Purdue University Writing Lab 1 Global Business Writing Powerful Business Writing Skills for ESL Writers February 10, 2013

2Purdue University Writing Lab Complete Self Introduction Sheet Write your answers in full sentences Write your answers in full sentences Think about a Business English first name Think about a Business English first name You have ten minutes to finish your self introduction You have ten minutes to finish your self introduction Get ready to work hard and have fun! Get ready to work hard and have fun! If you are a good English Speaker, think about running for Class President If you are a good English Speaker, think about running for Class President

3Purdue University Writing Lab Key Ideas 1. Why do we need to write well? 2. Course Outline 3. English Business writing tips

4Purdue University Writing Lab Why do we need to write Business English well? To give you advantages To give you advantages in business communication in business communication To save you time writing To save you time writing business English documents business English documents To save your customers ’ time To save your customers ’ time reading your documents reading your documents

5Purdue University Writing Lab Do your key documents meet global business standards? Business Reports Business Reports s s Power Points Power Points Resumes Resumes Cover letters Cover letters Memos Memos Research papers Research papers

6Purdue University Writing Lab You are what you eat

7Purdue University Writing Lab You are what you write Spoken English does not have to be perfect. Spoken words disappear and are forgotten. However written English must be perfect. Written documents are saved and forwarded to your customers and superiors.

8Purdue University Writing Lab Your business writing is your face Even one error on a business document makes you look like:

9Purdue University Writing Lab Perfect Professional writing makes you look professional

10Purdue University Writing Lab Business Writing is Brain Writing For your Boss Employers view writing skills as your ability to think clearly, examine alternatives, analyze information and make decisions.

11Purdue University Writing Lab Business Writing is Brain Writing For your customers You must create documents that your customers read first, documents that drive action and documents that impress your readers.

12Purdue University Writing Lab Global Business Writing Six Steps 1. Getting started 2. Creating Headlines 3. Writing Drafts 4. Designing for visual Impact 5. Setting the right tone 6. Editing

13Purdue University Writing Lab Step 1 Getting Started With the course easy to use Start up Sheet, writer ’ s block, the pain of starting an English paper is eliminated. You can quickly identify your audience, purpose and key issues.

14Purdue University Writing Lab Step 2 Creating Headlines Use powerful headlines to walk your reader through your message. Put headlines in a sequence, an order that maximizes impact.

15Purdue University Writing Lab Step 3 Writing Drafts Writing the draft is easy because you created the structure in Steps 1 and 2.

16Purdue University Writing Lab Step 4: Designing for Visual Impact Good visual design organizes your message into manageable, easy chucks that help readers easily find key information.

17Purdue University Writing Lab Step 5 Setting the Right Tone The tone of your message influences your reader as much as the message itself.

18Purdue University Writing Lab Step 6 Proof Reading and Editing Sending a message or letter with even one mistake makes you look unprofessional and unreliable. A perfect Written Business English document shows the world how talented and valuable you are!

19Purdue University Writing Lab What’s the most common business writing error? People who fail to use spell and grammar check before they print or their documents.

20Purdue University Writing Lab Your Knowledge of the Task Have you done this kind of writing task Have you done this kind of writing taskbefore? Did you read samples written by others? Did you read samples written by others? Bench mark yourself against samples on the internet. What questions do you have about the writing task? What questions do you have about the writing task?

21Purdue University Writing Lab Language Concerns Grammar Grammar What are the patterns of grammatical errors I tend to make? Word Choice Word Choice Am I using words that are too technical or too informal? Check

22Purdue University Writing Lab Your Best 24-7 Teacher Tells you word definitions Gives you examples of word usage Gives you examples of word usage Provides word order Provides word order Provides usage notes Provides usage notes a book of similar and contrasting words Use an English/Chinese Dictionary and translate-google.com

23Purdue University Writing Lab Class Rules Plan ahead: schedule your time to prepare a first draft. Plan ahead: schedule your time to prepare a first draft. Before you attend class, read the lesson plan and write your assignment to bring to class. Before you attend class, read the lesson plan and write your assignment to bring to class. Do NOT write at the last minute because you will have little time for revision! Do NOT write at the last minute because you will have little time for revision! Do NOT expect to finish your writing assignments in class. Do NOT expect to finish your writing assignments in class.

24Purdue University Writing Lab Questions, comments, opinions? Professor Dave Jaye