Business Style Writing

What is Business Style Writing (BSW)?

The process of communicating business ideas and concepts through written words, enabling a reader to know or do something.

Why is it important to understand and use BSW?

About 90% of business communication happens electronically, making clear writing essential for professional communication and avoiding misunderstandings.

What is active voice and why is it used in BSW?

Active voice is when the subject performs the action, making writing clearer, more assertive, and easier to understand.

What is passive voice and how do you change it to active voice?

Passive voice occurs when the action is done to the subject. To convert it, identify who is doing the action and make that the subject.

What two questions should be asked when starting a business document or email?

Who is my audience? What is the purpose of this communication?

What are the core requirements of good business writing?

Know your audience; remember substance matters; aim for concise, clear writing; lead with what matters; format for easy scanning; grammar matters.

What is an example of using active voice in business writing?

The manager approved the budget instead of The budget was approved by the manager.

What is an example of poor Business Style Writing?

A long email that buries the main point, uses passive voice, and does not clearly state the purpose.