Workbook and Answer Key

Introduction to Students

This workbook accompanies the textbook 'Communication Skills in the Age of AI'. It is designed to help you practise the skills and concepts presented in each chapter. You will analyse real workplace messages, evaluate AI-generated drafts, produce your own messages, revise weak examples, and reflect on ethical communication practices. Complete the exercises in order and bring your completed work to class for discussion and feedback.

How to Use This Workbook

• Start each chapter by reviewing the skills checklist and key terms to refresh your understanding.
• Work through the analysis exercises by reading each scenario carefully and answering all questions.
• For writing prompts and rewrites, follow the instructions and write your responses in the space provided.
• Use the grammar and mechanics checkup to refine your technical accuracy.
• Case studies require deeper application; think critically and answer all guiding questions.
• Reflection questions encourage you to connect the chapter’s lessons to your future workplace.
• Group activities can be completed in class or with peers online.

Responsible AI Use in This Workbook

Artificial intelligence can be a powerful assistant but must be used responsibly. Throughout this workbook you will encounter AI-generated messages to audit and revise. Always verify information produced by AI, protect private or confidential data, and ensure the final message reflects your own professional judgement.

Part Two: Integrated Writing and Communication Workshops

Workplace Email Portfolio Workshop

Compile a portfolio of five professional emails: a routine request, a positive response, a bad‑news message, a persuasive proposal, and a goodwill note. Draft each email, revise it, and reflect on AI’s role in your writing process.

AI Revision and Human Voice Workshop

Take three AI-generated drafts (provided in class) and revise them to add human warmth, clarity, and ethical considerations. Discuss as a group which elements required the most human judgement.

Professionalism and Digital Etiquette Workshop

In teams, develop a code of digital etiquette for your university or workplace. Include guidelines for emails, chat messages, video meetings, and social media. Present your code to the class.

Business Presentation Workshop

Working in groups, choose a business topic and prepare a short presentation with slides. Assign roles (speaker, designer, researcher). Use AI tools ethically for brainstorming and design. Deliver the presentation and receive peer feedback.

Job Search Portfolio Workshop

Create a job search portfolio that includes a résumé, a tailored cover message for a specific job ad, a professional LinkedIn summary, and three professional references. Review each other’s portfolios and suggest improvements.

Interview and Follow‑Up Simulation Workshop

Conduct mock interviews in pairs, using common interview questions. Practice follow‑up, acceptance, rejection, and resignation messages. Provide constructive feedback to your partner.

Part Three: Cumulative Review and Final Practice

Use this section to review all skills. Complete mixed reading and writing exercises, AI ethics scenarios, résumé and cover letter revisions, presentation planning, interview follow-up writing, and a final integrated case study that draws upon all ten chapters.

Final Integrated Case Study

1. Read a set of mixed workplace messages (provided by your instructor) and identify which chapter skills apply to each.

2. Revise a résumé and cover letter pair to better match a new job posting using ATS-friendly language.

3. Plan a short presentation about responsible AI use in business communication, including an outline and slide notes.

4. Draft a follow‑up email after a panel interview, highlighting your key qualifications and reiterating your enthusiasm.