on Thursday, March 6, 2014
The Harvard Business Publishing details ways to edit grammar and mechanics:
1) Revise lengthy titles: Instead of “Bob Smith, Vice President for Corporate Communications and Government Relations,” write “spokesperson Bob Smith”
2) Be keen with obvious points: Instead of “Obviously, this means we will need to raise prices, which
could reduce sales,” prefer “Our need to raise prices could reduce sales.”
3) Instead of using “of” phrases, convert them into possessives. “For example,  change the success of the company to the company’s success.”

On formatting
The Harvard Business Publishing describes the graphical elements one should consider when developing a business document:
Headings and bullets –




Headings are used to underscore the main points, form white space, and make it easy for readers to scan the document. Bullets, on the other hand, are often for series of items. They are useful because a huge volume of data can be converted into “small, digestible bites,” making the reading experience smooth and the paper easier to navigate.
Tables – These are used when subjects or options are being compared or contrasted to one another. These tools will avoid the repetition of the company names and categories throughout the text. There would be less words because the data no longer needs extensive explanation.
Maps, flowcharts, and diagrams – These are for more complex data or connections of data that text alone can no longer detail substantially. These also aid in presentations, saving more time and other resources.
Bold face and italics – To emphasize specific points to readers , you can put the words in boldface or in italics.
On using sources
The Miami University gives pointers for acknowledging sources in business documents, especially those that present proposals:
a) Readers should be able to identify sources. State full URLs, names of websites, and authors’ names using a consistent citation method.
b) Avoid using direct quotes and instead paraphrase them or state them in your own words. This will also give the impression that you have a solid grasp of the evidence for your proposals.
c) Provide explanation for outside materials so readers will not come up with an interpretation that is different from yours.
d) Use only persuasive and credible sources. This will make your document more reliable and convincing.
On content development and organization of ideas
Ideas in your business should flow in a logical manner to keep the whole discussion smooth and all thoughts cohesive. The Purdue University has guide questions for reviewing professional papers
  • Does your document begin by explaining your point and forecasting the communication’s main ideas?Your introduction should answer these three questions from the perspective of the reader:
  1. What is this?
  2. Why am I getting it?
  3. What do you want me to do?
  • Does your communication proceed in a logical and organized way, moving from general to specific information?
  • Is information arranged in order of importance to your audience?
  • Is similar information kept together?
  • Is each section organized around only one main idea?
  • Do key sentences begin each paragraph?
For content development, you can ask the following as you re-check your content:
  • Do you provide enough background information for the message?
  • Have you included specific examples, numbers, dates, names and percentages to support your claims?
  • Do you have graphics (charts, graphs, diagrams, and tables) where appropriate?
  • Have you eliminated unnecessary and/or obvious information to your audience?
Types of Business Communication
Barbie Carpenter of Demand Media, a digital marketing agency, in an article, shares the four types of business communication:
1) Results-Oriented Communication. This type of correspondence encourages people, especially those in the office, to take actions or follow specific instructions. An example of this is a memo with the weekly goals of a team. It is expected to be motivational to produce solid results.
2) Informational Communication. Some documents are eyeing a goal, but some are simply to inform the audience. For example, an email can be about a change in a policy, a help manual for a particular program or facility, or changes in the organizational structure. These papers are expected to be clear to avoid misinterpretation.
3) Negative Communication. There are inevitable events in the workplace that may not be pleasing to everyone. Writing about them requires careful planning. “For example, a human resources specialist might have to write a letter about a layoff or severance package. In this type of communication, the writer should use a firm but empathetic tone and write succinctly to provide essential information in a direct manner.”
4) Persuasive Communication. This refers to proposals or applications for a government grant, funding, or partnership. Lines should be convincing and positive to make an impression and hook the recipient to consider or act on the plan.





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Thursday, March 6, 2014

The Harvard Business Publishing details ways to edit grammar and mechanics:
1) Revise lengthy titles: Instead of “Bob Smith, Vice President for Corporate Communications and Government Relations,” write “spokesperson Bob Smith”
2) Be keen with obvious points: Instead of “Obviously, this means we will need to raise prices, which
could reduce sales,” prefer “Our need to raise prices could reduce sales.”
3) Instead of using “of” phrases, convert them into possessives. “For example,  change the success of the company to the company’s success.”

On formatting
The Harvard Business Publishing describes the graphical elements one should consider when developing a business document:
Headings and bullets –




Headings are used to underscore the main points, form white space, and make it easy for readers to scan the document. Bullets, on the other hand, are often for series of items. They are useful because a huge volume of data can be converted into “small, digestible bites,” making the reading experience smooth and the paper easier to navigate.
Tables – These are used when subjects or options are being compared or contrasted to one another. These tools will avoid the repetition of the company names and categories throughout the text. There would be less words because the data no longer needs extensive explanation.
Maps, flowcharts, and diagrams – These are for more complex data or connections of data that text alone can no longer detail substantially. These also aid in presentations, saving more time and other resources.
Bold face and italics – To emphasize specific points to readers , you can put the words in boldface or in italics.
On using sources
The Miami University gives pointers for acknowledging sources in business documents, especially those that present proposals:
a) Readers should be able to identify sources. State full URLs, names of websites, and authors’ names using a consistent citation method.
b) Avoid using direct quotes and instead paraphrase them or state them in your own words. This will also give the impression that you have a solid grasp of the evidence for your proposals.
c) Provide explanation for outside materials so readers will not come up with an interpretation that is different from yours.
d) Use only persuasive and credible sources. This will make your document more reliable and convincing.
On content development and organization of ideas
Ideas in your business should flow in a logical manner to keep the whole discussion smooth and all thoughts cohesive. The Purdue University has guide questions for reviewing professional papers
  • Does your document begin by explaining your point and forecasting the communication’s main ideas?Your introduction should answer these three questions from the perspective of the reader:
  1. What is this?
  2. Why am I getting it?
  3. What do you want me to do?
  • Does your communication proceed in a logical and organized way, moving from general to specific information?
  • Is information arranged in order of importance to your audience?
  • Is similar information kept together?
  • Is each section organized around only one main idea?
  • Do key sentences begin each paragraph?
For content development, you can ask the following as you re-check your content:
  • Do you provide enough background information for the message?
  • Have you included specific examples, numbers, dates, names and percentages to support your claims?
  • Do you have graphics (charts, graphs, diagrams, and tables) where appropriate?
  • Have you eliminated unnecessary and/or obvious information to your audience?
Types of Business Communication
Barbie Carpenter of Demand Media, a digital marketing agency, in an article, shares the four types of business communication:
1) Results-Oriented Communication. This type of correspondence encourages people, especially those in the office, to take actions or follow specific instructions. An example of this is a memo with the weekly goals of a team. It is expected to be motivational to produce solid results.
2) Informational Communication. Some documents are eyeing a goal, but some are simply to inform the audience. For example, an email can be about a change in a policy, a help manual for a particular program or facility, or changes in the organizational structure. These papers are expected to be clear to avoid misinterpretation.
3) Negative Communication. There are inevitable events in the workplace that may not be pleasing to everyone. Writing about them requires careful planning. “For example, a human resources specialist might have to write a letter about a layoff or severance package. In this type of communication, the writer should use a firm but empathetic tone and write succinctly to provide essential information in a direct manner.”
4) Persuasive Communication. This refers to proposals or applications for a government grant, funding, or partnership. Lines should be convincing and positive to make an impression and hook the recipient to consider or act on the plan.





0 comments:

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