Write a business report on importance of writing skills in the workplace?
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Answer:
Reasons Why Business Writing Skills Are So Important. Writing skills ensure effective business communication. Writing skills make the difference between "good" and "bad" employees. You demonstrate your intelligence. Good writers are credible. You can be more influential. Business writing conveys courtesy.
While many job ads often make mention of oral and written communication skills, employees and employers alike sometimes neglect the importance of good writing in the workplace. When a worker writes well, she demonstrates courtesy, attention to detail and intelligence. In addition, employees who have good written communication skills benefit their company by ensuring quality communications with clients, prospects and other outside interests
Making a Good First Impression
There is an old cliché about never getting a second chance to make a good first impression. This is true even when the first impression is via the written word. When an email, letter, text message or social media post is well written, well organized and grammatically correct, the reader will form a good opinion of the writer.
On the other hand, misspellings, poorly organized thoughts and grammatical errors make the writer appear unintelligent and unprofessional. At the application or interview stage, this could cost a worker a job offer or result in a salary offer that is lower than what it might have been otherwise. In a business context, bad writing in external communications may reflect poorly on the company. Coworkers may also take notice of poor writing habits, which could affect how they perceive the writer's competence.
Good Writing Demonstrates Courtesy
Good business writing demonstrates that the writer values the reader's time. When a writer is able to organize his thoughts and concerns and present them in a way that is easily read and understood, the reader benefits.
On the other hand, poor writing forces the reader to spend time and energy trying to understand what is being communicated. In many cases, the reader may have to ask the writer clarifying questions. Writing clearly shows that the writer respects the reader's time and doesn't want to waste it.
The Importance of Clear Communication
Good business decisions depend on clear communication. This is true whether the communications are internal or external. It is far easier to coordinate internal projects and share ideas when all coworkers understand the ideas that are being put forth, as well as processes for completing the project. When employees understand what they can expect of each other, morale often improves.
Similarly, workers will have far better relationships with people outside the company when their communications are easy to comprehend. Coordinating meetings, setting goals and negotiating agreements becomes far more straightforward when both parties are able to write clearly.
Ways to Improve Business Writing
Individuals who are concerned about their business writing have several options for improving their skills. Here are a few to consider:
Take extra time: In many cases, a person can improve their writing by taking extra time to compose messages and then to proofread them. Workers should not treat business communications as chores to be completed as quickly as possible, but as projects in their own right. When possible, it's advisable to write important letters and emails at least a few hours before they are to be sent out to allow the writer to take a break from the piece and then review it with fresh eyes.
Use a grammar checker: Word processing software usually includes a grammar checker, but there are standalone programs that can often provide more robust proofreading and feedback for even greater clarity.
Ask for feedback: After writing a particularly important letter or email, it might be a good idea for an employee to ask his manager or a colleague to look over the piece and give feedback.
Get tutoring or take a class: There are many options for improving one's writing skills through educational programs. Community colleges and adult education programs offer courses in business writing, and many of these courses can be taken online.