Guide to Managerial Communication
Effective Business Writing and Speaking
By: Mary Munter
For undergraduate and MBA courses in Management Communication, Writing, or Oral Presentations courses, and Executive Seminars or Workshops. Guide to Managerial Communication is a clear, concise, practical text for effective written and oral communication in a managerial, business, government, or professional context. The Eighth Edition adds contemporary content throughout.
AI Overview
The "Guide to Managerial Communication" by Mary Munter is a comprehensive textbook designed to help managers develop effective written and oral communication skills in a business setting. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Communication Strategy:
- The book emphasizes the importance of a strategic approach to communication, covering five strategic variables:
- Communicator Strategy: Objectives, style, and credibility.
- Audience Strategy: Understanding who the audience is, what they know, what they feel, and how to motivate them.
- Message Strategy: How to emphasize and organize the message.
- Channel Choice Strategy: Deciding when to write and when to speak.
- Culture Strategy: How cultural differences affect communication strategy.
- The book emphasizes the importance of a strategic approach to communication, covering five strategic variables:
Writing Techniques:
- The book provides practical skills and strategies for effective business writing, including:
- General composing techniques.
- Special composing challenges.
- Document design for high skim value.
- Clear progression and linkage.
- Effective paragraphs and sections.
- Editing for brevity.
- Choosing a style.
- The book provides practical skills and strategies for effective business writing, including:
Speaking Skills:
- The speaking section covers various aspects of business communication, including:
- Verbal structure in presentations, question-and-answer sessions, meetings, and other speaking situations.
- Visual aids such as design, equipment, and practice.
- Nonverbal delivery and listening skills.
- The speaking section covers various aspects of business communication, including:
Plot Summary
The book is organized into four main sections:
Communication Strategy:
- This section lays the foundation for effective managerial communication by analyzing the five strategic variables.
Writing:
- Chapters II, III, and IV delve into the writing process, covering general techniques, macro issues (document design, structural signposts), and micro issues (editing for brevity, choosing a style). The appendices provide additional resources on writing formats, grammar, and punctuation.
Speaking:
- Chapters V, VI, and VII focus on the verbal, visual, and nonverbal aspects of business speaking, including presentations, question-and-answer sessions, meetings, and other speaking situations.
Reference:
- The final section includes appendices with business writing formats, unbiased language guidelines, grammar, and punctuation rules, as well as a bibliography listing the sources used in the book.
Critical Reception
The book has been well-received for its practical approach to managerial communication. Here are some points from critical reviews:
- Practicality: The book is praised for its clear and concise guidance, making it easy for managers to apply the strategies in real-world scenarios.
- Comprehensive Coverage: It covers a wide range of topics from communication strategy to specific writing and speaking techniques, making it a comprehensive resource for managers.
- Relevance: The book remains relevant even in modern business environments, with its focus on cultural differences and nonverbal communication skills.
Overall, "Guide to Managerial Communication" by Mary Munter is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills in a business context. Its strategic approach, practical techniques, and comprehensive coverage make it a highly recommended textbook for both students and professionals.