WRITING SKILLS FOR THE WORKPLACE

I. A New Look at Written Communication.

A. Talking in writing (E-Mail)
B. Changing the nature of written communications
C. Writing for efficiency and effectiveness
D. Getting results through writing

II. Basic Requirements of Written Communication.

A. Meeting the plain language criteria
B. Writing for the reading
C. Checking readability
D. Getting to the point
E. Breaking old habits

III. The Six "C" Formula for Written Communications.

A. Clear
B. Concise
C. Complete
D. Correct
E. Courteous
F. Creative

IV. The Importance of Tone and Appeal in Writing.

A. The "you" attitude - write for the reader
B. A positive tone
C. Word choice / action words
D. The power of questions

V. The Changing Nature of Letters and Memos.

A. Writing for the record
B. Writing for results
C. Contracting through the written word
D. Setting direction in writing

VI. The Written Report.

A. Requirements of a written report
B. The balance of content and style
C. Format to enhance readability
D. Reporting vs. writing

VII. Writing for the Web.

A. The new reader
B. The writing style for the Web
C. Formats to encourage reading
D. The interactive reader