To improve the impression of a company to the outside world a company will often rely on business writing classes. One only needs to look to any type of correspondence produced from a company that is located overseas to see some glaring differences in terms of etiquette and presentation.
Unfortunately, most native companies have allowed their standards to drop when it comes to business communication and it reflects poorly on the company. This failure in maintaining high standards can be attributed to the following two reasons. The first reason is the school system; most schools no longer spend significant amounts of time instructing children in the use of proper English grammar anymore. The second reason is because electronic communications have become more prevalent and these types of communication tend to be more lax.
But why are overseas companies so much better than us. Why do they still observe the niceties? The answer is fairly simple and glaringly obvious. In overseas schools (whether for child or adult education) English grammar and correct English usage are taught. When a letter is received in English by an overseas company it can cause consternation if it seems to be impolite because of very poor presentation.
One of the biggest mistakes most modern companies commit is their reliance on over familiarity. It's quite easy for a deal that has been negotiated for months verbally to be lost because of a poorly written business letter. For example, if Fred has been speaking to and negotiating with Francisco over the course of several months, if Fred feels too over familiar and addresses a letter to him trying to be humorous "Dear Paco" this can have disastrous consequences. While something this obvious should be common sense more and more companies are starting to realize that they shouldn't let just anyone be responsible for writing their official business letters.
What else can a business writing class help with? Business letters and pro-forma applications need to be set out in such a way that there is no ambiguity in either the words used or the phraseology. Although you might be dealing with a domestic company, it is possible that words could be used that have different meanings or connotations.
One very famous incident that could have turned out very differently was the use of the word 'wicked' in a letter from one young executive to another. Although the phrase 'Thomas you are so wicked' was meant to be high praise, Thomas did not understand. Hardly surprising, I suppose, but a good business writing course would certainly warn against the use of colloquialisms.
Any quality business writing course would encourage the students to refrain from using words which can have multiple and ambiguous meanings. If clear and concise English is used consistently than a lot of unnecessary and excessive communications could be drastically reduced. If the message is clearly stated there will be no misunderstanding and no further communication will be needed for clarification.
Many simple pieces of necessary paperwork can be made even more simple if the English used is clear. One of the strangest surviving anachronisms of today is the use of 'ult' and 'inst' in references to dates. Some people in the same office as the author may not know what 'I am in receipt of yours of 6th ult' really means. A good business writing course will teach you to say 'Thank you for your letter dated 6th May'.
Unfortunately, most native companies have allowed their standards to drop when it comes to business communication and it reflects poorly on the company. This failure in maintaining high standards can be attributed to the following two reasons. The first reason is the school system; most schools no longer spend significant amounts of time instructing children in the use of proper English grammar anymore. The second reason is because electronic communications have become more prevalent and these types of communication tend to be more lax.
But why are overseas companies so much better than us. Why do they still observe the niceties? The answer is fairly simple and glaringly obvious. In overseas schools (whether for child or adult education) English grammar and correct English usage are taught. When a letter is received in English by an overseas company it can cause consternation if it seems to be impolite because of very poor presentation.
One of the biggest mistakes most modern companies commit is their reliance on over familiarity. It's quite easy for a deal that has been negotiated for months verbally to be lost because of a poorly written business letter. For example, if Fred has been speaking to and negotiating with Francisco over the course of several months, if Fred feels too over familiar and addresses a letter to him trying to be humorous "Dear Paco" this can have disastrous consequences. While something this obvious should be common sense more and more companies are starting to realize that they shouldn't let just anyone be responsible for writing their official business letters.
What else can a business writing class help with? Business letters and pro-forma applications need to be set out in such a way that there is no ambiguity in either the words used or the phraseology. Although you might be dealing with a domestic company, it is possible that words could be used that have different meanings or connotations.
One very famous incident that could have turned out very differently was the use of the word 'wicked' in a letter from one young executive to another. Although the phrase 'Thomas you are so wicked' was meant to be high praise, Thomas did not understand. Hardly surprising, I suppose, but a good business writing course would certainly warn against the use of colloquialisms.
Any quality business writing course would encourage the students to refrain from using words which can have multiple and ambiguous meanings. If clear and concise English is used consistently than a lot of unnecessary and excessive communications could be drastically reduced. If the message is clearly stated there will be no misunderstanding and no further communication will be needed for clarification.
Many simple pieces of necessary paperwork can be made even more simple if the English used is clear. One of the strangest surviving anachronisms of today is the use of 'ult' and 'inst' in references to dates. Some people in the same office as the author may not know what 'I am in receipt of yours of 6th ult' really means. A good business writing course will teach you to say 'Thank you for your letter dated 6th May'.
About the Author:
Barry Walls business writing course is quickly generating full time incomes for virtually all who sign up. If you want to quickly quit or replace a full time job with a dream work from home solution, try his business writing classes.
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