Business Writing Tips
and Best Practices
Powerful, professional writing improves
productivity, collaboration, credibility
and influence. It can also help convey animpression of intelligence and ability.

Improve your writing by implementing the following tips:
Lead with the “big news”—By quickly getting to the point,
you stand a better chance of influencing your readers.

Use natural language—For example, instead of saying,“With a greater level of self-awareness, your key talent will be more focused,disciplined, collaborative, and productive,” say, “Increasing your self-awarenessresults in more focused and productive key talent.”

Use “active voice”—Instead of saying, “The presentation was given by themarketing department,” say, “The marketing department gave the presentation.”

Use shorter sentences (average 20 or fewer words)—
Rather than saying, “I am requesting we schedule a meeting of about three hours
to discuss the issue, and then ultimately make a decision,” say, “We will meet forhalf a day to discuss and make a decision about the issue.”Use more verbs and fewer nouns—Instead of saying,“It would be appreciated if you could send the files immediately,” say,
“Please send the files immediately.”

Use the subject line to make a clear
statement—For example, “Today’s report is attached” or“Please send images ASAP.”Be specific about the action requested—
Let the recipient know if a response is needed withina certain time frame.

Only include those who need to be included—
Don’t send to more people than necessary; the same goes for email replies.

Do not write an email if you are upset or emotional—
Instead, wait or write it without inserting the email address of the recipient;
send later after proofreading.

Do not use inappropriate humor or
all capital letters—These can alienate and offend others,or be misinterpreted.

Use spell-check and the thesaurus—
Edit to improve the readability and professionalismof your message.

When forwarding an email conversation,
check the thread—Scroll down to ensure there is nothing
in previous emails that you do not want the recipients to see.

 on’t use business email for personalD
correspondence—Emails from a business account are considered
official company communications and may be monitored.

Proofread your message—Then proofread your message
again to ensure correct content, grammar and style.

A powerful written voice is one thatis clear, confident, and convincing.
Never underestimate the written
word as a tool to influence others
and to represent yourself.

Explore these additional MCE resources to help you continue to beacknowledged and heard in a virtual work environment:
4 The Successful Virtual Team Member—Live Online Course, 3 Lessons
4 Writing with Confidence, Consideration, and Class—Webinar
4 Powerful Communication Techniques—Live Online Express Course, 1 Lesson4 How to Build a Professional Brand and Image—AMA
MCE OnDemand Course
4 Workplace Communication Training—MCE OnDemand Course

All of these online resources are available for individuals, or can be delivered
organization-wide in a private setting, with content aligned to your businessgoals. Visit our website for more informationwww.mce.eu