Imagine that you recently purchased a car dealership in Columbus, Ohio. After three months of working at the facility, you realize that you have much to learn. You would like to visit the dealership in Dayton, Ohio—one of the highest-producing operations in the company. You’ll need approval from the regional director, Jarissa Jones, who manages several dealerships in the Midwest. Most of your communication with Jarissa has been by email, so you decide to send an email to her with this request.

Before you write the email, you may find it helpful to consider the following questions:

1. Ms. Jones is your superior in the company. Should you use the direct or the indirect plan in your message? (Hint: in general, for upward communication, you should use the direct plan.)
2. How will you capture attention? How will you clearly and concisely describe your request?
3. What are some benefits of your idea to yourself and the company?
4. What potential objections might Ms. Jones have? How would you address these while subordinating them to the benefits?
5. How will you use and balance ethos, pathos, and logos in your email?
6. What specific actions would you like Ms. Jones to take after she reads your email?

(Please see the next page.)

Assignment

Compose the email to Ms. Jones in a document. You will need to invent some of the trip details. Follow the format outlined below:

To: (create a fictitious email address)
From: (insert your email address)
Subject: (compose a heading that will capture Ms. Jones’ attention)
Date:

Dear Ms. Jones:

In the introductory paragraph, present your recommendation clearly and concisely, and provide a brief rationale. Make sure that this opening paragraph captures the audience’s attention.

In the body paragraph(s), justify your recommendation. Remember to focus on the audience. Explain how your proposal will benefit the audience, either directly or indirectly. Address any potential objections. Use ethos, pathos, and logos as you develop the body paragraph(s). Use an objective, logical, reasonable, and sincere tone.

In the conclusion paragraph, ask for the action you would like your audience to take. End on a forward-looking note, continuing to stress reader benefits.

Sincerely,

Your name

After composing the email, review the assignment instructions as well as the assignment rubric to make sure that you have met all the requirements. Proof-read your work carefully to catch and correct any problems with style.