| |
| |
|
Writing Information |
|
Business Writing Tip: Question & Answer Format
Traditionally, business writing uses the "one thing after another" format, which usually means a plain recitation of the facts, circumstances, or whatever else needs to be said. But, we have a number of other options, and some of them may provide more responses or better responses. Consider the Q & A format, for example: Question: What's the Q & A format? Answer: It's a series of questions and answers, used to communicate important information to readers. Question: Where can a Q & A be used? Answer: It can be used in advertising, employee communication, or any other business situation where you want to provide written information to other people. Question: Why or when would you use this format? Answer: When I have a lot of information and want to keep up the interest of readers, for example. The Q & A format breaks up the information into smaller, more digestable chunks, and makes the content seem less formidable to readers. Question: But don't you need at least two people for this kind of format? Answer: In the news media, Q & A means one person asks questions and another person answers. But, in a business writing context, Q & A also can mean the same person asks and answers. Question: Can you give a real-life example? Answer: Sure. I wrote one to promote my book, A Manager's Guide to Newsletters: Communicating for Results. In that case, the Q & A provided an insight into my motivations for writing the book, and its evolution from a descriptive to a strategic approach. The material might have been handled conventionally, but the Q & A gave it a ring of detachment with inherently more interest, I think. You can evaluate it for yourself, at: http://www.managersguide.com/unique.htm . Question: Is there anything special about writing a Q & A? Answer: I think a Q & A can take many forms, but generally I'd recommend that you use a conversational tone if possible. By doing that, you'll embrace the conventional sense of a Q & A, which is a discussion between two people. Question: Did you write this Q & A by yourself? Answer: Yes. Question: And who are you? Answer: About The Author Robert F. Abbott writes and publishes Abbott's Communication Letter. If you subscribe, you will receive, at no charge, communication tips that help you lead or manage more effectively. You can get more information here: http://www.CommunicationNewsletter.com
MORE RESOURCES: Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Its All About YOU! The Hottest Word on the WebDid you know marketing people and copywriters are developing a science about writing for readers in this new medium called the Web? In fact, they use carefully selected words to catch a reader's attention. Here are a few:NewTrueAuthoritySexualGuaranteedBonusFirstQuickNowCatchFastPersonalSpiritualSuccessFreeThese words are not in any order of importance or frequency. Retail Margin, Trade Discount, and What it Means for the Author DEFINITIONSRetail margin is basically the difference between your book's wholesale price and your book's retail price. For example, a book with a cover price of $10 and a wholesale price of $5 has a 50% retail margin. Focusing Your Reading and Finding Ideas Many experts recommend reading as a way to get ideas, but usually do not offer more specific suggestions, such as pinpointing and identifying areas that you can select from and write about. From my own experience, I know how frustrating this can be. How to Have an Effective Reading Group Writing leads to reading. Therefore, it's only fair to supply my readers with sufficient information on creating an effective reading group, since the last article was based on writing groups. How To Write Your Book Within A Week Everyone has a book inside them, or so the saying goes. But few people get that book out. Four Act Stories and Beyond There are various forms of structure, including frameworks, work processes and goal setting.A lot has been written about story structure. 14 Tips On Writing The Short-Short Story The short-short story has been likened by some as being closer to writing a poem than a story. And that makes sense-every word has to be packed with power; every line has to move the story along. Fight The Fluff! The first and final rule of quality writing is this: what doesn't strengthen your writing, weakens it.There are no neutral words when you're trying to be persuasive - every word must be doing real work and every sentence must be necessary. The Arrogant Writer: Five Ways To Nurture and Defend Your Muse Arrogance has a bad rap. We think of arrogant people as unpleasant to be around, full of themselves, and incapable of taking an interest in anyone else. Documenting Everything: Your Journal is Your Logbook Sailors had it for years. Great explorers had it as well. Have You Settled On First Choice When Choosing A Title? Short Story Writing Tips -We've established what a title should be and we've also established your title is your selling tool. So if it can make or break the sale of your story, then we'll have to agree that it is extremely important. Zany Ideas That Increase Writing Productivity And Quality Welcome to the zany ideas of a productive writer. My students keep reminding me of my unusual tools and how helpful they have been for them. Basic Word Processing Tips for Writers Word processors are so widely used now that I tend to take it for granted that most writers know how to perform basic tasks (e.g. Idea-Mining for Writers, 102 As many authors are fond of stating, "Ideas are all around!" when asked to be more specific. Well, in a way, that's true. How To Become a Freelance Grant Writer What is a freelance grant writer? These individuals have a lot of power in their hands. When they work for companies, they are essentially trying to help gain free money for that company to help the company expand, do research, or to stay in business. Effective Editing: It Spells the Difference! If you think proofreading equals editing, then you're wrong! Editing is a lot more than just scrutinizing your manuscript for misspelled words or missing punctuation marks.As a whole:Edit only *after* you've written the *whole* piece. When I Run Out of Ideas I do on occasion run out of ideas for my column writing. I do this after finishing a huge writing project like a book. Get Published: The Nuts and Bolts of Good English, and How to Impress a Publisher (1) Not all writers write good grammar. That's a fact. The Writer and the Web If your dream is to get published, the chance is before you.The web has opened the portals of opportunity to all aspiring writers, freelance writers, established writersactually to all writers. Create A Dream Diary How many times have you forced yourself to sit in front of a computer and waited for inspiration to strike?Most of us at some point, whether just starting out or even an experienced published writer, have suffered from the proverbial writers block or have struggled to kick-start their creativity.Sometimes ideas just flow and writing our article or story is easy.
|
| home | site map | contact us |