1. The Story So Far...

2. Know Your Audience Think before you write Think again before you send Check your document for tone Ensure that your message is – Audience-oriented – Purposeful – Economical

3. Choose a Channel Letter Memo Email Instant Message Telephone Call – Always follow up!

4. Informative and Positive Message? Use “Direct Organization” 1.Give good news first, or summarize main points 2.Give necessary details or background 3.Present any complications/negatives if necessary Do this as positively as possible 4.Explain any (remaining) reader benefits Remember that these may be intrinsic 5.End the letter; continue the relationship

5. Revise, Edit, Proofread Revise: – Move major sections – Add or remove information – Organize Edit: – Correct sentence structure/order Proofread: – Check spelling, grammar, format

6. Pay Special Attention to Format What this tells your reader: You’re a professional You’re accurate You’re careful You care about their business You care about their time You’re trustworthy

7. Special Topic: Subject Lines Subject lines should meet three (3) criteria: 1.They should be brief 2.They should be direct (like a preview) 3.They should be clear

8. Special Topic: Closings Closings should also meet three (3) criteria: 1.They should focus on the relationship 2.They should look forward 3.They should be positive

10. Questions On the general topic? About your assignment?