The Importance of Good Business Writing
News Article Written By: iQuantum Good writing skills are an essential
part of running a successful business
Professionals who represent a business through well-written, precise
communication can greatly influence its success in the competitive global
environment where information sharing and customer service are vital.
An important example of where good
business writing skills can have an impact is email. Email is an
excellent method of communicating professionally because it is instantaneous and
provides a written record, so details of communications can be referred to again
with accuracy. On the other hand, the amount of professional email many people
have to sort through each day is great. Good
business writing skills allow a professional to consider the time
constraints of intended recipients by making the point of the email brief, yet
clear. If an email is badly written or grammatically incorrect, the author risks
making a poor impression, or worse still, creating serious miscommunication.
These days, much of our communication is carried out via the written
word, ranging from official business documents and professional use of email to
social online 'chatting' and mobile text messaging. The gap between formal and
informal language is also growing thanks to these social trends and it can be a
point of difference that greatly affects professional communications.
For example, the use of abbreviations such as 'u' for 'you' or 'plz'
for 'please', are common in instant communications between friends. However,
this kind of informal language is not appropriate for professional
correspondence as it assumes a certain relationship and knowledge. Good business
writing means plain, clear and correct use of language that reflects an
inclusive attitude, and limits the likelihood of miscommunication.
The internet has created opportunities for broader exposure through
online communications, but it has also contributed to an environment where
people are bombarded with masses of new information every day. Work places and
broader communities in general are made up of people from different generations
and backgrounds, so the use of jargon or slang can alienate large portions of an
audience.
Websites and blogs are key elements in the communication efforts made
by many modern businesses. A website or blog comprised of good business writing
allows a business to communicate with its potential and existing customers,
clients and employees in stages ranging from introduction to significant detail.
If this public information is not presented with clarity and skill, a business
will suffer.
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