1. Agenda Correctness: usage that affects your message
To be or not to be … concise
Punctuation quiz
Peer review of drafts
Informative writing exercise

2. Usage that affects your message
Punctuation: know the rules and know what’s changing
Sentence length and complexity: business writing sentences are usually words; simple sentences are preferred
Word choice: choose specific, concrete words that are appropriately formal and positive
Matching modifiers
Degree of intensity and abstraction

3. Usage: Matching modifiers
At the beginning of a sentence:
In the boiling water, the chef stirred the pot….
What is in the water???
In writing this cover letter, GM should keep in mind….
Who is writing the letter???
At the end of a sentence:
Wanted: Desk for lady with thick legs…
What has thick legs???
Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years at Checkout Counter
Where were they for 18 years???

4. Usage: Degree of intensity
Refer to handout p. 10
Examples:
Less forceful: might, may could, etc.
More forceful: can, should, must, will, shall, etc.
Uses:
Less forceful:
More forceful:

5. Usage: Level of abstraction
Refer to handout p. 12
Examples:
More abstract: wealth, assets, farm assets, etc.
Less abstract: livestock, cow, Bessie, etc.
Uses:
More abstract:
Less abstract:

6. Conciseness: Soft vs. hard verbs
Refer to handout pp. 1-3
Examples:
Soft: give consideration, hold a meeting, make an offer, conduct a discussion, etc.
Hard: consider, meet, offer, discuss, etc.
Uses:
Soft:
Hard:

7. Conciseness: Long vs. short
Refer to handout p. 6
Examples:
Long: in order to, for the purpose of, over the course of the past twelve months, hold a meeting, etc.
Short: to, during the last year, meet etc.
Uses:
Long:
Short:

8. Conciseness: Absolute vs. qualified
Refer to handout pp. 8-9
Examples:
Absolute: will, is, shall, etc.
Qualified: could, has been, may, etc.
Uses:
Absolute:
Qualified:

9. Punctuation quiz
Do not use notes or the textbook in completing the quiz
Do not cross out words or add words to the sentences
Each numbered set of words contains at least one sentence
You have 5 minutes

10. Peer review: informative
As you review your partner’s memo, please look especially at the following areas:
How clear and direct is the organization ?
How sufficient are the details provided? (What questions do you have?)
How consistently is the memo written with all the readers’ needs in mind?

11. Assignment Refer to Ch. 8 in ECB
Complete the final draft of the Informative Memo (due 1/23)