A Practical Guide To Business Writing: Writing In English For Non-Native Speakers

Book description

Now a days, letters, reports and emails are vital components of business practice. Communication is increasingly global, but it's not any easier to understand or contribute to for non-fluent English speakers. There is increasing pressure to be able to produce effective documents for a business environment but little help out there to do so efficiently, resulting in wasted time and uncomfortable business communication.

This book provides a wealth of practical information for any person who aims to produce short, effective documents within the work environment. It offers sensible, valuable and helpful rules for producing effective short reports, memos, letters and e-mails that are clear, concise and easy to read for the busy manager or supervisor working in the demanding setting of modern industry or commerce.

But it goes further: not only are rules provided for the inexperienced business writer, but models are proposed which provide solutions for a whole host of business situations – providing help, support and encouragement for the many thousands of business writers who need to feel confident in their writing.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Endorsements
  3. Copyright page
  4. Title page
  5. About the Author
  6. Foreword
  7. Preface
  8. Introduction
  9. What Does this Book Cover?
  10. Chapter 1 Business Writing Style
    1. 1. Keep your purpose, readers and content in mind
    2. 2. Keep your sentences short
    3. 3. Use positive language
    4. 4. Use linking words
    5. 5. Use simple, familiar words
    6. 6. Use the passive voice for specific reasons
    7. 7. Use bullet points and numbered lists correctly
    8. 8. Use tables and charts effectively
    9. 9. Use impersonal style when expressing opinions
    10. 10. Avoid outdated expressions
    11. 11. Avoid repetition
    12. 12. Avoid turning verbs into nouns
  11. Chapter 2 Business Memos
    1. 1. Heading
    2. 2. Purpose
    3. 3. Body
    4. 4. Conclusion
    5. 5. Closing
    6. 6. Carbon copy “CC”
    7. Common types of memos
    8. 1. To inform
    9. 2. To request
    10. 3. To instruct
    11. 4. To recommend
    12. 5. To respond
    13. 6. To complain
    14. 7. To remind
    15. 8. To show appreciation
  12. Chapter 3 Business E-mails
    1. 1. Write a clear subject line
    2. 2. Use the “cc” button
    3. 3. Use the Out of Office Assistant
    4. 4. Use attachments for long documents
    5. 5. Keep your message short
    6. 6. Don’t use e-mail for immediate action
    7. 7. Use spell check
    8. 8. Use courteous language
    9. 9. Provide an action statement when necessary
    10. 10. Identify yourself clearly
    11. 11. Do not overuse abbreviations
    12. 12. Do not use all capitals when typing
  13. Chapter 4 Common Writing Errors
  14. Chapter 5 Useful Business Phrases
    1. 1. Referring to a previous communication
    2. 2. Requests
    3. 3. Referring to a negative issue
    4. 4. Enclosing documents
    5. 5. Condolences
    6. 6. Congratulations
    7. 7. Apologies
    8. 8. Recommendations
    9. 9. Closing phrases
  15. Chapter 6 Avoid Confusing Words
  16. Chapter 7 Personal Business Documents
    1. 1. Employee request
    2. 2. Congratulations
    3. 3. Appreciation
  17. References
  18. Acknowledgements
  19. Index

Product information

  • Title: A Practical Guide To Business Writing: Writing In English For Non-Native Speakers
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: December 2012
  • Publisher(s): Wiley
  • ISBN: 9781118410813