Home - Business - CommunicationWhat Is Your Writing Goal? Is It To Communicate?When we work to keep our writing short and sweet, closer to how we talk, the message gets across much faster. Today's business writing style is less formal and far better. Related Writings: Two Way Radio Joins The Communication Party - Whatever industry you work in, talk of communication or more importantly a lack of communication is never far away from the mouths of management and workers. This article looks at how modern two way radio is being used to enhance communication at work. Clarity and brevity must take priority in our fast-paced, information-overloaded world. Remember the old days when people wrote to impress others rather than to communicate with them? Many writers used formal language and multi-syllable words that no one ever said out loud, like "notwithstanding" and "heretofore". Now only Lawyers talk like that. Here are five tips for better business writing: 1. Write below the 8th-grade level. Some writers worry that this may insult the intelligence of their readers. But in reality, no one ever complains that something is too easy to understand! Studies show that writing below the 8th-grade level achieves the best results. It's not that your readers are dumb; they just don't have time to process complicated messages. Related Writings: Virtual Networking To Keep You Connected When You Are Not Able To Meet In Person - When family challenges make it necessary to alter your schedule drastically, it's important for you to have an alternative plan to keep your business growing and thriving. Note--Here's how to check the readability of your writing when using MS Word: Under "Tools" click "Options" and then "Spelling & Grammar." Select the "Check grammar with spelling" box and the "Show readability statistics" box then click "OK." The next time you complete a spell check, it will display information about the reading level. If the "Flesch-Kincaid grade level" is above 8, edit your document to make it easier to understand. Related Writings: Public Speakers- Your dose of motivation - Business Speaker A business speaker is an individual who is responsible for exhibiting issues of primary interest amongst a group of people. In the business arena, considering the management of the business, the services of a motivational business speaker can significantly enhance the overall effectiveness... 2. Get to the point immediately. As a general rule, state the reason for your correspondence in the first sentence. Good: "We've already filled the position for which you applied." Bad: "We wish to thank you for inquiring about employment opportunities at Joe's Networking, Inc. We are an equal-opportunity employer and are always looking for talented individuals to join our team. Your experience and educational background are truly impressive. Unfortunately, the position for which you applied has already been filled and we are therefore no longer accepting applications." Related Writings: Cultural Differences And International Business Communication - In the international scene, knowing and identifying cultural differences can make a big difference between successful business negotiations and mortifying rejections. International business communication plays a major role in this, as knowing how to communicate through their point of view is a great advantage.... 3. Get active (use active voice, not passive). It not only burns more calories, it clarifies your writing and gives it more impact! Good: "We like your ideas and will implement them by the end of the year." Bad: "The ideas you proposed have been reviewed and found to be acceptable and appropriate. An implementation schedule has been developed with the goal of being completed by the end of the year." Related Writings: Top 7 Ways To Become An Effective Writer - Everyone is capable of producing effective writing. Unfortunately, laziness, lack of confidence, poor time management and/or lack of experience can be barriers that prevent effective writing from happening. Here are 7 tips to guide you to effective writing. 4. Use fewer words. People are busy; be brief! Good: "We will not tolerate sexual harassment. Please read the attached policy. Call Mr. Write if you have questions." Bad: "This is to inform all employees that sexual harassment of any kind will not be tolerated under any circumstances by this organization. Be advised that, in order to clarify the company position on this subject, the attached policy has been developed and provided for your reference. Your cooperation in this important matter is appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Wright if he can be of further assistance or provide you with additional information about this issue." Related Writings: How You Can Overcome Your Fear Of Public Speaking - Do you fear public speaking? Most people do, but it is not something that cannot be overcome.Try out the tips provided in this article. 5. Include a clear call to action. If you are writing for a purpose other than to inform, tell your readers exactly what you want them to do. Good: "Please sign the attached form in Block 10 and return it to me by May 1st." Bad: "It is our desire to receive an indication of your concurrence as soon as possible." Here's a bonus tip: 6. Do not repeat numbers. Spelling out numbers and then repeating them as digits within parentheses is redundant and unnecessary. Use this basic rule: less than 10 or beginning a sentence, spell it out; more than 10, use digits. Do NOT do both! Related Writings: Storytelling and professional speaker - Storytelling and professional speaker Peoples mind is something that can remember anything for the entire life or something that they can just forget within a minute. People can generally remember the things he or she likes mostly than any other creation of the planet. For example, when someone says “I love... Good: "We collected 13 samples." Bad: "Thirteen (13) samples were collected." It is recommended that individuals who prepare written business correspondence follow a format and style similar to that of their verbal communications. Umm, I mean, write like you talk. About the author: Saleem Rana would love to share his inspiring ideas His book Never Ever Give Up tells you how. It is offered at no cost as a way to help YOU succeed. The Empowered Soul Home - Business - Communication |