Business Writing Today: A Practical Guide 4th Edition by Natalie Canavor, ISBN-13: 978-1071854068

Description

Trustpilot

Business Writing Today: A Practical Guide 4th Edition by Natalie Canavor, ISBN-13: 978-1071854068

[PDF eBook eTextbook] – Available Instantly

• Publisher: ‎ SAGE Publications, Inc; Fourth edition (September 28, 2022)
• Language: ‎ English
• ISBN-10: ‎ 1071854062
• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1071854068

Business Writing Today: A Practical Guide, Fourth Edition prepares students to succeed in the business world by giving them the tools they need to write powerfully, no matter the challenge. In her highly-practical text, author Natalie Canavor shares step-by-step guidance and tips for success to help students write more clearly and strategically. Readers will learn what to say and how to say it in any medium from tweets and emails to proposals and formal reports. Every technique comes with concrete examples and practice opportunities, helping students transfer their writing skills to the workplace.

Table of Contents:

Preface

A Note to Instructors

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Part I How to Communicate in Writing

Chapter 1 Business Writing Today—and You

Writing and Your Career, Now and Tomorrow

How Employers Value Writing

Applying Good Writing Principles Across Platforms

Communicating Your Own Value

How to Choose the Right Communication Platform

Don’t Choose Writing When……

Do Depend on Writing When…

Using the Best Channel for Written Messages

How to Use This Book

Summary Checklist: Planning Your Business Writing Experience

Practice Opportunities

Chapter 2 How to Build Successful Messages

Planning Successful Messages Step by Step

Step 1: Know Your Immediate and Long-Range Goals

Put Bottom Line on Top

Define Goals to Narrow Your Vision

Put Your Goals Analysis to Work

Step 2: Characterizing Your Audiences and Understanding Their Perspective

Observe People to Predict Their Response

Recognizing Personal Filters

Practice Reading Between the Lines

Bridging Personal and Generational Differences

Understanding Your Generations

Generation Z: Born 1995 or Later

Millennial Generation (Generation Y): Born 1981–1995

Generation X: Born 1965–1980

Baby Boomers: Born 1946–1964

Communicating Cross-Generation

Tap Into Your Intuition

Putting Your Insights to Work

Building Relationships in a Diverse World

Writing to People You’ve Never Met

Inventing an Audience

Assessing Corporate Culture

Writing to Groups

Gatekeepers and “Serial Audiences”

Messages to the Universe: Digital Media

Summary Checklist: Best Practices for Developing Effective Messages

Practice Opportunities

Chapter 3 Strategize Your Messaging

Your Goal: What Response Do You Want?

Your Audience: What Do You Know About Your Readers?

Your Content Points: Brainstorm to Identify Them

Structure Your Messages for Impact

THE LEAD: Don’t Bury It!

THE MIDDLE: Present Supporting Backup and Detail

THE CLOSE: End Well With Confirmation

Check Your Tone and Content

Choose How to Organize

Option 1: Create an Outline

Option 2: Tell It to Someone

Option 3: Handwrite Your Draft

Option 4: Organize Graphically

Graphic Options for All Business Writing

Use Headlines to Title a Document and Major Sections

Using Bullet Points and Numbering

Additional Graphic Techniques

Write for Small Screen Readers

The Goldilocks Principle: How Much Is Just Right?

Manage Your Written Tone

What About Emojis?

A 12-Point Tone Checklist

Writing for an Inclusive World

Avoid “Ageism”

Sidestep Sexism

Recognize Ethnic and Racial Communities Appropriately

Respect the LGBTQ+ Community

Respecting People with Disabilities

Examples: Problem-Solve With the Planning Structure

Case 1:

Drawing Important People to Campus

Three Ways To Personalize Messages

Case 2:

Asking for Opportunities

When Planning Doesn’t Help: Use Writing!

Summary Checklist: Best Practice for Strategizing Messages and Documents

Practice Opportunities

Part II Sharpen and Energize Your Writing

Chapter 4 Create the First Draft

Choose the Familiar Words of Conversation

Help Yourself to Better Words

Build Clear, Concise, Active Sentences

Build Rhythm Into Sentence Progression

Listen to Your Writing!

