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Logic

Style

Grammar

Citation

Proofreading

Resources

Business Writing Overview: SB113/114 - OS286/PY286 - OS432
by Mike Wasserman and Bernie Cabral

 

Writing is a critical business skill.  The value of your ideas and contributions can widely vary based on the clarity with which you communicate those ideas.  Great ideas poorly communicated have little or no value.  Additionally, people will perceive you and judge your intelligence and motivation based on your writing, fairly or unfairly.  Spend time building your writing skills.  Writing takes a lot of effort and is a lifelong challenge, but it is an important and worthwhile skill! 

 

Note that, although the SB113, OS286, and OS432 professors agree that this overview provides good guidance, be aware that particular assignments may have different requirements.  So, use these as general guidelines and always defer to specific instructions from your professor.  

 

Here are five specific steps to solidify your business writing skills.  Click on each link for more details, examples, and resources.   

1. Logic and Organization

2. Style and Tone   

3. Grammar 

4. Cite your sources 

5. Write multiple drafts and proofread

 

Finally, remember that there are lots of resources out there - use them.  The Writing Center, peers, electronic and print resources can all be helpful.  Click here for a list of helpful writing resources.