Good Written Business Communication

Businesspeople who possess good written communication skills can make a favorable impression on co-workers and clients and improve a company's productivity. Types of written communication found in the workplace include email, website content, reports, instant messages, letters and faxes.

Features

Spelling, grammar and format serve as important features of written communication. Errors in spelling and grammar reflect poorly on a businessperson and make written business communications look unprofessional. An easy-to-read format for written communication improves productivity by making important information easier to attain from the written message.

Tips

Mind Tools, an organization that strives to improve people's business communication skills, advises to use headings, sub-headings, numbers and bullet points to make your written message easier to read. Additionally, Mind Tools suggests using charts and graphics to split up long blocks of text. In regards to proofreading for spelling and grammar errors, Mind Tools recommends reading your message out loud while following along with your finger.

Warning

Avoid sending out written business communications, such as emails and instant messages, when upset. Such written messages can create uneasiness in the workplace. For instance, sending an angry instant message to a co-worker can lead to awkwardness between the two of you.

Considerations

More Business, a resource for entrepreneurs, advises to use an outline when composing written business messages over two paragraphs long, such as sales reports and long emails. The outline will help keep your message clear and concise.

References

• Mind Tools: Writing Skills
• More Business: Ten Rules of Written Business Communication