Length: 57 minutes This course will teach you how to write clear business correspondence that has the impact on readers you want to have. You will learn how to decide when to write, when to call, and when to email, how to write so the correspondence is easy to understand, how to select tone and formality that fit the reader, and how to make sure the closing achieves your objectives. You will then apply your knowledge to letters of request, response, apology, complaint, adjustment, bad news, and appeal. In this business letter CareerShorts™, you will learn how to • Write letters that partner with readers to achieve maximum results for you, the reader, and the company • Decide when to write, when to call, and when to e-mail • Format a letter • Write so the tone and formality fit the reader • Include information to achieve your objectives • Organize for maximum clarity • Write an introduction that increases impact • Write clear, effective, concise sentences • Use appropriate vocabulary for business • Choose correct punctuation • Write clear paragraphs and lists • Use signals to guide the reader through the messages • Write a closing that achieves your objectives • Edit and proofread effectively • Apply the skills to letters of request, response, apology, complaint, adjustments, bad news, and appeal Coach: Robert Craig Hogan, Author, Ph.D., Director, The Business Writing Center Robert Craig Hogan, Ph.D., is an accomplished writing trainer with 38 years of experience. He has been A professor of business communications at Illinois State University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County College. Dr. Hogan has owned two companies consulting with businesses in writing and writing training, has been senior writer in another consulting company, and has been the manager of communications in a telephone billing service company. He has written dozens of courses and workshop materials training writers and is the author of books on business writing, including Explicit Business Writing: Best Practices for the Twenty-First Century. Objectives The course teaches skills that are useful for anyone who writes business correspondence or evaluates it, from CEOs to secretaries.

2. Introduce yourself.

3. Explain why the reader is receiving this now and what’s in the letter.

4. State conclusions or important information up front.

5. Break out lists with numbers or bullets.

6. End cordially with contact information.

7. Make the blocks in the letter clear.

8. Write clear, short, easy-to-read sentences.

9. Write concisely.

10. Use simple vocabulary that you would use if you were speaking in person to the reader.Course content © 2010,Business Writing Center. Published by BCCG™ . All rights reserved. Reproduction or redistribution is prohibited without prior written permission.

11. View entire course at www.CareerShorts.com Presented by Dr. Robert Craig HoganPublished by Course content © 2010, Business Writing CenterBusiness Communication Coaching Group ™ LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction or redistribution is prohibited without prior written permission.