EFFECTIVE BUSINESS WRITING

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW TO IMPROVE YOUR

The ingredients for succesful writing are…

a strong reader focus a strong organizational pattern a clear, concise writing style attention to grammar and spelling a tone that is appropriate for the reader

and the message a visually appealing presentation

Write to your readers …

Answer their questions

Be brief and concise

Go straight to the point How?

Following the six step process…

getting started

headlines/sequencing

writing the draft

designing for visual impact

honing the tone proofreading

Planning

Drafting

Formatting Editing

Proofreading

Keep it clear!Today’s business communications require a style of

writing that is concise, clear and easy to use.

choose simple words

use connectors

avoid clichés

use Plain English

use strong verbs

prefer active language

write short sentences

write short paragraphs

Grammar, spellingand punctuation

Put all the pieces together …

Check …

modifierspronounsnouns, adjectives, adverbspluralscomparatives, superlativesverb tensesagreement subject <>verbcapital lettersperiod, commas, dashesapostrophe

and more …

modifierspronounsnouns, adjectives, adverbspluralscomparatives, superlativesverb tensesagreement subject <>verbcapital lettersperiod, commas, dashesapostrophe

and more …

Choose the right tone

formal neutral

courteous

polite

informal

Looks are important!The effectiveness of your words depends on the way your message

looks.

white spaces

margins

font type and size

sentence and paragraph lenghts

justification

capital letters, boldface and italics

bullets, numbers and sidelines

tables and charts

Write on!

Are you ready?