Page 145 - How to write effective business English your guide to excellent professional communication by Fiona Talbot
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134 How to Write Effective Business English
Your checklist for action
● ● When writing dates, times and measurements, one size doesn’t
fit all.
● ● Understand the conventions your readers use.
● ● If you don’t do this, you may miss appointments, delivery
deadlines, etc.
● ● Your order books may be adversely affected if you get dates,
times and numbers wrong – your profits too.
● ● Write as precisely as possible to avoid misunderstandings: for
example, 2nd January 2025.
● ● Don’t assume readers know the common terms or abbreviations
you use (particularly as your writing may be forwarded on to
others). Write so that everyone will understand.
● ● Define the terms you will be using and check that your readers
use the same ones.
● ● Make sure you write plain English, using words precisely.
● ● Use active rather than passive writing where appropriate.
● ● Look out for the common confusions described in this chapter.
Make a note of others you come across – and ask colleagues to
do the same.
