7. Business Writing Essentials What exactly is “business writing,” and how does is differ from academic writing or other forms of composition? In this section, find an overview of how business writing is defined by its use of language, the preferred structures of written information, and how to present visual aids. You’ll also find information on resumes and cover letters, and how to make the best professional first-impression for potential employers. 7.a. About Business Writing In a business setting, writing leads to action. Information should be organized into a clear and concise message, with little “filler language” or jargon. Technical and detail-heavy messages utilize bullet points and lists. Questions and requests are politely directed to the appropriate individuals. When business communication is performed well, the writer is represented as focused, confident, and conscientious, and the recipient has as much information required to respond or act appropriately. How does this form of composition differ from academic writing? Business Communication Academic Writing Purpose Action Persuade Analyze Inform Audience Limited time (→concise) Has dedicated reading time Dedicated to productivity Critical-thinking skills Focused on company, tasks, and trade Wide knowledge of various subjects Personal Pronoun Acceptable Restricted Voice Active voice Passive voice is acceptable (according to discipline) Concrete for skim value Elegant and lengthy Development of Message Short sentences Long sentences are acceptable Simple language Bullet points and enumerated statements Footnotes, endnotes, and citations Tools In-text data charts Appendices Headers and “subject” lines Main and chapter titles Formatting Blank space between paragraphs Indented paragraphs Bold, italics, and underline for clarity Pyramid structure Pyramid structure Organization
7. Business Writing Essentials What exactly is “business writing,” and how does is differ from academic writing or other forms of composition? In this section, find an overview of how business writing is defined by its use of language, the preferred structures of written information, and how to present visual aids. You’ll also find information on resumes and cover letters, and how to make the best professional first-impression for potential employers. 7.a. About Business Writing In a business setting, writing leads to action. Information should be organized into a clear and concise message, with little “filler language” or jargon. Technical and detail-heavy messages utilize bullet points and lists. Questions and requests are politely directed to the appropriate individuals. When business communication is performed well, the writer is represented as focused, confident, and conscientious, and the recipient has as much information required to respond or act appropriately. How does this form of composition differ from academic writing? Business Communication Academic Writing Purpose Action Persuade Analyze Inform Audience Limited time (→concise) Dedicated to productivity Focused on company, tasks, and trade Has dedicated reading time Critical-thinking skills Wide knowledge of various subjects Personal Pronoun Acceptable Restricted Voice Active voice Passive voice is acceptable (according to discipline) Development of Message Concrete for skim value Short sentences Simple language Elegant and lengthy Long sentences are acceptable Tools Bullet points and enumerated statements In-text data charts Headers and “subject” lines Footnotes, endnotes, and citations Appendices Main and chapter titles Formatting Blank space between paragraphs Bold, italics, and underline for clarity Indented paragraphs Organization Pyramid structure Pyramid structure
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