Business Writing Basics

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Business Writing Basics
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Communication
2 A giving or exchanging of information, signals,
or messages as by talk, gestures, or writing
5 The art of expressing ideas, especially in
speech and writing
Websters New World Dictionary, 3rd ed.
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Communication
Communication influences thoughts, feelings, and
actions.
Information merely informs
Use the 80/20 Rule
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80 Communication
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20
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Clear
Clarify what it is you intend before writing
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Clear
Clearly state your intent in the lead
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Clear
One topic per communication
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Clear
Provide supporting detail
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Edit!
Less is more, in many cases
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Strong thesis
If everything else is cut, will your message
still be clear?
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Make points briefly
Dont get hung on an issue
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Correct
Check the facts
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Correct
Do not rely on spell check
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Correct
Do not rush
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Correct
Dictionaries and thesauruses are the writers
friends