The Art of Professional Communication Strategies that Advance Careers

Preface. Introduction –The Promotable Executive. Chapter 1 – Knowing What You’re Really Supposed to Do. Chapter 2 – Making Management’s Job Easy. Chapter 3 – Being Quotable. Chapter 4 — Speaking Graphically. Chapter 5 — Recognizing When Enough Is Enough. Chapter 6 — Reasoning Logically. Chapter 7 — Applying Oneself. 

Biography

Dr. Daniel L. Plung is a recognized leader in professional communication. In addition to chairing and keynoting professional communication conferences, he has more than 50 publications, including two college textbooks. His teaching experience at three major US universities is complemented by a 45-year career providing leadership on multibillion-dollar projects in both the US and the UK, encompassing responsibility for all phases from proposal development to contract closeout.

"I wish I had read [this book] earlier in my career. The practical applications and relevant industry examples were easy to follow, interesting and even fun. In particular, I enjoyed the section and note about Oppenheimer and ‘style’. I also really liked the ‘audience expectations’ section and the Lincoln example. I am happy to recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their professional communication skills."

Robert Nagel, Sr. Technical Advisor 

"The Art of Professional Communication: Strategies that Advance Careers can prepare undergraduates for the demands of professional careers and is a valuable resource for writing instructors. The book’s author, Daniel L. Plung, proves his expertise with over 40 years of experience in business and professional communication. Plung offers readers strategies for navigating the oftentimes messy terrain of effective communication in professional contexts. The Art of Professional Communication begins with the basics, such as how to ensure one’s understanding of an assigned task. Plung situates techniques for problem solving, investigating intention, and knowing one’s audience within the context of assignments—this is a helpful approach for students, especially, since they encounter different assignments in their courses. Their familiarity with what their teachers ask them to do can translate to tasks assigned by their employers.

Even more, instructors can apply the book’s content to not just classroom assignments, but also, workplace projects—allowing teachers to start with the familiar and extend it to the workplace environment. Additionally, The Art of Professional Communication includes graphics that overview the chapter’s content; instructors can use these illustrations or refer to them during in class activities. The book justifies the importance of communication by pointing to examples and models encountered in workplace scenarios. It also covers important topics in technical and professional communication, including project management, research, audience and purpose, writing style, and the visual presentation of ideas."

Vanessa Cozza, Scholar Career-Track Professor of English at Washington State University, Tri-Cities, USA

"Based on his 45-year career of leadership and teaching in professional communication, the author provides strategies that constitute effective business communication from various key perspectives. Thus, by implementing them, professionals can have a robust capability in business communication that distinguishes them within a highly competitive career environment. Second, by presenting real vignettes throughout history to demonstrate the practical needs for the strategies and then drawing on seminal models or cases to provide compelling support for the application of the strategies in real-world business communication, the book can make instruction on the communication strategies more engaging, well-grounded, and practical. I would highly recommend this book for business communication learners and professionals."

Journal of Business and Technical Communication

"Focusing on communication strategies and skills “characteristic of a promotable executive” and drawing broadly on his personal experience, Dr. Plung provides unique perspectives on negotiating the complex communication challenges encountered in business and industry...In addition to providing examples, graphics, and templates allowing themes and techniques to be readily translated into instruction in college classrooms or company training centers, Dr. Plung’s “lectures” not only validate the complexity and breadth of professional communication but also offer insights and perspectives that can prove valuable to professional communicators at all stages of their careers."

IEEE Professional Communication Society

“In The Art of Professional Communication, Dr. Daniel L. Plung provides a solution to…misunderstandings or breakdowns in communication.

…takes the reader to ancient Greece, the Crimean War, the Battle of Gettysburg, a gunfight in the OK Corral, and more, to entertain, educate, and enlighten the reader.

…gives the reader an easy path to follow to successfully implement professional communication strategies, yet each chapter could also stand by itself.

…While Dr. Plung does provide some relevant examples from his own long, professional history, the book is well-researched and supported with substantial notes and references provided at the conclusion of each chapter. He makes solid use of tabular and graphical illustrations to support his strategies.

…beneficial to not only current professionals but college students…I highly recommend adding Dr. Plung’s book to your library.”

Business and Professional Communication Quarterly