Nowadays, letters, reports and emails are vital components of business practice. Communication is increasingly global, but it's not any easier to understand or contribute to for non-fluent English speakers. There is increasing pressure to be able to produce effective documents for a business environment but little help out there to do so efficiently, resulting in wasted time and uncomfortable business communication.
This book provides a wealth of practical information for any person who aims to produce short, effective documents within the work environment. It offers sensible, valuable and helpful rules for producing effective short reports, memos, letters and e-mails that are clear, concise and easy to read for the busy manager or supervisor working in the demanding setting of modern industry or commerce.
But it goes further: not only are rules provided for the inexperienced business writer, but models are proposed which provide solutions for a whole host of business situations - providing help, support and encouragement for the many thousands of business writers who need to feel confident in their writing.
About the Author vi
Foreword by Dr. Clarence Emslie viii
Preface by Michael Doherty x
Introduction xii
What Does this Book Cover? xiv
Chapter 1 Business Writing Style 1
1. Keep your purpose, readers and content in mind 4
2. Keep your sentences short 5
3. Use positive language 7
4. Use linking words 9
5. Use simple, familiar words 13
6. Use the passive voice for specific reasons 18
7. Use bullet points and numbered lists correctly 20
8. Use tables and charts effectively 23
9. Use impersonal style when expressing opinions 29
10. Avoid outdated expressions 30
11. Avoid repetition 33
12. Avoid turning verbs into nouns 34
Chapter 2 Business Memos 37
1. Heading 40
2. Purpose 40
3. Body 41
4. Conclusion 42
5. Closing 42
6. Carbon copy "CC" 43
Common types of memos 45
1. To inform 45
2. To request 46
3. To instruct 47
4. To recommend 48
5. To respond 49
6. To complain 50
7. To remind 51
8. To show appreciation 52
Chapter 3 Business E-mails 55
1. Write a clear subject line 58
2. Use the "cc" button 60
3. Use the Out of Office Assistant 61
4. Use attachments for long documents 62
5. Keep your message short 63
6. Don't use e-mail for immediate action 63
7. Use spell check 64
8. Use courteous language 65
9. Provide an action statement when necessary 66
10. Identify yourself clearly 67
11. Do not overuse abbreviations 68
12. Do not use all capitals when typing 69
Chapter 4 Common Writing Errors 73
Chapter 5 Useful Business Phrases 97
1. Referring to a previous communication 100
2. Requests 102
3. Referring to a negative issue 103
4. Enclosing documents 105
5. Condolences 106
6. Congratulations 107
7. Apologies 109
8. Recommendations 111
9. Closing phrases 112
Chapter 6 Avoid Confusing Words 117
Chapter 7 Personal Business Documents 123
1. Employee request 126
2. Congratulations 138
3. Appreciation 139
References 145
Acknowledgements 148
Index 149
