Effective Business Writing

by Patrick Forsyth

Overview

Clear and distinctive written communications help project a favorable personal and corporate personality. "Effective Business Writing" will help readers formulate a systematic approach to writing that makes it easier and quicker to get the right words down, avoiding the dangers of bland and formulaic approaches.

It is important to adopt the right style, create a clear and appropriate structure, and select the method - letter, fax or email - that suits one's purpose. "Effective Business Writing" teaches how to do this. It covers the advantages and disadvantages of email and how to make it productive, as well as the approach to take when writing longer documents such as reports and proposals.

Every executive or manager who has to "put pen to paper," whether their communications are external or internal, and who wants to be understood and make their messages count will find "Effective Business Writing" valuable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780749456061
Publisher:	Kogan Page, Ltd.
Publication date:	03/28/2009
Series:	Creating Success
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	413 KB

About the Author

Patrick Forsyth runs Touchstone Training & Consultancy and specializes in marketing, sales and communications skills. Writing is a significant part of his own work portfolio. He is the author of more than fifty successful business books, including Successful Time Management and How to Write Reports and Proposals (all Kogan Page). He also writes regularly for a number of business journals, and for Writing Magazine.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: problems and opportunities

The nature of written communication; First principles; A fragile process; A major opportunity; The hazards of communication; Why are you writing?; Earning a reading; A significant opportunity

2. Getting the right words down

Think before writing; A systematic approach

3. Using language effectively

The difference a word makes; Sex … and other unmentionables; Other mistakes to avoid; Following the rules; Making language work for you; Personal style

4. Making it persuasive

The process in view; The thinking process; Persuasion’s magic formula; Using language persuasively; An appropriate tone

5. Matching style to method

The first question; Standard letters; Chasing debtors; ‘Administrative’ letters; Writing a press release; A creative touch

6. Shorter documents: dos and don’ts of the ubiquitous e-mail

E-mail versus snail mail; E-mail: possible disadvantages; Some basic guidelines; Digital signatures and other security devices; ‘E-mailspeak’ – the role of language; Attachments; Potential problems

7. Longer documents

Write tight; Reports; Proposals; Brochures and leaflets; Making documents look good