We'll assume that you know the basics - grammar, punctuation, where they keep the
dictionary in your office, how the spell checker in your word processor works, and
all that stuff.
Start with the understanding that writing effectively is NOT an art. It is a skill
that can easily be learned by any reasonably intelligent person who is willing to
try.
The skill lies in the ability to create documents that reflect an understanding
of the importance of the five characteristics of any
form of effective communication:
A specific objective to be achieved
Specific information to be communicated
Logical organization of the material being presented
An emphasis on simplicity and clarity
Effective use of the language
When a systematic approach is taken, producing a
needed piece of written communication
is an exercise that is far more scientific than artistic. All you have to
do is to apply the formula. It works on email messages, letters, memos, proposals,
presentations, or whatever it is you need to write.
To test its validity, sort through some of the communications you've received recently
and find a document you consider to be useful. Then, find one that seems confusing
at best, or pointless at worst.
The odds are that
the good one follows the rules and that the bad one ignores them.
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