Business Writing Basics
Communication:
2A
giving or exchanging of information, signals, or messages as by talk, gestures, or writing The art of expressing ideas, especially in speech and writing
Webster’s New World Dictionary, 3rd ed.
5
Communication:
Communication influences thoughts, feelings, and actions. Information merely informs Use the 80/20 Rule
80% Communication
20%
Clear
Clarify what it is you intend before writing
Clear
Clearly state your intent in the lead
Clear
One topic per communication
Clear
Provide supporting detail
Edit!
Less is more, in many cases
Strong thesis
If everything else is cut, will your message still be clear?
Make points briefly
Don’t get hung on an issue
Correct
Check the facts
Correct
Do not rely on spell check
Correct
Do not rush
Correct
Dictionaries and thesauruses are the writer’s friends