Writing That Works

"If language is not correct, then what is said is not what is meant; If what is said is not what is meant, Then what ought to be done remains undone." Clarity is key.

"If language is not correct, then what is said is not what is meant; If what is said is not what is meant, Then what ought to be done remains undone." Clarity is key. In business writing, the goal is effective communication – writing that works. To achieve this, avoid mumbling in your writing. Get straight to the point and express your thoughts clearly and directly. Use simple, down-to-earth language instead of jargon or unnecessarily complex words. Be precise and concise. Choose your words carefully, favoring short words over long ones when they mean the same thing. Use active verbs to add energy to your writing and make it more personal. Avoid vague adjectives and adverbs; instead, use specific, vivid language that paints a clear picture for your reader. Prefer short sentences and paragraphs Use simple words: "now" instead of "currently," "start" instead of "initiate" Choose active voice: "We recommend" instead of "It is recommended" Be specific: "Sales doubled to 560" instead of "Sales increased significantly"

"A clear structure helps your reader to remember your points. It also makes your memo easy to refer to." Organize your thoughts. Before you start writing, create an outline of your major points. This will help you structure your writing in a logical, easy-to-follow manner. Use your outline to signal the major points for your reader, employing numbered and underlined section headings to guide them through your document. Make your structure obvious. Start by telling the reader where you're going. For longer documents, provide an agenda or table of contents. Throughout your writing, refer back to this structure to keep your audience on track. End with a summary that recaps your main points and, if applicable, your conclusion or call to action. Use numbered and underlined headings for major sections Start with an overview or agenda for longer documents Employ topic sentences to introduce new ideas Conclude with a summary of key points and next steps

"E-mail is faceless and voiceless. The mood of the sender cannot be communicated by the inflection of a voice as on the telephone." Email etiquette. When writing emails, keep them short and to the point. Use clear, compelling subject lines to ensure your message gets read. Be mindful of tone, as email lacks the nuances of spoken communication. Consider using salutations and sign-offs to set the right tone and avoid misunderstandings. Memo and letter best practices. For memos and letters, use a clear title and address them to the person who must take action.…