter formats, each with applying.
their own pros and cons. The appropriate business format for 5. Nontraditional resume
you largely depends on your preference. They include: A nontraditional resume may include infographics, images,
1. Full block format videos, portfolios or even custom web pages. Rather than
The full block form is the default form for a formal business functioning as a simple document that lists your skills and
letter. When in doubt, you can use the full block format as a work experience, this resume type allows you to showcase
safe option. For this type of formatting, there are no your creative abilities and expertise in greater detail.
indentations in the paragraphs. Every part of the business 6. Infographic resume
letter is left-aligned under the full block format, including the An infographic resume contains different colors, typefaces and
sender and receiver addresses. For readability, you identify a pictures and allows you to display your design skills. You can
new paragraph by skipping a line. The most popular and the hand out a hard-copy infographic resume during interviews,
easiest. post it on your website or social media sites or attach it to
2. Modified block format email applications.
7. Targeted resume
A targeted resume shows the relevant experience you have and
the qualities you possess that are relevant to a specific job.
While you can likely reuse some sections of the resume, try to
tailor it for each job by revising it based on the specific
requirements outlined in the job posting. Rewrite your
professional summary section for each job application.