Your business writing affects your success

Four keys to good writing are (1) plan and outline (2) consider the reader, (3) use short sentences and simple words, and (4) be critical of your writing. In the planning stage you should not hurry, Once an outline is written, you should put it aside for at least a few hours — after which the writing will be easier than anticipated. In considering the reader you must remember that readers are interested in information that is brief and interestingly told. Long sentences (over 25 words) are difficult to grasp; short sentences (10 to 15 words) are easier to understand. Finally, when composing a letter, critically evaluate it to ensure that it is courteous, brief, helpful, and friendly.