Business writing tips

A number of writers focus a lot on their articles, books, poems and other written documents but never bother to learn how to communicate in the business world. It is the easiest way to chuck money out the window.

Writing is a business. If you are going to use your words to build a career or use it as a form of marketing then you should know some basic business writing tips

Use short sentences. You want to be as concise as possible

Use an Active voice. Active voice is more direct which is a must for business writing

Use short paragraphs. One idea for each paragraph

When writing a business letter, consider a friendly opening and then a statement of the main point in the first paragraph. The next paragraph should begin justifying the importance of the main point. In the next few paragraphs, continue justification with background information and supporting details. The closing paragraph should restate the purpose of the letter and, in some cases, request some type of action.

Avoid sounding cliché. It doesn’t make you sound professional.

Use plenty of anecdotes and quotations. Don't be afraid to use them.

Parallelism Creates Power. Organize thoughts in parallel and use parallel construction to state them: "Our company locates oil deposits, refines petroleum products, and sells gasoline."

Do not use mixed metaphors writing for business, they just confuse the reader

Eliminate the use adjectives and adverbs. These types of words do not make for a convincing business document

Show, don't tell. Follow a generalization with an example. When explaining a complex process, use everyday analogies.

Determine the appropriate tone for your message. Ask yourself:

• Why am I writing this document?
  
• Who am I writing to and what do I want them to understand?
  
• What kind of tone should I use?

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when considering what kind of tone to use in your letters and how to present information in that tone:

• Be confident.
  
• Be courteous and sincere.
  
• Use appropriate emphasis and subordination.
  
• Use non-discriminatory language.
  
• Stress the benefits for the reader.
  
• Write at an appropriate level of difficulty.
  

To further your business writing skills checkout “Easy Writing: A Practical Guide for Business Professionals" By George Kirazian at http://tinyurl.com/34jghl/

Reference

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/pw/

http://www1.esc.edu/personalfac/hshapiro/writing_program/students/reference/main/commandments.htm