Transcript Business Communication

Business
Communication
Chapter 5
Mechanics of Writing
Copyright 2010 South-Western Cengage Learning
Punctuation
 Helps readers interpret
your ideas and questions
 Shows where one thought
ends and the next begins
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Punctuation clarifies and adds
emphasis to your writing.
5.1 External Marks and the Comma
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Punctuation Includes
Internal Marks
External Marks
 Commas
 Periods
 Semicolons
 Question marks
 Colons
 Exclamation points
 Quotation marks
 Parentheses
 Dashes
 Apostrophes
 Hyphens
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The Period
 a punctuation mark used to signal the end of a
sentence or an abbreviation
5.1 External Marks and the Comma
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The Period
 Can be used
 At the end of sentences

The choir members will sing in Italy during the holiday season.
 With abbreviations

Mr.
 In lists


1. One change of clothing
2. Bathing suit, swim cap, sandals, towel, and sunscreen
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The Question Mark
 a punctuation mark used after a direct question and
after each part in a series of questions
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The Question Mark
 Can be used
 After direct questions

Do you agree that summer seems to pass more quickly than
winter?
 In a series

Did she apply to Temple University? to Boston College? to
Florida International University?
5.1 External Marks and the Comma
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The Exclamation Point
 a punctuation mark that shows strong emotion
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The Exclamation Point
 May follow a word, a group of words, or a sentence
 Quick! Here’s an opportunity to make money!
 Should be used sparingly in business documents
5.1 External Marks and the Comma
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The Comma
 an internal punctuation mark used to separate items
in a sentence
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The Comma
 Can be used
 With introductory elements

Meanwhile, I will begin the next phase of the project.
 In compound sentences

I will go to the hockey game on Friday, or I will babysit for my
niece.
 With interrupting elements

The most interesting part of the movie, I believe, is the chase
scene.
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The Comma
 With direct address
 Dr. Oakes, you have been exceedingly helpful to my
family.
 In a series
 Even’s college essay was thoughtful, humorous, and brief.
 Between adjectives
 The short, thin teenager envied the tall, husky football
players.
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The Comma
 With omission of words
 The treasurer is Yoshi; the secretary, Elena; and the
president, Warren.
 In numbers and dates
 On May 3, 2010, the day was overcast and chilly.
 With abbreviations
 Maps, tools, supplies, etc., will be needed.
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