Top 3 Written Communication Tips

People ask me all the time, "What are the best written communication tips for a professional?". Depending on your particular line of work, I can suggest various tips to help you be more professional at work. However, in this post, I've included the top 3 written communication tips which can bolster your professional image at your workplace. By using these tips, you'll achieve a more professional image, plus also communicate effectively at work.

So here are the top 3 written communication tips for you to use at work:

1. Communicate As Per Hierarchy.

Communication with your boss should include words of modesty and request, while written communication with your subordinates must reflect your authority and command. And finally when you're communicating with your peers, avoid being demanding, or submissive - keep it casual.

In case you're communicating about business with someone outside your workplace, like a prospective client, current customer, etc. use the same courteous communication technique you use with your seniors at work. Just keep in mind not be sound submissive, just polite.

2. KISS - Keep It Short and Simple.

Your written communication should be concise and precise. That is, say what you have to say without beating around the bush in a short simple manner. Unless you're sending evaluation, or reports, limit your communication to 1 page, or a maximum of 2 pages. This way you represent your respect for the other person's time, as well as your own.

In case you're sending lengthy written communication like evaluations, reports, etc. try to summarize the subject of your correspondence in a couple of sentences on the cover page. This way, other persons can quickly scan the main points and understand the purpose of your written communication. Plus, by doing this, you are allowing the other persons to go through the correspondence at their own pace, which means they can give their full attention on your piece of work.

3. Don't Get Emotional.

Avoid typing any business letter, or email, when you're in a bad mood - angry, sad, or even sleepy. When your mind is elsewhere, you won't be able to concentrate on what you're writing. And this means you might stray away from the main purpose of your communication, and end up confusing the other person(s).

Give your 100% concentration on what you're typing, because you might not be physically present to explain your communication when the other person reads it.