Business Communication

Writing That Works: How to Communicate Effectively in Business

Name: Writing That Works: How to Communicate Effectively in Business
Rating: 4.8 (1000 reviews)
Author: Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson

Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson

24 minAudio9 insights

What you'll learn

•How to organize your thoughts for clear and effective writing.
•Techniques to write concise, active, and jargon-free business communication.
•Best practices for email etiquette and managing digital correspondence.
•How to craft various business documents including memos, reports, proposals, and resumes.
•Strategies to engage and persuade audiences in presentations and speeches.
•The importance of editing and refining your writing for maximum impact.
•How to adapt your writing style to different audiences and purposes.

Who should read this

✓Business professionals seeking to improve written communication
✓Managers and executives who write emails, reports, and proposals
✓Job seekers preparing resumes and cover letters
✓Speakers and presenters aiming to engage business audiences

About this book

A practical guide to mastering clear, concise, and persuasive business communication across formats and media.

Did You Know?

“

The book was originally written on a typewriter and the third edition was emailed to the editor, illustrating the evolution of writing technology.

2 more facts available in the app

Audio Summary

Section 1

The Heart of Effective Writing: Clarity and Purpose

3:45

8 Sections

Preview: The Heart of Effective Writing: Clarity and Purpose

In the bustling world of business, time is the most precious commodity. Imagine an executive's desk that appears spotless, yet behind that neat surface lies a towering pile of paperwork demanding attention. The secret to cutting through this mountain isn't volume or fancy words, but clarity and purpose. Writing that works is writing that gets results. It’s not enough to be understood; your writing must compel the reader to act — to approve a plan, respond swiftly, or make a decision.

Take a moment to reflect on the flood of messages that cross your desk daily. How many truly guide you toward action? Often, the answer is fewer than you’d like. The problem is not just about clarity; it’s about the writer’s ability to organize thoughts and prioritize what the reader needs to know to move forward. A senior executive once remarked that if a memo isn’t clear and direct, it’s simply passed along with a request for translation. Busy people do not have the luxury to decipher murky writing.

Effective writing respects the reader’s time. It begins with a clear understanding of what you want the reader to do, followed by the three most important points they need to know to take that action. This approach prevents drowning your audience in irrelevant details and helps focus the message.

Consider the difference between a vague report stating 'Our program was a great success' and a precise one that says 'Enrollment doubled to 560 students from 27 states and two other countries.' Specificity speaks louder than generalities. It builds credibility and persuades the reader.

Writing that works also reveals the writer’s mind. Sloppy grammar or poor spelling can signal carelessness or ignorance, even in emails. Remember, your writing is often your only point of contact with important people. It reflects you, your professionalism, and your respect for the reader.

In this age of emails and instant messaging, the temptation to be casual or careless is strong. Yet, the principles remain unchanged. Clear, purposeful, and reader-focused writing is the key to getting things done.

As we move forward, we’ll explore how to embody these principles in your writing style, making your communication not only effective but also engaging and natural. Let’s delve into the art of writing with clarity, brevity, and power.