Writing for Business Success/Effective business writing/Video signpost ProsWrite2
View video series – The two ProsWrite.com writing tutorial videos presented in this topic are Style in Professional Writing: Tone [14:58 min.] and Style in Professional Writing: Conciseness. [11:07 min.].
The first video explains how to manage tone in business messages to convey a positive, professional attitude. Effective strategies to manage the four key aspects of tone – level of formality, reader-orientation, directness, and presupposition – are illustrated by real-world business messages, and a practice exercise. The speaker notes that sensitive issues require more words, so the conciseness level chosen depends on the audience sensitivity level. The speaker also points out that appropriateness of attitude is culturally determined, and there is as much diversity within cultures as there is between them. Successful writers strive to understand their readers’ values, and adapt their style by using a tone that shows respect for those values in diverse contexts.
The second video explains how to achieve conciseness in business writing by replacing empty filler words, like ‘be’ verbs, expletives, nominals, and hedges, with specific, informative verbs and nouns to emphasise your message. In closing, the speaker reminds that the shortest message is not always the best message. You still must include all the informative and persuasive content readers may need. What similarities to plain language do you notice in the two videos in this topic?
