Common Myths of Writing for Business
Writing for business is an essential skill.
So where do you start?
Some people still believe these common myths of writing for business:
Myth No 1: Business writing should impress the reader
This myth has led to writers using long-winded, stuffy expressions such as:
‘To effect a proper utilisation of the equipment, distribution of an operation manual will be accomplished one week prior to the demonstration.’
A clear, conversation style of writing the same message would be:
‘To ensure equipment is properly used, an operation manual will be distributed one week before the demonstration.’
The purpose of business writing is to convey information
Clearly
Concisely
Correctly
Completely
Courteously
If you do that, you can’t fail to impress.
Writing for business as a skill.
Myth No 2: Business writing should be impersonal
Some people still avoid using personal pronouns ‘I’ and ‘we’, which leads to the cumbersome use of the passive voice, or expressions such as ‘Please contact the writer…’ Why not say ‘Please contact me’? You’ll establish greater rapport with your reader, which is an essential public relations aspect of business.
The most important pronoun in business writing is ‘You’. Always write from the perspective of your reader. For example say ‘You will receive…’ rather than ‘We will send…’ This creates an active voice in your writing.
Myth No 3: Vocabulary used in business writing is different from that used in speech
Good writers will always keep the reader in mind and select the most appropriate vocabulary and tone.
The modern way is to write in a conversational style. Write whatever you would say over the telephone. Would you really say: ‘Do not hesitate to contact us should you require further assistance.’ It sounds more sincere if you say: ‘Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.’
Writing for business as a necessity.
Myth No 4: Good writers get it right the first time
Good writers know that the best way to write well is to do it in stages:
- Stage 1: Develop a rough outline of headings and subheadings
- Stage 2: Fill in details under headings in any order and in whichever way it first comes out. Don’t worry about editing at this stage.
- Stage 3: Edit several times for sense and logic, for typographical or grammatical errors and finally, for style and formatting
Did you know that Jacquie Wise provides coaching and editing services to help you write well and quickly?
Details of Jacquie’s Business Writing Courses are here.
Imagine how you would feel if you were confident in your business writing skills. Interested? If so, contact me directly to arrange a convenient appointment time.
I’d love to know what you think of what I’ve said here.
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