BUSINESS
WRITING
by Suzanne D. Sparks
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Write for Your Readers
Know Your Readers
What If You Don’t Know Your Readers?
Check for Readability
Writing from the Reader’s Perspective
Build Reader Rapport
Come to Terms with Gender
Manager’s Checklist for Chapter 1
Chapter 2. From Purpose Through Process
Know Your Single Purpose
Writing in Four Stages
Five-Step Revision and Edit
Help for Your Grammar
Manager’s Checklist for Chapter 2
Chapter 3. The Power of Words to Express Not Impress
Make It Clear, Economical, and Straightforward
Avoid Trite Phrases, Clichés, and Jargon
Accentuate the Positive
Make It Active
Avoid Typographical Excess
Avoid Noun and Adjective Stacks
Choices and Consideration
Manager’s Checklist for Chapter 3
Chapter 4. Structure Your Writing to Reach Your Reader
Techniques to Engage the Reader
Traditional Letter Form
Memo or E-Mail Form
Tips for Writing at Chip Speed
Five Formats for Letters and Memos
Manager’s Checklist for Chapter 4
Chapter 5. The Power of Visuals, White Space, and Headings
Visuals: Into the Head Through the Eyes
White Space: Making the Most of Nothing
Headings: Signposts and Signals
Summary
Manager’s Checklist for Chapter 5
Chapter 6. How to Start and Stop
Gaining Attention
Effective Openings
Holding Your Readers
Ending Strong
Manager’s Checklist for Chapter 6
Chapter 7. Zero-Based Writing
Move from Assumptions to Perspective
Master Process Writing
Write Clear, Practical Descriptions
Write Simple Instructions
Put It All Together
Manager’s Checklist for Chapter 7
Chapter 8. Dealing with Tough Situations
Breaking Bad News
Reacting to a Predicament
Above All, Do No Harm
Turning Negatives into Positives
Competence and Confidence
Manager’s Checklist for Chapter 8
Chapter 9. Persuading Your Readers
How to Persuade in Three Difficult Steps
Ten Rules of Persuasion
Use a Problem/Solution Format
Write Powerful Proposals
Conclusion
Manager’s Checklist for Chapter 9
Chapter 10. Reports, Reports, Reports
Basics for All Reports
Occasional Report
Activity Report
Status or Progress Report
Formal Report
Evaluating Your Report
Manager’s Checklist for Chapter 10
Appendix A. Postscript: Top Ten Tips for Writing Well in Business
Appendix B. Quick Reference to Writing Basics
About Suzanne Sparks
Suzanne Sparks received a Ph.D. from Temple University in Mass Communication and is Accredited Public Relations specialist (APR) by the nation’s largest public relations association, the Public Relations Society of America. She currently directs the graduate program at Rowan University and teaches both graduate and undergraduate public relations and advertising. She also serves as acting director of The Communication Institute, a consulting arm of the university.
Dr. Sparks consults with major, national organizations such as Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Bell Atlantic Corporation, The American Baptist Convention, and Harron Communications Corporation to provide training and communication services. She recently completed two Schaum publications for McGraw-Hill—Quick Guide to Business Writing and Quick Guide to Presentation Skills.
