1. Writing Routine Business
Correspondence

2. THE BASICS
 Knowing how to write well will benefit any job you take
 Writing moves any business forward (communication
between employees, clients, agencies, etc.)
 The Associated Press reported that American
businesses said workers need to improve their writing
skills.
 Job skills alone may not be enough to ensure your
success
 Employers will sometimes choose candidates who
demonstrate the best skills as a business
communicator
 Ability to get your ideas across in a clear manner is
extremely important.

3. 6 Tests of Effective
Correspondence
 Courteous
 Clear
 Complete
 Concise
 Correct
 Consistent

4. Communication Responsibilities
 Check incoming communications for factual discrepancies
 Record all promises you made for further correspondence
 Confirm in writing all appointments and invitations arranged
verbally
 Recognize the importance of sending goodwill messages
promptly
 Proofread all correspondence you write

5. What do Memos, Faxes, Email, IM
and Blogs Have in Common?
 Streamlined for the busy world of work
 Give busy readers information quickly
 Informal
 Demand a great deal of thought and time
 Represent yourself and your company

6. Advantages of Written
Communications
 Business Letter vs. Other Types of Writing
 Less expensive than a phone call or personal visit
 Will get into an office when a telephone call may not be accepted
 People attach greater importance to a written message
 Provides documentation
 Confidential, read in private. Reader may concentrate more on the
message
 May include visuals (statistics, etc.)
 Fast method of sending the same information and ensuring the
reader gets the message
 Allows you to spend time, as necessary, on where you need it in the
message creation process