Module 5 focuses on techniques to convey negative, persuasive, and sales messages. Goals must be set, strategies must be used, and psychological triggers must be identified. Many potential job candidates lack the ability to effectively communicate these forms of messages which can cost them the opportunity for employment. The following assignments from Chapters 9 & 10 are designed to help you apply these techniques:

Bad News to Customers: PIck a Price HIke (Objs 1-4)

Select a product or service that you now use (e.g, newspaper, Internet service, water or electricity, propane or natural gas, cell or landline phone, car insurance.) Assume that the provider must raise its rates and that you are the employee who must notify customers. Should you use a letter, e-mail, company website, or blog? Decide whether you should use direct or indirect strategy. Gather as much information as you can about the product or service. What, if anything, justifies the increase? what benefits can be cited?

Your Task: Prepare a rate increase announcement. Submit it along with a memo explaining your rationale for the strategy you choose.