Page 29 - How to write effective business English your guide to excellent professional communication by Fiona Talbot

18 How to Write Effective Business English

but the relevant manager isn’t available. So the trainer puts back
the start time, in case the missing delegates are held up in traffic.
He later finds out that the company knew that three delegates
would be unable to attend on the day.
Can you see why the failure to relay changes cost money and af-
fected performance? Both the hotel and the client company were at
fault here. Although the course went ahead, there was unnecessary
hassle and a distinct lack of professionalism. It also made for a cha-
otic scene, which was likely to undermine delegates’ perception of the
whole day. This kind of thing happens all too frequently. It comes as
a direct result of people not reading and responding and messaging to
update and inform others of changing or changed circumstances. A
minor series of events and failure to update communication can turn
a well-organized programme into an unprofessional shambles.

The word power skills system: four

easy steps to premier business writing

The system uses the idea of ‘a ladder of success’, in which you start
at the bottom (Step 1) and systematically climb to success (beyond
Step 4) as follows:

Step 1

Be correct:

● ● Know what your writing needs to achieve, alongside what your
company needs to achieve.

● ● Reflect your company’s values and personality, and project
‘brand you’.

● ● At the very least, match readers’ minimum expectations.
● ● Ensure that your writing is free of mistakes.
Your business communication will fail if you get your basics wrong.