After completing this book, you will have the critical skills to improve your spelling, punctuation, usage and style, while avoiding the pitfalls of business writing, and creating persuasive and more effective memos and letters. Ten key techniques for effective communication will help you grow more confident in your ability to express yourself clearly. Good business writing is as important as ever. Being able to recognize and correct problems, avoid redundancies, and define your communication goals are all critical factors for effective business writing.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Back to Basics
Mastering Spelling, Punctuation, and Usage
Six Tips for Better Spelling
Punctuation Pointers
Word Usage Quiz
Part 2: Choosing Your Words Carefully
Sharpening Your Writing Style
Deleting (Unnecessary) Redundancies
Forming Parallel Construction
Recognizing Cliches
Avoiding Sexist Language
Part 3: Improving Your Business Writing
Strengthening Your Memos
Using E-Mail Effectively
Ten Tips for a Better Memo
How to Begin
Part 4: Writing for Special Circumstances
Special Kinds of Business Writing
Conveying Bad News Tactfully
When the News Is Especially Sensitive
Writing Persuasively
Using the Motivated Sequence Outline
Part 5: Know Your Audience
Identifying Communication Styles
Sensor/Action Style
Thinker/Process Style
Feeler/People Style
Intuitor/Idea Style
Writing to Specific Styles
Ten Techniques for Effective Communication
Voluntary Learning Contract
Answer Keys
Additional Reading
