TD Bank Financial Group
Thom Hollis works as a financial advisor for TD Bank Financial Group. His job involves providing investment advice to many clients, in person or on the phone, and writing many letters and e-mails. He has an appointment tomorrow with Ji-Wan, a client, to review her personal investment portfolio. Before she comes in, Thom has to review her profile, decide what changes to suggest, and put together a proposed portfolio. He has a recent finance diploma, but because he is still relatively new to his job, he wants to collect as much information as he can on appropriate investments for her, so he decides to send an e-mail to Alyson, his manager, to see if she has any suggestions or advice. Besides preparing for his meeting with Ji-Wan, Thom has several other tasks he must work on.
-As he thinks about organizing his e-mail message to Alyson, Thom remembers reading in his business communications textbook about the benefits of using the direct pattern in a message. Which of the following benefits identified in the text might Thom be considering when he decides to use the direct pattern?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thom is likely considering the benefit of preventing reader frustration when using the direct pattern. The direct pattern starts with the main message and then provides supporting details, which can help ensure that the reader quickly understands the reason for Thom's message and can then focus on the details and suggestions he provides for Ji-Wan's investment portfolio. This can help prevent reader frustration from having to sift through unnecessary information or unclear messaging.