How Long Should Sentences Be?

Build With Action Verbs

Assemble Short, Logical Paragraphs

Deploy Strong Transitions: Words, Phrases, and Devices

Sidestep Tone Traps

Forgo Risky Humor

Recognize and Avoid Prejudicial Wording

Resist Emotional Display and Negativism

Avoid the Pompous and Pretentious

Shun the Cold and Impersonal

Summary Checklist: Best Practices for Creating a First Draft

Practice Opportunities

Chapter 5 Edit and Sharpen Your Writing

The Editing Process: Ten Principles

1. Give It the Time It Needs

2. Give It Some Space

3. Consciously Switch Roles

4. Print It Out and Use Your Red Pen

5. Edit in Successive Stages

6. Use the Read-Aloud Test

7. Use Grammar and Wording Tools

8. Find a Co-Reader

9. Proofread. Finally.

10. Track Your Changes

Practical Editing Stage 1: Review Content

Practical Editing Stage 2: Review Language and Structure

Use the Readability Index

Use the Read-Aloud Method

Commonsense Fix-It Techniques

Strip Redundancy

Substitute Short Words for Long Ones

Edit Out Wordy Phrases

Minimize Words That Create Abstract Sentences

Words Ending in –ing

Words Ending in –ion

Words Ending in –ious

Words Ending in –ed

Limit Use of Prepositions: Of, To, For, By, In, On

Limit Adjectives and Adverbs

Count Your Conjunctions: And, Or, But, For, Nor, Yet, So

Power Up Your Verbs

Sidestep Business-Speak

The Trouble With Jargon

Jargon Problem 1

Jargon Problem 2

Jargon Problem 3

The Trouble With Buzzwords

The Trouble With Idioms

The Trouble With Empty Rhetoric

The Trouble With Insensitive Language

Fixing Some Grammar Glitches

Using Commas

Using Periods

Exclamation Points

Dots and Dashes

Wandering and Ambiguous Sentences

Danglers and Misplaced Modifiers

Parallel Construction

Noun and Adjective Pileups

That Versus Who Versus Which

Who Versus Whom

It’s Versus Its

Using However

Double Negatives

Pronoun Challenges

Editing Down Long Copy

How Correct Must Business Writing Be?

Some Liberties You Can Take With Grammar

Ok: Starting Sentences With Because, And, Or, But

Ok: Ending With Prepositions and Conjunctions

Ok: Using Sentence Fragments

Finally: Proofread

Remember: Many Ways Can Work

The Fixer Takeaway: Know Yourself

Summary Checklist: Best Practice for Letters and Important Messages

Practice Opportunities

Chapter 6 Use the Techniques of Persuasion

Perspectives on Persuasion: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Research

Start by Listening and Exercising Empathy

Create and Ask Good Questions

Use Knowledge to Build Trust

Acknowledge Other Viewpoints

Strategize Realistically

Believe It!

Build Persuasion Techniques Into Your Writing Voice

Know Your Narrative

Focus on Benefits, Not Features

Show Don’t Sell!

