BUSINESS COMMUNICATION ENGB213 Unit 14 Notices, advertisements and leaflets

Overview Notices Designing Notices Advertisements Types of Advertisement Writing Style Leaflets Designing Leaflets

Notices

Notices Notices are around us everywhere we go – in supermarkets, shopping centres, bus stations, cinemas, etc. Most organisations have notice boards posted around the offices which are used to bring special items to the attention of all staff. Notice boards may be sectioned according to different topics, e.g policy matters, health and safety, staff announcements.

Notices It is a good idea to nominate one person to be in charge of each notice board. This person should be responsible for: removing obsolete notices sectioning notices under appropriate headings where possible removing ‘dead’ notices (but retaining them for a short while in case of queries) keeping the notice board tidy and clean

Notices Purposes of Notices Announce social events Report on matters of interest to staff Inform staff of new procedures Advertise posts for internal appointment Remind staff of company procedures

Designing Notices When designing a notice your aim must be to ensure that your notice is seen and acted upon where necessary. Long, rambling paragraphs will not achieve this aim. Bear in mind these guidelines: give the note a clear heading use different size print for emphasis use sub-headings to break up main information logically use asterisks/ bullet points to display points on separate lines use the paper effectively to display the notice attractively include the name of the writer at the bottom as well as a reference and date

Designing Notices – example of effective notice 1

Designing Notices- example of effective notice 2

Designing Notices – example of effective notice 3

Advertisements Many companies advertise in newspapers, magazines or trade journals so as to reach out to a wide, and sometimes specific, market. to advertise vacant posts to promote products or services to announce special events or functions to publicise changes in the organisation The classified sections of newspapers categorise advertisements according to subject so that you can find any section quickly.

Advertisements

Types of Advertisement There are two kinds of advertisements : the small ad or line advertisement the display ad

Types of Advertisement 1. Small ads or line ads In these ads the information is run on from line to line, often using the same font, with no special layout. Charges are made by the line and there is normally a minimum charge for three or four lines. Lots of small ads appear in a relatively small space, so you must try to use an opening which will catch the reader’s attention.

Types of Advertisement - Small ads or line ads

Types of Advertisement 2. Display adverts Display advertisements may incorporate a variety of font styles and sizes. Artwork or colour may be included. Charges will be based on the number of column centimetres, often with a minimum size. Information can be displayed within the advertisement to attract special attention to specific points.

Types of Advertisement - Display adverts

Writing Style When asked to compile an advertisement you must be able to pick out the main points or features of whatever being advertised and then put them over in an interesting, attractive way. It is essential to aim for your advertisement to be ‘seen’ when it stands next to lots of other advertisements.

Attention – must attract reader’s attention Writing Style Attention – must attract reader’s attention Interest – get the reader’s interest by mentioning something that will appeal to them Desire – arouse the reader’s desire to buy, to attend a function, to find out more, or to contact the writer Action – make the audience want to do something as a result of reading the ad.

Writing Style You will achieve these ‘AIDA’ objectives if you follow these guidelines: Use a company logo, prominently displayed Compose a catchy headline and display it prominently Use spacing to advantage, giving special items prominence Categorise the information using sub-headings, bullet points Clearly state the action you want the reader to take Make your advertisement eye-catching Aim for the ad to stand out from all the others around it

Writing Style – an effective advertisement

Leaflets Most organisations produce leaflets or brochures for any number of reasons: to publicise goods or services to promote special events and promotions to give information of any kind Such leaflets may take the form of a single page, so they could be designed as a folded document – A4 size could be folded once or twice to make a four- page or six-page leaflet.

Leaflet - example

Designing Leaflets Some guidelines to consider when designing leaflets: Use a company logo, prominently displayed. Use an appropriate heading that clearly states what the leaflet is about. Consider carefully the information needs to be included in the main body. Break it up according to different aspects of the main theme. Use sub-headings and bullet points where possible. Use straightforward, simple language and short sentences.

Designing Leaflets Be as persuasive as possible, making everything sounds interesting and beneficial. Use everyday language instead of technical jargon. Aim for an effective and attractive display which uses space to advantage. If you want a response, give full details – what to do, who to contact, telephone number, etc. If a portion is to be completed, refer to Unit 15 on form design.

Designing Leaflets – an example

Designing Leaflets – example of effective leaflet

Designing Leaflets – example of effective leaflet