So for my business writing class we are instructed to...
Quote:
INSTRUCTIONS: Write letters that respond to the following cases. Because the reader will likely oppose your request, use the indirect plan to persuade him. Include only as much information from the case as the reader needs to know, and as you need to persuade him. Be firm and insistent, but do not abuse the reader. Identify your main point (the main reason the reader should do as you ask) and stick to it. Make certain every word and idea help you.
As always, your letter should be free of spelling, typographical, and grammatical errors. Please use a complete letter format.
As always, your letter should be free of spelling, typographical, and grammatical errors. Please use a complete letter format.
with the following:
Case 28
Two months ago you were transferred to the Marketing Department of your company and put under the direct supervision of Jerrold Stevens, V.P. Marketing. The transfer, which included a promotion and a 30% raise in salary, was something you had been working toward for over a year, and so you were very pleased.
Two weeks ago, however, Mr. Stevens began making sexual advances toward you. It began as slight innuendoes, which you dismissed as the kind of office banter that sometimes happens. Then the innuendoes became more direct; you rejected them. Today, Stevens' advances became physical. Again you rejected him and warned him that you would bring charges against him for harassment if the advances did not stop. He promised that if you did you would never find another job in town. Stevens is an influential man in town, and you're afraid he might be able to do what he promised.
Write a persuasive letter that persuades him to stop harassing you and allows you to keep working. Use your imagination to define the details of the event. Be careful to document what has transpired, and be firm, but avoid coercive threats, demands, anger. Persuade him, do not force him, to do what you want him to do.
Two weeks ago, however, Mr. Stevens began making sexual advances toward you. It began as slight innuendoes, which you dismissed as the kind of office banter that sometimes happens. Then the innuendoes became more direct; you rejected them. Today, Stevens' advances became physical. Again you rejected him and warned him that you would bring charges against him for harassment if the advances did not stop. He promised that if you did you would never find another job in town. Stevens is an influential man in town, and you're afraid he might be able to do what he promised.
Write a persuasive letter that persuades him to stop harassing you and allows you to keep working. Use your imagination to define the details of the event. Be careful to document what has transpired, and be firm, but avoid coercive threats, demands, anger. Persuade him, do not force him, to do what you want him to do.
Now never mind the $200,000 you could get for this bullshit with the right documentation and right judge, we have to follow THE INSTRUCTIONS.
and so we wrote a shitty first draft
Dear Mr. Stevens:
You may be sure of yourself in this regard: these past two months you have proven to be a very good manager and do your vice-presidential title justice. I believe that you and I can work together, professionally and do great things for this company. However as my husband (Eric Svenson, you may remember him from last year's Christmas party.) is 7' with everything in proportion. I believe both you and I, Mr. Stevens, can agree that for the sake of our professional relationship it would be best if it was not tarred with remembrances of my asking such awkward questions as, “If we water it, will it grow?” and “Does it come with an air pump?” As these questions would no doubt arise if, “this huge five inch boner for you, baby,” as you put it while poking me with it, is the extent of your talents as you professed it to be because you, “need no other” talents in the bed. I've no wish to abuse you in such a manner, Mr. Stevens. So you must understand that your sexual pursuit of myself is not in your best interests.
I am sure, Mr. Stevens, that this situation can be put quite happily behind us. Mutual silence on the topic, so as not to embarrass you or myself, and a cessation of any sexual comments would likely promote a pleasant atmosphere in the office. I will see you on Monday, Mr. Stevens, have a pleasant weekend.
Sincerely,
[my name here]
You may be sure of yourself in this regard: these past two months you have proven to be a very good manager and do your vice-presidential title justice. I believe that you and I can work together, professionally and do great things for this company. However as my husband (Eric Svenson, you may remember him from last year's Christmas party.) is 7' with everything in proportion. I believe both you and I, Mr. Stevens, can agree that for the sake of our professional relationship it would be best if it was not tarred with remembrances of my asking such awkward questions as, “If we water it, will it grow?” and “Does it come with an air pump?” As these questions would no doubt arise if, “this huge five inch boner for you, baby,” as you put it while poking me with it, is the extent of your talents as you professed it to be because you, “need no other” talents in the bed. I've no wish to abuse you in such a manner, Mr. Stevens. So you must understand that your sexual pursuit of myself is not in your best interests.
I am sure, Mr. Stevens, that this situation can be put quite happily behind us. Mutual silence on the topic, so as not to embarrass you or myself, and a cessation of any sexual comments would likely promote a pleasant atmosphere in the office. I will see you on Monday, Mr. Stevens, have a pleasant weekend.
Sincerely,
[my name here]
I aim to emasculate.
