Business Writing Basics

Communication:2 A giving or exchanging of information,

signals, or messages as by talk, gestures, or writing

5 The art of expressing ideas, especially in speech and writing

Webster’s New World Dictionary, 3rd ed.

Communication:Communication influences thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Information merely informs

Use the 80/20 Rule

80%Communication

20%

Clear

Clarify what it is you intend before writing

Clear

Clearly state your intent in the lead

Clear

One topic per communication

Clear

Provide supporting detail

Edit!Less is more, in many cases

Strong thesisIf everything else is cut, will your message still

be clear?

Make points brieflyDon’t get hung on an issue

Correct

Check the facts

Correct

Do not rely on spell check

Correct

Do not rush

Correct

Dictionaries and thesauruses are the writer’s friends