Create a Vision

Craft Language to Bring Your Idea to Life

Understand the Emotional Load Words Carry

Chilling Language

Conciliatory Language

Choose High-Energy Verbs

Banish Hedgy Language

Take Care With Emotionally Loaded Words

Build With Concrete, Graphic Language

Use Language to Paint Pictures

When the Story Is Yours: Finding, Shaping, Telling

How to Dig for Your Own Story

Draw on the Transformation Story Model

Tips for Writing the Story

Using Story to Reach People Emotionally

Integrate Ethos, Logos, and Pathos

Use Graphics to Support Persuasion

Some Design Fundamentals

About Typeface

Break It Up

For Proposals and Other Big Documents

Summary Checklist: Best Practices for Creating a First Draft

Practice Opportunities

Part III The Basics of Business Communication

Chapter 7 Connect With Everyday Messages

Strategize Email Messaging to Gain Your Goals

Shape Emails Based on Their Purpose

Know When Email Is Not the Right Channel

Apply the Planning Structure to Every Message

Craft Subject Lines That Entice

Use Suitable Salutations

Craft Strong Leads

Write Good Middles

Close Soundly

Communicate With a Positive and Inclusive Spirit

Smile When You Say That

Monitor for Inclusiveness

Humanize Your Messaging

Analyze Workplace Challenges Systematically

Draft 1

Draft 2

Draft 3

Version 1

Version 2

Some Email Q&A

Adapting Communication Tools for Remote Work

Email and More for Remote Workers

Compose Good Status Reports

Keep Personal Records

Handle Chat Messaging

Prepare for Video Conferencing

Summary Checklist: Best Practice for Email and Short Messaging

Practice Opportunities

Chapter 8 Writing Letters and More Formal Messages

Characteristics of Effective Letters

Format: Keep It Simple But Classic

Example: Classic Letter Format

Write Letters Specific to Each Situation

Thank-You-Very-Much Notes

Writing Effective Requests

Use Written Messages to Network and Build Connections

Asking for Informational Interviews

Sample 1

Sample 2

Use Strategies That Build Your Connections

Practice Job Application Courtesies

Writing a Rejection Message

Resigning From a Job

Delivering a Bad News Message

Framing Good Apologies: A Leadership Skill

Use the Power of Handwritten Notes

Writing Strategies for Entrepreneurs and Freelancers

Resolving a Dispute With a Supplier

Responding to Complaints

Collecting Overdue Bills

Writing for International Audiences and People With Limited Fluency

Summary Checklist: Best Practice for Letters and Important Messages

Practice Opportunities

Chapter 9 Creating Strong Business Materials

Guidelines for Writing Effective Business Documents

Handling Major Projects and Team Collaboration

Create a Comprehensive Plan of Action

Jumpstart Projects With a Folder System

Team Proactively

Collaborating to Write

Create Reports That Win Support and Add Value

Deliver the Big Picture in Project Reports

Find Your Story

Write Status Reports to Focus on Accomplishments

Writing the Executive Summary

Writing Style for Executive Summaries

Sample Executive Summary for a Report

Outline-Style Versus Narrative Executive Summary

Craven County’s Brownfields

Writing Proposals That Win Business

Working With Rigid Formats

Writing Informal, Conversation-Based Proposals

Writing Short Personal Proposals

Writing Successful Grant Applications

Grant Application Strategies

A Word on Business Plans

Writing How-To Material That Works for Readers

Summary Checklist: Best Practices for Complex Business Documents

Practice Opportunities

Part IV Writing For Online and Spoken Media

Chapter 10 Using the Digital World Strategically

The Virtual World: A Big Picture View

Leverage Your Writing Skills

Develop a Strategic Plan

Create Your Persona

Stay Consistent Across Platforms

Aim to Build Trust

Foster Relationships Creatively

Deliver Valuable Substance

Build in the Interaction

Integrate Your Online and Offline Activities

Special Characteristics of Online Writing

Plan and Write a Website That Connects With Your Audiences

Define Your Goals

Define and Profile Your Audience

Develop Message and Content Ideas

Plan Your Architecture

Choose Your Tone

Translate Print to Online Language

Introducing Kung Foe: Martial Arts Lessons Designed for Women

Middletown Women: Learn Kung Foe and Stay Safe Anywhere!

Talk to Jack! Call Today: 111-222-3333

How to Strategize a Website: Site-Building in Practice

Building a Home Page

Ted’s Small-Business Tech Support

Use Clear Wording and Icons for Navigation

About Us Page

Services/Products Page

Try Do-It-Yourself UX

The Blog: Why and How to Create Your Own

Inventory Your Strengths and Knowledge

Use Online Resources to Develop Blog Ideas

Take Trouble With Headlines and Leads

LinkedIn: Connecting With Employers, Making Contacts

Crafting Your LinkedIn Profile

Writing Tips for Online Profiles

Building Community with LinkedIn

Social Media Options: Written, Visual, Oral

Using Twitter’s Micro Magic

10 Tips for Getting the Most From Twitter

Think Global: Online Networks Live Everywhere

Keep Wording and Structure Simple

Keep Graphics Accessible and Uncluttered

Stay Conscious of Cultural Differences

Summary Checklist: Best Practices for Using Online Platforms

Practice Opportunities

Chapter 11 Leverage Your Writing Skills for Spoken and Visual Media

Writing and Using an Elevator Speech to Introduce Yourself

When You’re a New Career Builder

Developing Speeches and Oral Presentations

Presentation Planning Worksheet

Adapt Your Personal Story

For Spoken Media, Use a Sayable Writing Style

How Many Words Do You Need?

