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Hey there! It's great to have you here in the Community on the Business Discussion board. We always talk about a variety of topics in this space. Today I wanted to mention business writing.
Writing for business can take on a variety of forms. This type of writing can range from newsletters and emails to proposals, presentations, training materials, and so much more. Here are a few tips to make sure your business writing is in tip-top shape:
1. Less is More
We're all busy. It seems like now more than ever, people rarely have a spare moment to do much of anything. With that being said, most folks are less likely to read an extremely long write-up. Less is more, and being as concise as possible is the best bet.
2. Avoid Jargon
When you're writing, write as if you're explaining the topic to your mother, or a friend, someone in no relation to the business. Break down any processes and use simple terms; words that aren't directly related to your line of work. Avoiding jargon makes your statement easier to understand for a larger audience.
3. Proofread
Write once and check twice. One big tip I always recommend is to write what you want to say, then step away for 5-10 minutes. Do something else during your quick break and then come back. Stepping away distracts your mind, then returning to your work will allow you to pick up on any mistakes. Additionally, reading your words out loud helps you notice anything that sounds a little wonky. And lastly, ask a friend or colleague to look over your article. When you proofread your own work, your brain predicts what you're saying and will often skip over any mistakes. Another person won't predict each word and can notice mistakes more easily.
4. 5 W's and the H
Anytime you're writing a professional, informative piece, your publication should answer the 5 W's and the H: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. This info includes examples such as who is it relevant to?, what communication are you relaying?, where and when will it apply?, why is it important?, and how can the information be used?
5. Consider a Freelancer
Business writing is important and can be a bold representation of your company. If writing isn't one of your strong suits, you may consider hiring a freelance writer to get the job done for you. While this area may be a small part of your daily tasks, writing is more than likely the freelancer's sole task, so I'd say they're pretty good at it.
I hope these points will help out the next time you need to write up a document for your business. What great tip would you add to make business writing even better? I'd love to hear your suggestions!
2. Avoid Jargon
When you're writing, write as if you're explaining the topic to your mother, or a friend, someone in no relation to the business. Break down any processes and use simple terms; words that aren't directly related to your line of work. Avoiding jargon makes your statement easier to understand for a larger audience.
3. Proofread
Write once and check twice. One big tip I always recommend is to write what you want to say, then step away for 5-10 minutes. Do something else during your quick break and then come back. Stepping away distracts your mind, then returning to your work will allow you to pick up on any mistakes. Additionally, reading your words out loud helps you notice anything that sounds a little wonky. And lastly, ask a friend or colleague to look over your article. When you proofread your own work, your brain predicts what you're saying and will often skip over any mistakes. Another person won't predict each word and can notice mistakes more easily.
4. 5 W's and the H
Anytime you're writing a professional, informative piece, your publication should answer the 5 W's and the H: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. This info includes examples such as who is it relevant to?, what communication are you relaying?, where and when will it apply?, why is it important?, and how can the information be used?
5. Consider a Freelancer
Business writing is important and can be a bold representation of your company. If writing isn't one of your strong suits, you may consider hiring a freelance writer to get the job done for you. While this area may be a small part of your daily tasks, writing is more than likely the freelancer's sole task, so I'd say they're pretty good at it.
I hope these points will help out the next time you need to write up a document for your business. What great tip would you add to make business writing even better? I'd love to hear your suggestions!
