Using Point Form in Business Communication

Parallel Structure organizes two or more RELATED items can be in a sentence (horizontal) can be in a list (vertical)

Horizontal Parallel Structure I have experience in sales and marketing. Admission is free for staff and $7:00 for guests. Parallel items should have similar grammar. Incorrect: Admission is free for staff and guests have to pay $7.00. Correct: price + for + people

Vertical Parallel Structure emphasizes and highlight important info provides a visual cue for readers can be used for three or more items Items should be related. should list items with the same grammar

Vertical Parallel Structure emphasizes and highlights important info provides a visual cue for readers can be used for three or more items should list items that are related should list items with the same grammar

Introductory Line We will have our annual staff party on October 16 th in the Imperial Room at the Royal York. free for staff $7.00 for guests $5.00 for members

Introductory Line You must use an introductory line. Admission is free for staff $7.00 for guests $5.00 for members

Introductory Line Use a colon if the introductory line is a complete clause (like a sentence). Here are the admission costs for this event: free for staff $7.00 for guests $5.00 for members

Convert to Vertical Lorne found that he could save the company money by billing each customer monthly, by decreasing overtime hours, and by assigning a code for long-distance calls.

Conversion to Vertical Lorne found three ways to save money: Bill customers monthly. Decrease overtime hours. Assign a code for long-distance calls.

Conversion to Vertical Lorne found three ways to save money: 1. Bill customers monthly. 2. Decrease overtime hours. 3. Assign a code for long-distance calls.

Punctuation & Capitals If each item in the list is a sentence use a capital and a period. Lorne found three ways to save money: Bill customers monthly. Decrease overtime hours. Assign a code for long-distance calls.

Punctuation & Capitals If each item in the list is a fragment, phrase or single word there is no capital and no period. Technical writing is required for many different types of projects such as user’s manuals catalogues annual reports

Correct? Here are the details. Starts at 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. dinner. Dance after dinner. Bar stops serving alcohol at 1:00. Taxis for trips within town limits.

Correct? Upon completion of this course, you will be able to Explain the different types of payroll processes. Distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of computerized payroll systems. Understand technical advances in computerized systems. Select the most appropriate method of payroll processing. Implement and maintain a new payroll package.

Correct? Safety tips if you are thinking of installing a pool: make sure your yard is fully fenced It is a good idea to fence in your pool and lock the gate. Never leave children unattended. No matter how well they can swim Alcohol and water don’t mix: be responsible