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Chapter 9b: Discussion Question & Activities

Discussion Questions for 9b

  1. How are sponsorships and endorsements similar? How do they differ from one another?
  2. What is a sponsorship request? How does it compare to other types of communication methods we have discussed?
  3. Where might you see a sponsorship request? For example, websites, social media, news outlets, etc.? Who creates them, and who puts them there?
  4. How did Coca Cola and WWF improve their brand image by sponsoring nonprofits with water crisis initiatives?
  5. Why is it crucial for companies, especially in the water sustainability sector, to handle sponsorship requests?
  6. What are the key components of an effective sponsorship request according to the formula presented in the chapter?
  7. What would make a sponsorship request ineffective?
  8. How do you think the format and medium of a sponsorship request would impact its effectiveness? For example, if it were a written statement, a pre-recorded video, or an in-person (live) announcement?
  9. How do sponsorship requests for crisis situations differ from regular requests, and why do they require different approaches?
  10. Can you think of a real example of a corporate sponsorship request? What made it effective or ineffective? If you don’t know of one, where do you think it would be possible to find example sponsorship requests?

 

 

Activity 1: Sponsorship Request Example Analysis

Objective: To analyze real-world examples of corporate sponsorship requests and evaluate their effectiveness using the sponsorship request formula.

Instructions:

  1. Select a Case Study:
    • Find a corporate sponsorship request example related to water sustainability.
    • Analyze the sponsorship request using the formula presented in the chapter.
    • Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the sponsorship request (organization, word choice, information provided, first and second sentence, etc.).
  2. Group Discussion:
    • Form small groups to discuss the findings from each example sponsorship request.
    • Compare and contrast the different cases and their outcomes.
  3. Presentation:
    • Present your analysis to the class, highlighting key lessons learned and best practices for effective sponsorship requests.

 

Activity 2: Sponsorship Request Development

Objective: To develop a comprehensive sponsorship request strategy for a hypothetical water sustainability project.

Instructions:

  1. Scenario Creation:
  2. Sponsorship Request Strategy Development:
    • Develop a detailed sponsorship request strategy for the scenario.
    • Outline the key messages to include, the method of delivery, and the timeline.
  3. Writing the Sponsorship Request:
    • Write the sponsorship request following the template in the chapter.
  4. Peer Review:
    • Trade your sponsorship request with another group and provide and receive feedback.
    • Justify the choices made and explain how the strategy adheres to the sponsorship request formula.
    • Discuss the potential effectiveness and any areas for improvement.

Realism and Relevance of the Sponsorship Request

Criteria Expectations Met Can Be Improved Needs Significant Improvement Comments
The sponsorship request is realistic and relevant to the context.
The sponsorship request addresses a significant issue or event.

Components of the Sponsorship Request

Criteria Expectations Met Can Be Improved Needs Significant Improvement Comments
The sponsorship request includes a clear introduction.
The project description contains detailed and relevant information.
The benefits to the sponsor are clearly outlined.
The call to action is clear and compelling.

Grammar and Mechanics

Criteria Expectations Met Can Be Improved Needs Significant Improvement Comments
The sponsorship request is free of grammatical errors.
The sponsorship request is free of spelling errors.
The sponsorship request follows proper punctuation and capitalization rules.

Professional and Informative Tone

Criteria Expectations Met Can Be Improved Needs Significant Improvement Comments
The tone is professional and suitable for a sponsorship request.
The content is informative and not overly promotional.
The sponsorship request maintains objectivity and clarity.

Clarity and Coherence

Criteria Expectations Met Can Be Improved Needs Significant Improvement Comments
The sponsorship request presents a clear and coherent message.
The flow of information is logical and easy to follow.
The sponsorship request effectively communicates the main points.

Constructive Feedback Provided to and Received from Peers

Criteria Expectations Met Can Be Improved Needs Significant Improvement Comments
Feedback provided to peers is detailed and constructive.
Feedback received from peers has been thoughtfully considered and incorporated into the final draft.
Specific strengths of the sponsorship request are identified and praised.
Specific areas for improvement are identified and suggestions are provided.

