The HBR Guides Collection (8 Books) (HBR Guide Series)

Contents

Introduction: Why you need to write well xv

Section 1: Delivering the Goods

Quickly and Clearly

1. Know why you’re writing 3

2. Understand your readers 7

3. Divide the writing process into four

separate tasks 13

4. Before writing in earnest, jot down your

three main points—in complete sentences 19

5. Write in full—rapidly 27

6. Improve what you’ve written 31

7. Use graphics to illustrate and clarify 37

Section 2: Developing Your Skills

8. Be relentlessly clear 43

9. Learn to summarize—accurately 49

H6082.indb xiH6082.indb xi 11/6/12 1:21 PM11/6/12 1:21 PM

xii

Contents

10. Waste no words 53

11. Be plain-spoken: Avoid bizspeak 57

12. Use chronology when giving a factual

account 67

13. Be a stickler for continuity 71