This document provides an overview of business writing, including its purpose, types, and best practices. Business writing aims to communicate information to specific audiences concisely and clearly. There are four main types of business communication: results-oriented, informative, negative, and persuasive. To write effectively, one should understand the purpose of the document and the needs of the audience, and structure the writing in a logical, organized manner. Key tips include keeping the writing simple, proofreading thoroughly, and focusing on the reader's perspective and desired outcome.
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How To Write A Resume/CV - Resume Writing TipsResumonk
Best tips on how to write a winning resume - ideal length of resume, choosing a resume format, resume design and formatting, best font for resume, customizing your resume, using resume keywords and more.
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For more resume writing tips, visit - www.resumonk.com/resume-builder/resume-writing-tips/page-1
GarrettCommunication Strategy Worksheet Stage One Planni.docxbudbarber38650
Garrett
Communication Strategy Worksheet
Stage One: Planning a Message
Audience
Describe them.
Purpose
Why?
Focus
Narrow your possibilities.
Emotion
What emotion is the audience’s take away?
Format
Written: letter, email, memo, etc.? Verbal: face-to-face, phone, etc.?
Approach
Direct or Indirect
Introduction
Purpose statement/preview statement/scope/attention getting statement
Body
List the points you need to make, then group/rank them in paragraph order.
Conclusion
Close it how.
Visuals
More than narration. Brain is 30% to visual processing.
I want the job. Thesis statement & set up points 1, 2, 3.
Topic sentence. Supporting evidence.
Topic sentence. Supporting evidence.
Topic sentence. Supporting evidence.
I request an interview. You may reach me at….
Basic Application Letter Construct
5 Paragraph Letter Format
While there are multiple ways to approach writing an application letter, we focus on this construct and I expect your work to be in the 5 paragraph construct.
You need an introduction that states you want the job. You need a body that describes how you have the ‘things’ they require and conclude with asking for an interview and offering your contact information. The next three slides offer more details on the sections.
1
Introduction –
State you’re apply for the job
If possible state some-kind-of connection to the organization
State a summary sentence (thesis)
Spark interest. Create curiosity.
Audience-centered attitude
Application Letter Construct
The introduction of an application letter is as important as all other first impressions. Remember, they are feeling you as they read, so create the experience through your words that you want them to have.
In the intro,
Be direct (remember that means telling upfront what you want – your purpose). State the job and your interest. Saying what you want in an assertive manner demonstrates confidence.
If you have a connection with that organization, talk about that, but be every-so-brief.
State a summary sentence – All communications need a thesis statement. And in that thesis statement inform the reader regarding specific focus – preview the 3 items you will detail in the body.
Create curiosity. Build their interest in you in the way you language.
Remember, once again, I tell you – be audience-centered. It’s about your contribution, not you.
Oh, and, this paragraph is NOT to be the longest one on the page. Typically it the second smallest with the conclusion being the smallest.
2
Application Letter Construct
Body
Choose your points by studying the advertisement and selecting the top three requirements. Write to how you have these three.
Be thinking:
How do I set myself apart?
The key to getting called for an interview is in the connection you make in your letter. The winning strategy is to understand your potential employer’s top 3 qualification requirements and write to those items. Here’s how.
Study their .
Sharon Stephan\'s presentation resumes, cover letters and interview etiquette. Stephan is an associate vice president of communications and marketing in the office of the vice president for university affairs at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
2. What is Business Writing?
Business writing addresses the needs of specific
audiences and has prose and lists for a particular
topic that concerns business.
Types – Emails, letters, memos, proposals, reports,
presentations.
Although these are different forms of communication,
they share similar writing styles.
You have to aim to be concise, clear, simple,
organized and to convey information in an effective
way.
3. Types of Business Writing
There are four types of business communication:
Results-oriented
Informative
Negative
Persuasive
4. How to identify the type of
business communication?
Result-oriented – requires quick and specific actions;
example is a memo
Note: This needs to be motivational and positive to
produce great results.
Informative – needs to be clear and concise to avoid
misinterpretation; examples include emails, help
manuals, etc.
Negative – needs to be carefully planned, empathetic
and clear; examples include layoff emails
Persuasive – needs to be positive, interesting and
convincing; examples include proposals and business
plans
5. Business Writing Do’s
Understand the purpose
Understand your audience
Carefully plan and structure your writing
Keep it simple and brief to communicate effectively
Proofread at least twice before submissions
State your purpose in the first sentence.
Keep your reader’s needs and interests in mind.
Always try to end your writing with a “call to action.”
6. How to define the purpose?
Ask these questions. Is your purpose:
to inform
to persuade
to argue
to invite
to confirm information
to make an inquiry
to ask for approval
to reject or approve
to propose or suggest
7. How to understand your
audience?
Ask these questions:
Why does the reader care?
How does the reader benefit?
What should the reader do?
When should the reader do it?
What happens if the reader does take action?
What happens if the reader doesn’t take action?
Who else will benefit? Why?
Where does the reader go for more information?
8. How to write more
effectively?
If you are sending an external communication to a
company, determine its vision, its mission, its
accomplishments and goals. Your writing should reflect
these.
How to do it?
Gather these data using the company’s website, social
media networks, and other corporate paraphernalia.
Take a look at the company’s communication style through
its public documents and press releases.
If you are sending a proposal to an individual, know
his/her preferences, pain, problem or wants. If you can
address one or two of them (sales, marketing, proposal,
etc.), it will make your writing more memorable.
9. Effective Communication
Checklist
After completing your writing, go through this checklist:
Does your communication proceed in a logical and
organized way, moving from general to specific
information?
Is information arranged in order of importance to your
audience?
Is similar information kept together?
Is each section organized around only one main idea?
Do key sentences begin each paragraph?
Have you eliminated unnecessary and/or obvious
information to your audience?
10. A few sentence framing tips …
Turn nouns to verbs
Example: Instead of “We would like to make a
recommendation that…”, say “We recommend that…”
Refrain from using third person pronouns and use first-
second person instead, as appropriate.
Example: Instead of “It is imperative that we examine this …”,
use “We examine …”
Avoid using fancy terms
Example: Instead of ‘utilize’, say ‘use’
Use active voice
The President makes mistakes. (Active – clear, precise,
action-oriented)
Mistakes were made. (Passive – very vague, drab, boring)
11. A few sentence framing tips …
Keep your tone confident, sincere and courteous.
Example: Instead of saying “You must agree that I am
qualified for the position,” write “My qualifications in the
areas of accounting and customer service meet your job
requirements.”
Use parallelism wherever possible
Example: If a series of items starts with a verb, the rest of
the lines should start with a verb as well - “duties: analyze
data; call clients; write reports”