Every person has a different style and method they use for their writings and communications. When we enter a corporate environment, we strive to develop leading practices to ensure information is relayed in a manner that will be accepted by the intended recipient.

Business writing can take on many forms and is often influenced by many factors, including:

• A professional’s education level
• Organizational expectations
• Individual personal writing style
• Reader perceptions

Organizations are comprised of many individuals who come from varying backgrounds and experiences. Developing certain standardizations for the writing process is important.

Business writing is typically broken into four categories:

Informational writing – Informational writing provides the reader with an analysis of a problem or information needed to correct or adjust a process. This includes: internal and external reports, financial statements and related disclosures and footnotes, meeting summaries, informal memos, and interviews.

Instructional writing – Instructional writing provides the reader with the information needed to complete a task. This includes: procedure manuals, formal memos, and technical documents that outline specifications.

Persuasive writing – Persuasive writing convinces the reader to take a specific action and compellingly conveys information. This includes: proposals and sales pitches.

Transactional writing – Transactional writing is used in everyday interactions. This includes: email and informal notes.

This session will explore key business writing concepts.

Field of Study: Communications & Marketing