Business Writing Tip No 2:
Be Positive!
Child-rearing books advise readers to communicate positive messages to children. They counsel parents to avoid the negative “Don’t slam the door” and to say instead “Close the door gently.”
Why? In this case, the child needs to learn what’s right—not just what is wrong. Also, if we say what children can do, they see options rather than roadblocks, and they are apt to respond positively.
Adults are grown-up children. They need positive messages too. If you want to get an affirmative response from your readers, try these tips for focusing on the positive.
State what to do—not what to avoid.
Yes: Always process orders within two days.
No: Never take more than two days to process an order.
Say what you can do—not what you can’t do.
Yes: We can meet first thing Monday morning.
No: We can’t meet now. It has to wait until Monday morning.
Use neutral rather than blaming language.
Yes: Let me clarify what I meant.
No: You misunderstood what I said.
Use words that create a positive feeling.
Yes: At this company we value natural resources.
No: At this company we don't waste natural resources.
Take every opportunity to communicate positively.
Yes: Thank you for your letter.
No: We have received your letter.
Business Writing Tip No 3 : Click Here
