Written Communication

Important Points to Consider when Writing

• Who is your audience?
  You will use a different tone and different language for a cover letter to a prospective employer than you would use when writing a postcard to a friend.
  
• Who else may see what you're writing?
  Committing something to writing can be dangerous if it is negative or if you want it to remain private.
  
• Take the time to organize your thoughts, especially when writing longer formal letters and reports.
  
• Adhere to formats designated by your organization or professor for any type of writing.
  
• Write clearly and concisely.
  Explain things your audience won't know, but do it with as few words as possible.
  
• Avoid vague and generalized statements.
  
• Be specific and provide as many details as necessary for your audience to understand your request or information.
  
• Use proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
  This tip is important for all types of writing depending on your audience.
  
• Be polite.
  
• Always Proofread!
  If possible, have someone else proofread your work as well. Even informal letters or emails can have embarrassing typos or words missing that affect the clarity of your writing.

Types of Written Communication

Letters
--can be formal or informal

Memos
--can be formal or informal depending on the information relayed and workplace/organization environment
--usually used to relay short pieces of important information to one or more people in the same organization or group
--abbreviations and organization jargon are often acceptable

Reports
--usually formal
--used to relay longer pieces of information or in correlation with a project
--usually requires research and several drafts

E-mail
--can be formal or informal depending on the audience

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
"About Communication Skills." Channing L. Bete Co., Inc. South Deerfield, MA. 1996