In any type of writing, it's important to know who your audience is and what they are looking for in your writing. Let's take a look at some tips when doing business writing for a North American audience. (Recall that North America comprises Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.)
The topics covered will include:
- Getting to the point
- Keeping it simple
- Using passive and active voice
- Using nondiscriminatory language
- Over-generalizing verbs
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/651/01/
6 comments:
I think the most important thing to write a business letter is "getting to the point".
When you are doing business with somebody or makeing a deal, you must let them know what you want. Time is very important, after they get what you say, the answer will be right back.
suetto chan
The topic that I found most important is "using
non-discriminatory language. Here are some tips about this topic.
1. Use neutral job titles.
Example: Chairman is not a good term to use. The better term to use is Chairperson.
2. Avoid demeaning or stereotypical terms.
Example: It is not good to use the term, after the girls in the office receive an order, our office fills it within 24 hours. The better term to use is, when orders are received from the office, they are filled within 24 hours.
It is important to use non-discriminatory language because writing in the workplace should be free of bias and sexist language based on such factors as race, ethnicity, religion, age sexual orientation, and disability. If these terms are used, it can create conflict in the workplace.
Leonie Florestal
I chose 2 topics I find more important than the others.
My first choice is Getting to the Point.
<<< Summary: It is important to state your purpose or "the bottom line" for writing at the beginning of your document. >>>
-Ex: "Dear Personnel Director:
Would you verify the employment of Mrs. Karen Krane? She was a data entry clerk in your Ohio office (fill in the details) Sincerely,"
-As Oppose To: "Dear Personnel Director:
On March 27, I received a phone call from Mrs. Karen Krane from New York, who was once a data entry clerk in your Ohio office. She was under the direct supervision of....."
I prefer Getting To The Point because as said in OWL, as busy personnel director might see it as not too important and push your letter to the bottom of the pile.
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My second choice is Using Nondiscriminatory Language. I personally think many people, including in the business world, don't always find this necessary to regard a person's position.
<<< Summary: Language that treats all people equally. It does not use any discriminatory words, remarks, or ideas. >>>
-Ex: Chairperson/ Executives and their spouses / Connie Green performed the job well / To Whom it May Concern: / Students must provide their own lab jackets. Or Each student must provide his or her own lab jacket.
-As Oppose To: Chairman / Executives and their wives / Connie Green performed the job well for her age. / Dear Gentlemen:
/ Each student must provide his own lab jacket.
the most important to me is: keeping it simple.
"Just use simple language to get your point across and you will have more success. Well, the same proves true for business writing."
I think is the mos important because the reader can easily understand, if you use a simple language.
Geraldine G.
The most important topic for me is "Getting to the point"
"Time is an important factor for U.S. business people because they do not have much of it. It is important to state your purpose for writing at the beginning of your document"
I completely agree that getting to the point will save you a lot of time and confusions.
Also, I believe "keeping it simple" is a great way to understand in a more clear language without using too much elaborated words.
Margie
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