Writing effectively in a business setting requires familiarity with the conventions and expectations of several common documents. The audience and purpose of a business document often affect its content and the way it is organized.
Audience analysis: "If absolutes about writing exist, this is definitely one: audience analysis determines everything about a piece of writing, from what you say to how you say it. Believe it: There are no rules; the audience rules." The UWC Writing Guides and Handouts Audience page offers additional resources.
Specific Kinds of Writing
Accounting and Finance writing: a comprehensive introduction created by the University of Montana Writing and Public Speaking Center.
Business letters: this invaluable guide from the UNC-Chapel Hill Writing Center explains the basics of business writing and gives tips on organizing, revising, and adapting to common style considerations. It also contains sample cover letters.
Business emails
- Business emails: this resource from Colorado State University describes proper email formatting and business etiquette.
- Email etiquette: an FAQ-style Purdue OWL page that covers common concerns including sending attachments, continuing conversations, and information to omit in your message.
- Effective email communication: this UNC-Chapel Hill page covers the essential aspects of an effective email and other considerations.
Business memos: this straightforward page from the GMU Writing Center outlines the basic elements of a standard business letter, accompanied by an example.
Case study writing: this UAGC resource helps writers understand how to prepare, draft, and finalize their case study analysis.
Meeting minutes: a post outlining the most effective way to cover meeting notes.
More resources on business writing can be found at Purdue OWL's Professional, Technical Writing webpage.
Content & Context
Writing with good or bad news: this PDF summarizes how to write different types of letters, complete with examples.
Business netiquette: Colorado State University's section on business netiquette—which means having good manners on the Web—is located near the bottom of the page.
