Effective Business Writing

by Craig Shrives

How to Write Effectively for Business

Business writing is writing to get something done. Stories and poems are not examples of business writing. They are self-contained. You read a story to understand the story. You read a poem to enjoy the poem. That's not the point of business writing. Business writing is about getting things done and doing it better than the competition.

In business writing, misplaced words, grammar errors, and haphazard formatting all undermine your effectiveness. However, the right text length, the right word choice, a suitable layout, and a touch of flair can boost your business significantly.

Your Choice of Words

• Using bullet points and parallel lists
• Writing simplistically
• Writing how you speak (natural language)
• Avoiding jargon
• Avoiding empty words
• Avoiding tautology and redundancy
• Avoiding ambiguity
• Asking people to do things for you
• Improving your standing through moderation, modesty, and evidence
• Employing moderation to reprimand
• Using brainstorming to find the right words
• Using literary variance (diverse word choice) correctly

Your Document Format

• Planning your business document
• Formatting titles and paragraphs

Your Grammar and Credibility

• Checking your grammar

Your Flair

• Using flair in business writing
• Using metaphors and similes
• Using non-sentences (sentence fragments)
• Using deliberate repetition
• Using alliteration and rhythm

See Also