Applying Your Skills: Email Writing and Inclusive Communication
Now it’s time to put your communication skills into action. To complete this section, you will choose and complete ONE of the two activities below. Both options allow you to demonstrate your understanding of key communication competencies while providing flexibility in how you showcase your skills.
Each activity is designed to align with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), meaning you have the freedom to select the format that best suits your strengths and interests. Within your chosen activity, you may also encounter additional choices to further personalize your learning experience.
Once you have successfully completed your chosen activity, follow the instructions to review your work using the provided self-assessment criteria and submit your final version within the forms below.
If you have any questions during this process, feel free to reach out to Dr. Christine Crefton at christine.crefton@montgomerycollege.edu for guidance.
Activity 1. Writing Professional Emails
Objective:
This assessment focuses on your ability to identify and correct errors in written communication. You will revise a provided email containing intentional errors in grammar, syntax, and language usage. The goal is to improve the message’s clarity, professionalism, and inclusivity.
Example:
Original Content with Intentional Errors
The department’s head he have thinked that the project might gonna be delayed due to several of the problems which we encountered last weeks. There’s been some miscommunications between the team members, and that has affect the timeline seriously. We need to done a better job at coordinating, especially when it comes to sharing updates and making sure everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing. However, the project’s still on the good track, and with some adjustments, we can still finish it on time if everyone do their part.
Revised and Proofread Content
The department head believes that the project may be delayed due to several issues we encountered last week. There has been some miscommunication among team members, which has seriously affected the timeline. We need to do a better job coordinating, particularly in sharing updates and ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities. However, the project is still on track, and with some adjustments, we can finish it on time if everyone does their part.
Edits and Reasoning
- “Might gonna be delayed” to “may be delayed”:
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- Replaced informal and incorrect future tense (“might gonna”) with the appropriate modal verb “may” for better clarity.
- “That has affect the timeline seriously” to “which has seriously affected the timeline”:
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- Changed “affect” to “affected” to correct verb tense.
- Reordered the sentence for better flow and clarity.
- “We need to done a better job at coordinating” to “We need to do a better job coordinating”:
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- Corrected verb form (“done” to “do”) for standard usage.
Now it’s your turn…
Instructions:
- Review the Provided Email:
Carefully read the original email with intentional errors. Note areas where grammar, syntax, tone, or language usage could be improved. - Revise the Email:
Rewrite the email to ensure it:- Uses proper grammar and syntax.
- Has a professional tone and structure suitable for an email to a professor.
- Incorporates inclusive and respectful language.
- Explain Your Revisions:
After rewriting the email, answer the following questions to reflect on your process and the improvements you made.
Activity 2. Building Inclusive Communication
Objective:
The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate your ability to identify and analyze effective communication strategies, including verbal, written, and non-verbal cues, as well as the use of inclusive language. By examining the interaction between Maria and Jordan in the provided scenario, you will reflect on how these elements contribute to creating a supportive and respectful environment.
Instructions:
- Review the Scenario:
Carefully read the story, “Building Inclusive Communication: A Student Club Conversation,” which highlights the interaction between Maria and Jordan. Pay attention to the non-verbal cues, verbal communication, and inclusive language used in the dialogue. - Answer Multiple-Choice Questions:
After reading the scenario, respond to the provided multiple-choice questions. These questions will test your understanding of the communication strategies demonstrated in the story. - Reflect on the Scenario:
Answer the three open-text reflection questions. Use your own experiences, observations, or insights to discuss how communication strategies enhance understanding, inclusivity, and cohesion in conversations. - Submit Your Work:
Ensure all questions are answered before submission. Your responses should be clear, thoughtful, and based on your understanding of the scenario.