Write It Right

learning objectives:

• Identify and practice the characteristics of effective business writing.
• Learn and follow the five musts for every document.
• Use a planner to get clear about your purpose and readers.
• Brainstorm to identify major sections and generate content.
• Use a draft map to select only the parts you need for an effective document.
• Gain revision strategies for both simple and complex documents.
• Communicate more clearly, more easily, and more effectively using email tools and etiquette.

Module 1: Introduction

• Focus on how writers learn to write versus how readers read
• Write a baseline document
• Identify the characteristics of effective business writing

Module 2: Five Musts for Every Document

• Must 1: Get clear about your readers, your purpose, and the best channel
• Must 2: Translate your purpose statement into the subject line, a strong opening, and a strong close
• Must 3: Use a tone that supports your purpose
• Must 4: Think four parts to develop perfect organization
• Must 5: Revise

Module 3: Tools for More Complex Writing

• Think of each section as a mini-document
• Use a planner to get clear about your purpose and readers
• Create a draft map
• Brainstorm to identify the major sections and generate content
• Organize by thinking four parts and selecting only the parts you need

Module 4: Revision Strategies

• Use six revision musts for every document
• Write concise paragraphs, sentences, and phrases and use simple words
• Use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling and check facts
• Use fail-safe techniques to revise more complex documents

Module 5: Email Tools and Etiquette

• Recognize the good news and bad news about e-mail
• Be a “we-mailer,” not a “me-mailer”
• Manage email you receive