Effective Business Writing

by Piotrowski, Maryann V.

• ISBN13: 9780062733818
• ISBN10: 0062733818
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-09-09
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publications

Summary

From persuasive memos to complaint letters, sales letters to executive summaries -- this exceedingly useful guide helps the business worker write clearly and in an appropriate format, style and tone. Numerous examples show how to overcome writer's block, organize messages for maximum impact, achieve an easy-to-read style, find an efficient writing system and much more.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xiii
Preface to the Second Edition	xv
Bad Writing Is Bad for Business	1	(4)
Getting Started	5	(11)
Gaining Control	5	(1)
Seeing the Message Through Your REader's Eyes	6	(1)
Writing for a Diverse Audience	7	(1)
Organizing Your Thoughts	8	(3)
Managing the Process of Writing	11	(2)
Overcoming Writer's Block	13	(3)
Making Your Message Accessible	16	(14)
The Subject Line	16	(1)
Beginnings	17	(1)
Endings	18	(1)
Headings	19	(1)
Graphic Devices	20	(4)
Bullets	24	(1)
An Easy-to-Read Style	25	(1)
Strengthening a Weak Memo	26	(4)
Shaping Paragraphs and Sentences	30	(10)
Paragraph Focus and Topic Sentences	30	(2)
Paragraph Development	32	(1)
Paragraph Length	33	(1)
Sentence Length and Rhythm	34	(1)
Sentences Joined by And	35	(1)
Hard-to-Read Sentences	36	(1)
Connecting Sentences and Paragraphs	37	(3)
Editing for Language, Style, and Tone	40	(20)
Editing Is a Must	40	(2)
Avoiding Language That Is Outdated or Raddish	42	(1)
Using Words That Are Familiar and Concrete	43	(2)
Consistency in Your Choice of Words	45	(1)
A Style for the Times	46	(1)
Achieving an Effective Style	47	(5)
Tightening Your Style	52	(3)
Active and Passive Verbs	55	(1)
Using I	56	(1)
Tone	57	(1)
Softening a Negative Message	58	(2)
The Politics of Business Writing	60	(7)
Office Politics and Interoffice Correspondence	60	(1)
Ghostwriting	61	(1)
Editing Someone Else's Writing	62	(2)
Language and Sexual Bias	64	(3)
Writing for Special Purposes	67	(40)
The Executive Summary	67	(4)
Clear Instructions	71	(5)
Goodwill Letters	76	(1)
Letters of Congratulations	76	(2)
Thank-You Notes	78	(2)
Letters of Apology	80	(2)
Letters of Recommendation	82	(2)
Delivering Unwelcome News	84	(2)
Letters of Complaint	86	(2)
Responses to Letters of Complaint	88	(3)
Letters of Request	91	(2)
Persuasion: Some Practical Pointers	93	(2)
Shaping a Persuasive Message	95	(4)
The Sales Letter	99	(3)
International Correspondence	102	(2)
Messages for Electronic Mail (E-mail)	104	(3)
A Glossary of Grammar and Usage	107	(14)
Punctuation Review	121	(10)
Afterword	131	(2)
Index	133