Business writing aims to inform or persuade in clear and readable language. Thinking about your purpose and audience before you create an outline will enable you to focus on the most relevant areas of your topic and more clearly demonstrate your main point. Although writing a good essay takes time and thought, effective business writing is an invaluable tool for communication.
1. Determine your purpose in writing your essay. Are you trying to persuade your reader, inform them of a new product or development or make an argument for a certain idea?
2. Consider the audience of your essay and how that will affect its tone and structure. Tailor your essay to fit your audience's requirements. Why will they be reading your essay? What should they do after they read your essay?
3. Outline your main points, including the main question or argument, its supporting evidence, any counterarguments or counterpoints and your conclusion. Use concrete evidence whenever possible, and always cite any references.
4. Write a rough draft of your essay using your outline for guidance. Try to explain each point clearly but concisely. State your main point in the first paragraph and make your conclusion clear in your final section.
5. Consider the structure of your draft. Does your argument flow logically? Consider changing some block text to bullet points to increase readability. Use specific and informative section titles and subtitles to make your essay easier to read.
6. Examine the tone and sentence structure of your draft and make any necessary changes. Although your tone should always be polite, professional and sincere, it may also be enthusiastic, persuasive or confident, depending on your purpose and audience.
7. Proofread your essay for grammar and spelling. If possible, have a co-worker or friend read through the essay.
- Word processor or paper and pencil
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