Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Objectives
To teach students that business letters are not the only type of business writings they may have to create. To teach students that business writing is technical writing required in the workplace. To prepare students to format two types of workplace documents: memos and formal reports.
Reports (financial, audit, or statistical report that identifies the specific problem and presents collected data, research, or recommendations for the change process (re-engineering process.)
Contracts (binding agreements or proposals between two or more parties that can become legal documents if they include an offer that is accepted.) Manuals (a written set of instructions, procedures or policies) PowerPoint (a soft-ware generated, visual slide show, with animation options, that hosts a set of notes or bulleted points, an agenda, or other information that supports a discussion).
10. Use lists for some information (organized bullets) 11. Format your pages carefully (be neat and leave white space) 12. Manage your time efficiently (Meet deadlines)
kind of, sort of -- Avoid using kind of or sort of to mean "somewhat." The movie was a little (not kind of ) boring. Do not put an a after either phrase. That kind of (not kind of a) salesclerk annoys me.
regardless, irregardless -- Irregardless is nonstandard. Use regardless. Example: Regardless of what you think, conversated is slang and the correct word is conversed.
try and -- Try and is nonstandard for try to. The teacher asked us all to try to (not try and) write an original haiku.
Formatting a . . .
Business Memo
Memo Sample 1
College of Business Administration Business Communication
Memorandum
To: From: Date: Re: CBA Students Dale Coattail September 10, 2007 How to Write a Memo Your instructor has asked you to write a memo, which is the most common form of written communication in business. In order to perform this task successfully, you should conform to general business standards of content, format, structure and language use. Regarding Content, the first rule of writing a good memo is "Get to the point!" The second rule is "Know what your purpose is." Before you start writing, be sure that you know what your "answer" is to the boss's or colleague's question. Don't include all your thinking in the memo. While several pages of thinking might get written as you come up with the answer, the memo includes only the answer. Citations, financials, or justifications that must be available to the reader can be added as appendices or written as a separate, formal report. The memo should include only those ideas that are required for the reader's action or decision. Format This memo is an example of memo format. Note especially the routing information, the use of headings, and the single spaced block paragraphs. If your memo looks like a memo, there's a better chance a business reader will take your ideas seriously. If you are working in a CBA lab, the easiest way to duplicate the proper memo format is to use a template. (Select "new" from the File MENU and select the "memo" tab on the dialogue box.) Structure The typical memo is only 2 or 3 paragraphs and fits on one page. The first paragraph summarizes the gist of the whole memo, then the main points are covered in the same order they were previewed. Again, this memo provides an example of the typical structure. Language Use A memo is often less formal than a letter, but should still be written with a businesslike tone. You can be friendly, but not cute. Your professional image depends on perfect spelling and grammar, but you can usually get away with a few "down home" expressions. Edit for wordiness and get directly to the point. Use language to communicate your ideas effectively and efficiently. (END) cc: Your Instructor
Special notation
Start the introduction or provide an executive summary (depending on type of memo). You do not necessarily have to label this part.
Present main body of the memo with labeled parts. You may provide some indication of the end of the memo (END)
TRiO
Student Support Services
Sample of a Letterhead with a Business Address Left Side Bar. You may have to adjust your margins to accommodate the side bar. Therefore, instead of a left margin of 1 or 1.25, you may have a left margin of 1.8.
TROY
UNIVERSITY
Formatting a . . .
Business Report
Audience
(the passions, interests, or characteristics of the ones youre trying to persuade and their characteristics)
Subject
(the logic you will present -- your topic or message)
Know your reading audience . . . Two Main Types of Business Report Readers
Skimmers read quickly and look for key words in reports look for bulleted information. Skeptics read every word and are looking for logic flaws or reasons to disbelieve or say No Provide them with plenty of examples, details, support statements
Outlining helps you to identify (1) what your main points are, (2) what supporting material is available, and (3) what other information you need to include.
Methods of Research (How did you find your data? Did you review literature, conduct a field experiment or survey?)
Findings / Analysis (Discussion) Conclusions Recommendations Appendix (Graphs and Tables)
Complete the sample practice exercise handout and then compare your answers with those provided on the next slide.
3. I would like to extend my thanks to you for your aid and assistance on the Humbolt operation. 3. Thank you for your help on the Humbold operation.
4. There is an almost certain possibility that the entire complete order will not arrive by the assigned due date. 4. The complete order will not arrive on time. 5. The end result of our in-house, on-site production activities is various different products and output. 5. Our production results in a variety of products. 6. For all intents and purposes, payroll will basically be appending your comp time towards your designated vacation allowance. 6. Your comp time will be applied toward your vacation time.
7. Let me know if for some reason you dont get this e-mail. Otherwise, please respond to it as soon as possible. 7. Please respond to this e-mail by (specific time).
10. Due to the fact that the next Wednesday following Tuesday is the day before Christmas, the normal work day will be truncated for the purpose of allowing employees to join their respective families in celebration of the holiday. 10. Because Wednesday is Christmas Eve, the office will close early so employees can be with their families.
Before You Go . . .
Remember: Complete and submit your seminar evaluation form to full-time staff. Notify Student Support Services staff of workshop ideas you may have.
Phone: 334-70-5985 / 109 Shackelford Hall Annex