Overall Comments

Reviewer’s Name: ________________________________________ Date: ________________

 

Activity 3: Self-Reflection Questions on Peer Review

Objective: Give and receive feedback on sponsorship requests.

Instructions:

After receiving someone else’s feedback, write a paragraph (3-5 sentences) answering two or more of these questions:

  1. How did the process of drafting your sponsorship request help you understand the key components of an effective sponsorship request?
  2. After receiving peer feedback, what specific aspects of your sponsorship request did you improve? How did these changes enhance the overall effectiveness of your sponsorship request?
  3. Reflecting on the feedback you provided to and received from another, what did you learn about the common strengths and weaknesses in crafting business sponsorship requests?
  4. How did the peer review process influence your perception of the importance of corporate communication?
  5. What did you learn after reviewing someone else’s sponsorship request? What did you change? What feedback did you decide not to take into consideration and why?

Grading Rubric for the Sponsorship Request

Criteria 5 (Excellent) 4 (Very Good) 3 (Good) 2 (Fair) 1 (Poor)
Written Quality (Mechanics) The sponsorship request is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. The language is polished and professional. The sponsorship request has minor grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. The language is mostly polished and professional. The sponsorship request has a few noticeable errors but does not significantly hinder readability. The sponsorship request has several errors that affect readability and professionalism. The sponsorship request is riddled with errors, making it difficult to read and unprofessional.
Organization (Components are in order) The sponsorship request includes all necessary components (introduction, project description, benefits to sponsor, call to action) and is well-organized with a logical structure. The sponsorship request includes most necessary components and is fairly well-organized with minor structural issues. The sponsorship request includes some components but lacks a coherent structure. The sponsorship request is missing several key components and is poorly organized. The sponsorship request lacks most necessary components and is highly disorganized.
Tone (Authenticity, Politeness) The sponsorship request appears completely sincere and genuine. The tone is appropriate, respectful, and empathetic. The sponsorship request is mostly sincere and genuine. The tone is generally appropriate and respectful with minor lapses. The sponsorship request is somewhat sincere but has noticeable lapses in authenticity or appropriateness. The sponsorship request appears insincere or lacks appropriate tone in several areas. The sponsorship request is completely insincere and lacks respect and empathy.
Clarity and Coherence The sponsorship request demonstrates a clear and coherent message. The sponsorship request shows a good understanding of the impact. The sponsorship request demonstrates some understanding of the impact. The sponsorship request shows limited understanding of the impact. The sponsorship request shows no clear main idea or fails to address a clear main idea.

Overall Comments:

Total Score: __ / 20

 

Appendix I: Donate Water Request [1]

ABC Elementary PTO

111 Main Street, Anytown, ME 55555 • www.abcelementarypto.org • info@abcelementarypto.org

 

DATE

 

 

NAME

Organization

Address

City, State, ZIP

 

Dear NAME,

I am writing on behalf of the ABC Elementary PTO to request a donation of bottled water for our annual fun run scheduled for September 15. The pledges collected by students participating in the fun run will go toward the renovation of the ABC Elementary computer lab.

We will need 500 bottles of water for the event. We would greatly appreciate any donation you can make toward that amount. Should you make a donation, your business will be recognized in the school newsletter. We will also provide a donation receipt letter with the PTO’s tax exempt ID number for your records.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me at (555) 555-5555 or at EMAIL ADDRESS. On behalf of the students, parents, and faculty of ABC Elementary, thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Susie Smith

Silent Auction Chairwoman

ABC Elementary PTO

[1] Event Donation Request Letter. (n.d.). PTO Today. From https://www.ptotoday.com/filesharing/document/1842-event-donation-request-letter

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Communicating Environmental Sustainability in Business for Global Audiences Copyright © by Marie Moreno. All Rights Reserved.

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