1. MKTG – 4.01 – B Written Communication Created By: Susi Price Dixon High School

2. Why is it important? Writing skills are important for effective communication within a business and between businesses. Written documentation is important and is often required in the workplace. For example, the marketing manager for Hardee’s sends an email to all local store managers with a statement about the new Pork Chop Biscuit. All associates are to greet customers with “Welcome to Hardee’s. Would you like to try our new Pork Chop Biscuit?” Spelling, grammar, and sentence structure is critical in written communication.

3. Forms of Written Communication Business Letters Email Memorandum Business Reports Company Publications

4. Business Letters Formal method to communicate with people outside a business. For example, a person interested in working for Bank of America may write a letter of inquiry to the Director of Human Resources.

5. Email Fast, informal communication inside or outside a business. For example, an office manager may email all employees to remind them about a staff meeting the next morning. Many companies have established an email policy due to the popularity of this form of communication. Although business emails are considered informal, it is an official document and remains the property of the business.

6. Memos Memorandum or memos: Brief written messages used within a business. For example, Karen sends a memo outlining new filing procedures in her dental office. The standard memo includes who the memo is to, who the message is from, date, and subject. In many businesses, email has replaced memos.

7. Business Reports Typically lengthy formal documents covering a variety of topics. For example, Nike, Inc. prepares an annual report for all of the company stockholders to show gains and losses for each quarter of the previous year.

8. Company Publications Graphically designed materials produced for internal or external uses. A local Chamber of Commerce produces a monthly newsletter and sends it to all of its members.

9. Reading Skills Essential to obtain a job and are used daily in all occupations. Techniques to improve reading comprehension include: Having a purpose. Ex: ask the question, “How will reading this help me?” Scanning the material. Ex: look at headings and pictures to get a framework for the details. Focusing on the material. Ex: make connections and form mental pictures to aid understanding and remembering.