Business Writing: Little-Known Secrets That Will Save You

Sooner or later, all of us get acquainted with business writing. Even if you are not a business student, you will have to write a resume or a salary advance request letter, which are excellent examples of business writing. Thus, the following 4 secrets would be of much interest to nearly everyone.

Business Writing: Consider Format

Even though various business formats share a number of common characteristics, different types of writing have different requirements. Business report is not the same as a resume, and a business letter has nothing to do with a business proposal. That's why you should consider peculiarities of the following genres, for example:

Business Writing: Improve Language

The following principles are common to business language in various formats:

1. Avoid wordiness. Always choose succinct expressions: make an effort = try, no later than = by, give some thought = think, the exact same = the same. Don't hesitate to delete the following from your papers: sort of, there is, it is.
2. Avoid archaisms and jargon. You'd better not use the following in your business essays: should it come about that (if), with regard to your request = as you requested.
3. Make your sentences active. Avoid using passive voice whenever it is possible.
4. Be specific. Always replace unclear words and to long phrase with more reasonable ones: certificates of company ownership = stocks, on the premise that = because.
5. Sound natural. Use formal language, but be sure not to confuse your readers with vague language. Avoid words, like 'plethora', 'climb the ladder of success'.
6. Be polite and friendly. Always write ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ if appropriate.

Business Writing: Take Care of Numerals

Another important peculiarity of business documents is proper use of numerals:

• Spell small numbers out – whole numbers smaller than ten need to be spelled out in full.
• Don't start a sentence with a numeral.
• Percentage should be spelled out: 12 percent instead of 12%.
• Two numbers close to each other – spell one of them out: five 6-year-olds instead of 5 6-year-olds.
• Be consistent within 1 sentence – use either all numerals or all words in one sentence.

As you can see, there’s nothing difficult in business writing. With the secrets above disclosed, you'll be able to become a really successful business writer and good luck to you!