More Ways to Foster Engagement

When You Must Read a Speech

Talking Points: When You Need to Think on Your Feet

How to Use Talking Points for Interviews

Using Visuals to Support Your Messaging

Finding and Creating Your Own Visuals

Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations

Improve Your Video Conferencing Game

Technical Tips for Smart Zooming

Planning, Scripting and Using Video

Systems to Support Planning Longer Videos

Language for Video

Consider the Limitations of Your Equipment

Introducing Yourself With Video

More Ways to Use Video

Develop Infographics to Tell Data Stories

Summary Checklist: Best Practices for Creating Presentations and Using Visuals

Practice Opportunities

Part V Into the Future

Chapter 12 Win Your Opportunities: Writing for the Hunt

Know Your Strengths and Unique Assets

Plan Your Résumé and Choose a Format to Showcase Your Capabilities

How Traditional Must Résumés Be?

Tweak the Format to Advantage

Adapt Categories and Writing Style to Your Content

Use Concise and Energetic Language

Create a Strong Summary of Qualifications

Example: A Narrative-Style Summary of Experience

Example: An Outline-Style Summary of Experience

Showcase Your Work Experience

Statement A

Statement B

Statement A

Statement B

Statement A

Statement B

Choose Content and Techniques That Show You to Advantage

Technical Specs for Résumés

Alternative Formats: Functional and Hybrid Résumés

Write Customized Cover Letters to Gain an Edge

Options for Strengthening Your Letters

Tips for Connecting With Reviewers

Adopt an Upbeat Tone

Technical Specs for Application Letters

Social Media as Your Online Résumé

Summary Checklist: Best Practices for Creating Your Application Materials

Practice Opportunities

Index

Natalie Canavor is a business writer, author, journalist and former college instructor. Throughout her successive careers as a magazine editor and public relations manager, she originated programs to help people communicate more effectively. Today she focuses on this work with practical programs for business and professional audiences, college students and writing instructors.

Natalie taught advanced writing seminars for NYU’s MS program in public relations and corporate communication for six years, and created a number of courses and workshops on strategic messaging for businesspeople, professionals and entrepreneurs.

Her byline as a journalist has appeared on hundreds of features and columns in newspapers including the New York Times and Newsday; a host of business and technical publications; and professional magazines such as Communication World and ASJA Magazine, published by the American Association of Journalists and Authors. For seven years, she wrote a column on better writing for the International Association of Business Communicators, read by 15,000 professionals worldwide.

As a national magazine editor-in-chief, Natalie created a series of successful start-ups including Today’s Filmmaker, Videography and Technical Photography. She also served as an editor of Popular Photography. As an organizational communicator, Natalie built a 14-person PR department for New York State’s largest educational agency and counseled management on communication strategy; directed print, video, and e-media; and created communications skills training programs for school leaders.

Natalie is also the author of Business Writing for Dummies, currently in its third edition, and coauthor of Workplace Genie: An Unorthodox Toolkit to Help Transform Your Work Relationships and Get the Most From Your Career, with psychotherapist Susan Dowell. She also coauthored The Truth About the New Rules of Business Writing, a popular guide for businesspeople. In the wake of a new interest in poetry, her work was recently published as part of The Song in the Room: Six Women Poets.

Natalie’s work has earned dozens of national and international awards for feature articles, video scripts, websites and publications. She served two terms as president of an International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) chapter, which recognized her as Communicator of the Year, and was a founding officer of IABC’s Heritage Region. Natalie is a member of the Author’s Guild and the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

What makes us different?

• Instant Download

• Always Competitive Pricing

• 100% Privacy

• FREE Sample Available

• 24-7 LIVE Customer Support