Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western Basic Letter & Memo Writing Fifth Edition Chapter 1: Effective Communication
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western Effective Communication Meets the organization’s goals Satisfies the recipient’s need Gives you information you require Helps builds good relationships Is essential for success at work
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western Keys to Effective Communication Desire Persistent effort Wise choices Knowledge Seeing it through
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western Choosing a Medium Anticipated response of recipient Sensitivity of the situation Speed required Complexity of information Need for documentation Status and accessibility of recipient Costs
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western Technology for Communication most used and abused Software suites Online reference tools Shared location or database for files Intranets: company-owned networks Internet
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western What Determines Cost Who produces the document How the document is produced How many copies are produced How the document is distributed
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western Basic Writing Skills Clear, accurate, concise writing Appropriate language Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western Advanced Skills Critical thinking Analytical skills Reading skills Interpersonal skills Research skills Information management skills
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western Style People prefer different styles Formality matters Style should be appropriate to the situation Adapt your style to the reader’s needs
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western The Process of Writing Using a free-form approach –Put down thoughts, organize thoughts & add substance for first draft, revise, edit, & proofread draft Using a structured approach –Plan a message, collect & organize information, prepare a detailed outline, write a draft, review it & then revise
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western –Using combined approach Planning, having at least mental outline, preparing draft, revising draft, editing & proofreading Use a style that works best for you
Copyright 2005 Thomson/South-Western Good Writers Want to write well Develop related skills Revise and edit as needed Work hard to be better writers