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The Plain English Approach to Business Writing
Book

The Plain English Approach to Business Writing

Oxford UP, 1997 mais...

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Much of what passes for business writing today is so convoluted and pompous that it is difficult to understand. Here’s an example: “Subsequent to the adoption of the latest employee policy regulations-cum-guidelines, it is incumbent upon (said) employees to rigorously review the current documentation; and to then advise (or at the minimum, contact) management regarding any perceived, needed exceptions....” How about this instead: “Please review the proposed guideline changes, and let us know if they make sense and support current policies. If not, we’ll change them.” Far too many people think they need to write business prose with grandiose words and phrases, passive voice, third person and past tense, when actually such practices muddle their messages. Into the business-writing breach comes Edward P. Bailey Jr., a master of composition, and an expert at teaching people to write and speak plainly and simply. Although even the professor lapses into dullness now and then, getAbstract thinks that anyone who wants to write – and thus communicate – more effectively can learn a lot from reading this short, sensible book.

Take-Aways

  • Write as you speak – easily and informally.
  • Use common words that are easy to understand.
  • Put the main point of your writing right up front.

About the Author

Edward P. Bailey Jr. teaches business communication at Marymount University. He is an expert on writing and public speaking.


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    N. G. 7 months ago
    The tips are very useful
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    S. R. 7 years ago
    Interesting piece on Plain English with some good principles. It's a shame it doesn't follow suit (e.g. hardly any contractions etc.).