Author Archives: Court Bovee

The 12 Most Important Questions Instructors Ask about Teaching Business Communication (and the Answers You Need)

Illustration showing a diverse group of business communication instructors gathered around an interconnected framework, symbolizing recurring teaching concerns such as relevance, engagement, rigor, and preparation for digital and AI-driven communication.   Over the past four decades of working with thousands of business communication instructors, I’ve noticed that their questions—though diverse—tend to circle around 12 core […]

The Digital Backbone: Why Modern Companies Are Ditching Email for Real-Time Collaboration

In 2004, three entrepreneurs faced a seemingly simple challenge: they wanted to sell snowboards online. Tobias Lütke, Daniel Weinand, and Scott Lake had the vision, the products, and the determination to launch Snow Devil, their winter sports equipment company. What they lacked was a suitable platform to bring their dream to life. Rather than accepting […]

The Engagement Epidemic: How to Cure Student Apathy in Business Communication Courses

 In today's fast-paced business world, effective communication is a critical skill that can make or break careers. However, many students find themselves disengaged from business communication lessons, hindering their learning and ultimately, their professional trajectory. To address this challenge, educators must employ innovative strategies that bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.   […]

The Ethical Tightrope: Navigating Persuasion and Manipulation in Business Communication

  As business communication instructors, we face a daunting challenge: teaching students to persuade without manipulating. In today's high-stakes business world, the line between influence and manipulation is often blurred. This article explores the complexities of business communication, examining the fine line between legitimate influence and manipulative tactics.   Beyond Persuasion: The Dark Side of […]

The Emoji Advantage: Teaching Students to Master Visual Communication in Business Communication

Equip Students for Emoji-driven Business Communication.   As instructors of business communication, we have observed a fascinating shift in recent years: the integration of emojis into professional contexts. Once dismissed as frivolous or unprofessional, these tiny pictographs are now transforming the way we interact in the business world. This presents an exciting opportunity to incorporate […]

Teaching Business Communication Without Students in Fear: Strategies for Educators to Support Anxious and Apprehensive Students

Help Students Overcome Anxiety, Build Communication Confidence   As an instructor, you play a crucial role in helping students develop effective communication skills. However, many students experience debilitating anxiety and apprehension when faced with communication tasks, hindering their ability to reach their full potential. This article provides you with practical strategies and techniques to create […]

How to Avoid High Student Failure Rates in Your Business Communication Course

Overcome Teaching Challenges with Proactive Strategies   Teaching a business communication course can be both rewarding and challenging. Instructors often face significant obstacles, such as high failure rates, low student performance, and negative feedback, which can be demoralizing and reflect poorly on their teaching abilities. Addressing these issues proactively can lead to improved student outcomes […]

Uncovering Overlooked Challenges in Teaching Business Communication

  Identifying Blind Spots in Teaching Business Communication Ensures Alignment with Evolving Trends.   In teaching business communication, collective blind spots often arise when educators, institutions, or even students overlook critical aspects of the discipline. These blind spots may persist because of outdated assumptions, resistance to change, or a failure to recognize emerging trends. Identifying […]