The purpose of many business messages is to make a request or to reply to previously received communication. Familiarize yourself with the organization of these messages so you can communicate your purpose and achieve a positive outcome.
Read the scenario, and then answer the question.
The office manager asks you for advice on how to structure a request message with numerous questions.
What advice would you give?
Put a question mark after a disguised command.
Ask easy yes or no questions.
Place the most important question first or begin with a summary.
Read the following request message, and then answer the question.
To: Customer Support
From: Helen Martin
Subject: Warranty Information for Netbook Computer
Dear Customer Service,
I need this information by noon tomorrow at the latest. My team has an important presentation to give, and my netbook crashed while we were working on the presentation. I can’t find the warranty information anywhere. So I have a few questions.
Where is my warranty information? How long does it normally take to repair these machines? Do I have to mail the netbook to you, or can I bring it to your local repair shop?
Will you please answer these questions in a timely manner? Thank you in advance for your help.
Regards,
Helen Martin
What is the best revision for the opening of this message?
My team has an important presentation to give, and my netbook crashed while we were working on the presentation. I have to get it repaired soon.
My netbook computer crashed, and I have a few questions regarding repair and warranty information.
I need my questions answered quickly. My netbook crashed, and I can’t find the warranty information anywhere.
In addition to making requests, you will have to respond to requests in the business world.