A PowerPoint presentation from the textbook SUCCESSFUL WRITING AT WORK, Concise 3rd edition.

1. Chapter 1
Getting Started:
Writing and Your Career

2. Writing—An Essential Job Skill
Writing is a part of every job:
 It keeps business moving.
 It allows individuals working for a company to
communicate with one another and with the
customers and clients they must serve.

3. Most people need at least 1 hour to write a business
letter.
“The cost of a cover letter…might be as much of a
third of a million dollars…” (qtd. Kolin 1).
Writing Takes Time and Money

4. Using International English
 Here are some guidelines to help you write international
English:
1. Use clear, easy-to-understand sentences.
2.Avoid jargon, idioms, and unfamiliar abbreviations.
3.Choose clear, commonly used words.
4.Select visuals and icons that are free from cultural bias.
5.When in doubt, consult someone from the native
speaker’s country.

5. Four Keys to Effective Writing
 Identify your audience
 Who will read what I write?
 Establish your purpose
 Why should they read what I write?
 Formulate your message
 What do I have to say to them?
 Select your style and tone
 How can I best communicate?
Read about the 4
Keys in your text!
pages 5-12

6. Read CASE STUDY: A DESCRIPTION OF HEPARIN FOR
TWO DIFFERENT AUDIENCES.
Notice how the two descriptions of the same drug vary.
Case Study

7. Characteristics of
Job-Related Writing
 Job-related writing serves six basic functions:
1. Providing practical information
2.Giving facts, rather than impressions
3.Supplying visuals to clarify and condense information
4.Giving accurate measurements
5.Stating responsibilities precisely
6.Persuading and offering recommendations
For complete
descriptions, see
pages 14-18.

8. Know your job.
Analyze your audience’s needs and expectations.
Write clearly and appropriately for your international
readers.
Respect cultural diversity.
Make your written work accurate, relevant and practical.
Document everything!
Keep your computer safe from viruses.
Be prepared to give and receive feedback.
Be ethical!
Successful Employees are
Successful Writers
For complete
descriptions,
see pages 26-27.

9. Before submitting work, go over the REVISION
CHECKLIST on page 27 in your text.
PS: It doesn’t hurt to have a copy of this for yourself.
Revision Checklist