Business writing often gets a bad rap.

• It’s boring
• It’s forgettable
• It’s painful

If your business writing fits one or all of those descriptions, you need to ask yourself, Why?

Perhaps –

• You lack the passion for your business
• The person doing your business writing doesn’t share your passion
• Or can’t express it

Great business writing takes many forms – a passionate speech, a moving video, a clever article.

There is a simple trick with great business writing – it embraces the imagination.

Imagine the Possibilities

Here are 5 techniques for great business writing.

1. Tell a story
2. Use words that capture
3. Share the experience
4. Repeat your message
5. Keep it simple

There’s a Reason You’ve Heard it Before

You have probably heard the tell a story angle 1,000 times. That’s because it works.

• A story helps you organize your writing
• It provides a beginning, middle and end
• A well-told story pulls in the reader

Use Words That Capture

Think of your words as paint brushes.

Words are instruments of brilliance.

Here are some paint brushes for your palette.

• Use the word imagine as a trigger for ideas
• Translate physical action words into power – embrace, capture, staggering
• Use figurative language to breathe life into your business writing –

The brilliance of the ad blinded the competition

Share the Experience

Good business writing emphasizes the importance of the word you. 

Even better business writing leaves the reader thinking us.

• Share your successes
• Share your failures
• Share your opinion
• Let us share the experience

Repeat Your Message

We’re human. Our minds drift to other things in our lives.

Help keep the reader/listener on track.

• Know your message
• Highlight your message
• Repeat your message

Keep it Simple

The mantra of this business writing blog.

• Keep it simple – don’t lose your message in the delivery
• Keep it clear – Stay focused on your message
• Keep it uniquely yours – Believe in your business – it shows

Delivering

Want a great example of these techniques? Listen to Steve Jobs’ 2005 commencement speech at Stanford.

• He keeps it simple by stating what he is going to do
• He shares three stories
• He repeats his message – “connecting the dots”
• He believed in his business

“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”

Steve Jobs 2005 Stanford University Commencement Address

What are your best business writing tips?

BigStock Photo Credit

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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