Corporate Document Critique

 

http://newsroom.hrblock.com/prepare-tax-returns-now-with-enhanced-hr-block-at-home/

 

In this post, I will be critiquing a corporate document and its elements.  I have decided to use a corporate statement from H&R Block regarding their Enhanced H&R Block At Home software.  The form of this article is electronic media and it speaks of the benefits of their enhanced software: quicker refunds, the new My H&R Block Account and the ability to file a return “on-the-go” via smartphone or iPad.  It appears that the intended audience is meant to be both current and future clients of the company.  However, with the benefits they have highlighted, it appears that the article speaks to more of a younger crowd.  For example, many older people would likely have issues with filing a tax return on their smartphone or iPad. 

This article uses the direct approach.  In the opening paragraph, it discusses the issue of the tax season being delayed as the IRS had announced; however, with H&R Block’s up-to-date software, taxpayers can begin their tax returns now.  The main idea is that other tax companies and even the IRS are having issues that delay processes, but as evidence it states that using this enhanced software allows the quickest refund avenue and has the added benefits listed in the rest of the article.

The scope of this article is well thought out.  It lists the right amount of benefits for this service without overwhelming a reader.  If an article becomes too long, readers tend to lose interest and move on to the next item to catch their attention.  The detail level is also well conceived.  Each benefit listed is described in a way that most people would understand.  It is not too complicated and may give the impression to a reader that their software ease-of-use may be in a similar fashion.  The range of information presented is just enough to lure a client into seeking more details or even making the decision to use the software.

The writing itself is well done.  As I mentioned before, it is not complicated and does not take too much time out of one’s day.  Bolding each main point helps draw your eye to each piece of evidence.  Also, including the information regarding a $100,000 Facebook contest may entice more people to read the article in its entirety. 

One aspect that I would add to this article is for those who may not be comfortable doing their own taxes even after reading this article.  At the end, I would remind readers that they can still come into any H&R Block office and receive many of these benefits in a personal appointment with a Tax Professional.

Meet Elisha!

Hello everyone!

My name is Elisha Samuel.  I am 27 and classified as a returning adult student at Wichita State University.  I love many different types of music and I am an avid reader.  I grew up in Joplin, Missouri and started college straight out of high school at Pittsburg State University.  I was pursuing a degree in Music Education originally; however, due to many different issues, I discontinued studies after just two years.  For the past seven years I have worked several different jobs and relocated here to Wichita, KS.  I now work at the NIAR Metrology Lab at Beechcraft.  The metrology lab calibrates test instruments for several different companies, including Beechcraft.  My position is Equipment Processor.  This position checks in new equipment from customers, amongst other things.  My current degree path is in Accounting.  I plan on continuing my education after my Bachelor’s degree so that I can sit for the CPA exam.  I have not yet decided if I want to go into the Tax or Audit field.

Over the years, I have worked several different jobs in customer service.  These have all required several different types of communication: oral, written, and electronic.  Currently I use electronic channels most often to communicate with customers and coworkers.  I use Outlook to notify customers when their parts are available for pickup.  When speaking with customers via telephone or in person, I do use a different, “professional”, tone.  I always try to speak and write as clearly as possible and stay away from terms with which outsiders my not be familiar.

Our English professor asked if we had heard of the term “audience-centered approach”.  I had not but I have put the idea to work in the past.  I always take into consideration who I am communicating with.  Each person has a different range of knowledge about any subject and being more detailed is not always necessary depending upon my audience.  As far as etiquette is concerned, I am more laid back with my coworkers and enjoy a less formal tone with them, but with customers I am formal and communicate based upon my personal relationship with them.  Working with the public requires cross-cultural interaction of all sorts.  One example is dealing with people who do not speak English very well.  This requires patience and respect for others.  It can be very trying not to understand someone but as long as you are willing to be professional, you can work out some way to understand one another.  If they have to repeat themselves multiple times, it is important to not make them feel inferior in any way and give them your full attention.  This has always helped me out in these situations.

In my English 210 class I am interested in learning more about grants and proposals later on in the semester.   These items have always struck me as a daunting task but they are sometimes necessary and very helpful for a business.