Business Writing Basics

Communication: 2 A giving or exchanging of information, signals, or messages as by talk, gestures, or writing 5 The art of expressing ideas, especially in speech and writing Webster’s New World Dictionary, 3rd ed.

Communication: Communication influences thoughts, feelings, and actions. Information merely informs Use the 80/20 Rule

80% Communication

20%

Clarify what it is you intend before writing Clear Clarify what it is you intend before writing

Clearly state your intent in the lead

One topic per communication Clear One topic per communication

Provide supporting detail Clear Provide supporting detail

Less is more, in many cases Edit! Less is more, in many cases

If everything else is cut, will your message still be clear? Strong thesis If everything else is cut, will your message still be clear?

Don’t get hung on an issue Make points briefly Don’t get hung on an issue

Correct Check the facts

Do not rely on spell check Correct Do not rely on spell check

Correct Do not rush

Dictionaries and thesauruses are the writer’s friends Correct Dictionaries and thesauruses are the writer’s friends