Mary Ellen GuffeyProfessor Emerita of BusinessLos Angeles Pierce College

Dana LoewyContributing Editor

Business Communication Program

California State University, Fullerton

Essentials of Business CommunicationEighth Edition

Essentials of Business Communication, Eighth Edition

Mary Ellen Guffey

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Dear Business Communication Students:

Essentials of Business Communication, 8e, brings

you a four-in-one learning package including (a) an

authoritative textbook, (b) a convenient workbook,

(c) a self-teaching grammar/mechanics handbook,

and (d) a fully supported student Web site at

www.meguffey.com.

Although much copied, Essentials maintains its leadership in post-secondary markets

because of its effective grammar review, practical writing instruction, and exceptional support

materials. In revising this Eighth Edition, we examined every topic and added new coverage

with two themes in mind: professionalism and the relevance of this course to your future

career success. Let me describe a few of the major improvements and features in the

Eighth Edition:

• Workplace relevance. At the request of reviewers, this edition stresses the practical

and immediate importance of this course to success in your career.

• Office Insider feature. To help you understand employers’ expectations and to better

connect what you are learning to your future job performance, Office Insider presents

workplace facts and advice.

• Updated communication technologies. The Eighth Edition updates and expands

coverage of blogs, instant messaging, wikis, and other current technologies.

• New grammar and writing improvement exercises. Many new grammar review

and writing improvement exercises help you review the basics and hone your skills.

• New chapter on professionalism. To reinforce the focus on marketable skills

and career success, this edition teaches business etiquette, team behavior, and other

professional soft skills.

• Job-search and interviewing coverage. The Eighth Edition presents the latest

trends in résumés and employment interviews.

• Premier Web site at www.meguffey.com. All students with new books have access to

chapter review quizzes, PowerPoint slides, and a wide assortment of learning resources.

The many examples and model documents in Essentials of Business Communication,

including résumés and cover letters, have made this book a favorite to keep as an on-the-job

reference.

I wish you well in your studies!

Cordially,

Mary Ellen Guffey

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UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD COMMUNICATION… IT’S JUST THAT EASY!

Strong business communication skills will serve you well throughout college, your careers, and entire lives. Guffey helps you learn to commu-nicate effectively and professionally in today’s workplace, no matter what career path you choose to follow. The exciting, new Essentials of Business Communication, 8e, is packed with resources to make learning business communica-tion easier and more enjoyable. With the book’s grammar focus, coverage of current workplace technologies, and an unmatched ancillary package, you will fi nd that learning business communication can be … just that easy.

Essentials offers a four-in-one learning package that gets results:• Authoritative textbook• Practical workbook• Self-teaching grammar/mechanics handbook• Fully supported student support Web site

– www.meguffey.com

Emphasis on GrammarThroughout the text, you are encouraged to build on your basic grammar skills. Grammar/Mechanics Check-ups, Grammar/

Mechanics Challenges, and Web-based grammar activities help you practice and sharpen your skills.

Emphasis on Writing PlansAmple, step-by-step writing plans help you get started quickly on organizing and formatting messages.

Mary Ellen Guffey continues to be your partner in learning. Award-winning author Mary Ellen Guffey pro-vides unparalleled resources to help you learn and retain business writing techniques. When you use a Guffey text, you get dynamic learning resources that help you succeed in the course.

In this edition Dr. Dana Loewy joins Mary Ellen as a major contributor and coauthor. Learn more about both authors on the “About the Authors” page.

Learning with Guffey… It’s Just That Easy!

rom the emphasis on professionalism to new Workplace in Focus photo essays, Guffey has updated tools and created new ways to keep you interested and engaged. The

following six pages describe features that will help make learning with Guffey… just that easy.

F

Offi ce Insider To accentuate how excellent communica-tion skills translate into career success, the Offi ce Insider demonstrates the importance of communication skills in real-world practice.

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Learning with Guffey… It’s Just That Easy!

Emphasis on Professionalism The Eighth Edition increases its emphasis on professional workplace behaviors and illustrates the importance of professionalism. Businesses have a keen interest in a professional workforce that effectively works together to deliver positive results that ultimately boost profi ts and bolster a company’s image. In this edition, you’ll discover the professional characteristics most valued in today’s competitive workplace.

Career Relevance Because employers often rank communication skills among the most requested competencies, the Eighth Edition emphasizes the link between excellent communication skills and career success—helping you see for yourself the critical role business communication will play in your life.

Abundant Activities and Cases Chapter concepts are translated into action as you try out your skills in activities designed to mirror “real-world” experiences.

“”I really like the updates in Essentials, and the focus on using technology as a communication medium in the 21st century workplace and classroom.

— DEBORAH J. BUELL, CY-FAIR COLLEGE, NORTH HARRIS MONTGOMERY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT, TEXAS

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Learning with Guffey… It’s Just That Easy!

More Before-and-After Model Documents Before-and-after sample documents and descrip-tive callouts create a road map to the writing process, demonstrating the effective use of the skills being taught, as well as the signifi cance of the revision process.

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Learning with Guffey… It’s Just That Easy!

Communication Workshops Communication Work-shops develop critical thinking skills and pro-vide insight into special business communication topics such as ethics, technology, career skills, and collaboration.

“”

I’m really enjoying using Essentials. The detail and pedagogical design of the book are truly inspiring. I really get a kick out of reading all of the positive and grateful student comments about the book at the end of the semester when I distribute an instructor/course evaluation.

— BRIAN WILSON, COLLEGE OF MARIN, CALIFORNIA

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New Workplace in Focus Photo Essays Vivid photos with intriguing stories demonstrate real-world applicability of business communication con-cepts. Each photo essay concludes with a critical thinking question.

Learning with Guffey… It’s Just That Easy!

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