WRIT

321 Professional Communication: Potential Project Email

Deadline: Tuesday, September 6, no later than noon
Other:
Print copy and bring to class Thursday, September 8 (for shortlist workshop)

Because the focus of this class is to conduct a feasibility study and effectively communicate the
outcomes of that carefully researched study, we first need to develop a pool of viable subjects
(topics). This involves identifying potential problems, needs, or opportunities (PNO) to
develop/improve a product, a process, or a situation. From there, we will collaboratively choose
four or five topics for the shortlist to potentially be developed into full-blown projects.
Collaborative project teams will be formed around these shortlisted projects. Project focus and cope
will be fleshed out further in the proposal assignment.
The goal of this assignment is to write an effective e-mail messageunder pressure of a deadline
in which you briefly describe your idea for a proposed project to explore as well as providing
justification for why its viable. Writing an effective e-mail requires more than just typing a few
words and clicking the <Send> button. It requires analyzing the audience, the purpose, and the
desired outcome for writing the e-mail.
Carefully consider, plan, and compose a message that presents your proposed idea by addressing
the following:

Brief contextual background of the PNO

An initial idea(s) on how the problem could be solved, or how the need could be met, or
how the product/process could be improved

Information on who would be the external target audience for the final report

Give some thought to your idea and present a convincing argument for pursuing this idea further.
Ideally, your idea will be so compelling that it will bubble to the top of the project shortlist.
Note: Working through the topic idea worksheet using one or two potential ideas can help you
effectively brainstorm for this assignment. In fact its required as a homework assignment.
Follow these guidelines when you compose your e-mail.

Send the e-mail from your Montana Tech e-mail account.

Include a subject line contains a brief, but informative, purpose for this communication.

Choose an appropriate greeting.

Craft an effective introduction.

Use the appropriate formality/tone.

Keep the message focused.

Keep the message readable by using standard capitalization and punctuation.

Use block paragraphs, with no indent, extra line space between paragraphs.

Conclude with an effective call to action, complementary close, and typed signature line.

Revise, edit, and proofread before you send the message.

Include your e-signature block.

Turn on the delivery and read receipts in the webmail program.