Download
1 / 14
150 likes | 605 Vues
An Overview. Business Writing. 1) Objectivity is key Writing that presents merely the facts without passing judgment and without conveying personal feelings or preferences is OBJECTIVE. Objective writing does not strive to be creative or flowery: adjectives and imagery are kept to a minimum.
E N D
An Overview Business Writing
1) Objectivity is key Writing that presents merely the facts without passing judgment and without conveying personal feelings or preferences is OBJECTIVE. Objective writing does not strive to be creative or flowery: adjectives and imagery are kept to a minimum. The goal of objective writing is to convey the facts clearly and concisely. Business writing: things to remember
Why be objective? When you are working with a client, their needs and preferences are of the utmost importance. You must be able to listen to and summarize a client’s needs for them without imposing your will or passing judgment. If you cannot objectively talk about what your client wants, they could become offended, or you could misunderstand them. Objectivity in business writing
What types of materials might you write for a client where objectivity will be important? Objectivity in business writing
An example of objective writing in a business report Findings Employees were generally satisfied with the current benefits package. Some problems were encountered when requesting vacation due to what is perceived as long approval waiting periods. Older employees repeatedly had problems with HMO prescription drugs procedures. Employees between the ages of 22 and 30 report few problems with HMO. Most employees complain about the lack of dental insurance in our benefits package. The most common suggestion for improvement was for the ability to process benefits requests online. http://esl.about.com/od/businessenglishwriting/a/bizdocs.htm.. Accessed 08/31/2011. Online.
Subjectivity Subjective writing is the other side of the coin. Subjective writing uses exciting adjectives to conjure images in the reader’s mind. Subjective writing often passes judgment or expresses a preference or opinion. Subjective writing is intended to make the audience feel strongly about the subject.
Subjectivity in business writing While business writing tends to use much more objective than subjective language, there is still a place for subjectivity. When do you think elements of subjective writing might be appropriate?
An example of subjective business writing (from an executive summary) Our edge lies in the fact that we offer a complete package for all types of treatments from head to toe; we are in fact one of the only spas in the area to offer this. Our location is another advantage, as we are located in the vicinity of several affluent residential neighborhoods. Additionally, the owner of our spa is a well established name in the industry and has to her credit several successful spas in cities throughout the country. The individuals with whom we worked are thoroughly trained professionals, and all have several years of experience in the industry. Altered by Nicole Bailey on August 31, 2011 from a sample found at http://www.buzzle.com/articles/executive-summary-example.html
Business writing: A unique audience In any type of writing you need to think about the specific needs of your audience. Think about the people who will read your business writing. Why are they reading your writing? What are their priorities and values? What is your goal in writing for them? How will writing for them differ from writing for anyone else?
Business writing: setting parameters While in most classes it is inappropriate to state in blatant terms what your project will and will not include, in business writing this is often necessary. -Defining the focus of your work lets the client know exactly what to expect. -Business writing should be transparent; you always want your client to know what you are doing.
Setting paramaters Why is it important for the client to know exactly what your project will and will not include?
Setting parameters You should establish the focus of the project at the beginning of a proposal. You need to define the parameters of the project as clearly as possible, and vague language cannot be used. Specific dates, materials, goals, and technologies utilized are encouraged.
Example of project scope This project is being undertaken to establish a new residence for Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. The new residence will be a free-standing, single-family dwelling built on a two-acre lot (lot 24) located at 200 NorthMapleAvenue, MyTown, MyState, 20001-1234, USA. The project is to commence on Monday, February 2, 2015 and will complete no later than Thursday, December 31, 2015. This home is being constructed to take advantage of the latest building materials and codes and will employ emerging technology to minimize energy consumption. Construction will be overseen and managed by Apex Home Builders, the prime contractor who may subcontract components of the construction effort. All labor will be bonded and all materials will meet or exceed local building code guidelines. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780470432723.app2/pdf. Accessed 08/31/2011. Online.
For help with your business writing, please visit the ISU Writing Center. We hope to see you soon!
