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Much business writing includes difficult or archaic business vocabulary and phrases people do not use in everyday speaking, such as “cognizant” instead of “aware,” “initiate” instead of “begin,” and “endeavor” instead of “try.” Some writers feel business writing with difficult or archaic words is more businesslike and shows the writer’s intelligence. Using common, everyday words feels to some writers like it’s dumbing down the writing and patronizing the reader. However, research* by Daniel M. Openheimer […]
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Definition of active voice English verbs have two voices: active voice and passive voice. It is important to know the difference between active and passive voice. In active voice, the person acting is clear: “The manager wrote the report yesterday.” The person acting is the manager. In passive voice, the person acting isn’t specified: “The report was written yesterday.” It could have been written by the secretary, the manager, or Albert Einstein—we don’t know. The […]
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What many business writers refer to as “business vocabulary” contains difficult or archaic words and phrases people do not use in everyday speaking, such as “cognizant” instead of “aware,” “initiate” instead of “begin,” and “endeavor” instead of “try.” The writers feel using difficult or archaic words makes their business writing seem more professional and shows the writer’s intelligence. Using common, everyday words in business writing feels to these writers like it’s dumbing down the writing […]
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This article explains how to write a letter containing bad news or an apology. These are letters containing some bad news that likely will not be received well by the reader, or they contain an apology for some issue. Don’t try to soften the bad news by leaving out important messages or consequences, even if they are negative. Instead, create the letter so you present it in the most positive light that is warranted, considering […]
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The salutation is your handshake with the reader. You want it to be firm, confident, and friendly, not wimpy and moist. The salutation sets the tone for your letter or email. This article will help you learn to write salutations that will give the reader the feeling he or she wants to hear what you have to say. What to Write in a Salutation Begin letters and emails with a salutation. Don’t use just the […]
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An example business memo follows. Below the memo is a description of the specifications followed in the memo. Memo To: Managers in Dallas From: Alexis Davenport Date: June 15,2020 Subject: The new financial stewardship initiative After our very fruitful meeting on Friday, I am going to follow the advice of the consultants and you, the management team. We will begin the new financial stewardship program. This memo briefly explains the plans for beginning the program. […]
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An example business letter follows. Below the letter is a description of the specifications followed in the letter. June 15, 2020 Ref: File 10384 Mr. Jeremy Frazier, President Traymore Associates, Inc. 4834 Allison Street Champaign, IL 61820 Dear Mr. Frazier: Subject: Your question about our corduroy fabric I am Linda Benson, account representative for Arnston Fabrics. We received your questions about the weave of our corduroy products. I am happy to explain the weave to […]
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The Writing Online Copy for Webpages course teaches the skills required for writing webpages that promote products and services. If you are interested in writing webpages that are interesting and informative, but do not sell products or services, the course BWC427 Writing Informative Websites will be better for you. This course on writing websites uses two of the foremost textbook available today to provide tips on writing websites. You will write website advertising copy using […]
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We know the best business writing practices business people are using that have an impact on readers. Since 1997, the Business Writing Center has provided business writing courses to business writers from over 7,000 companies around the world. This series of articles describes the 21 best practices for business writing. Business Writing Best Practice 1 Decide what you want the reader to know, believe, or do. For your business writing to have the impact you […]
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The Business Writing Center’s highly trained instructors with backgrounds in higher education teach the latest best practices that we know enable business writers to write documents that are clear and have impact.
