Principles of business writing – purpose, audience, tone, context PDF

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Principles of business writing - purpose, audience, tone and context...

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BSQA560 Business Communication

Principles of business writing – purpose, audience, tone, context 1.

Purpose The purpose (or reason for writing) will vary in different situations. Another way of describing purpose is ‘What outcome do you want from your communication?’ Thus, purpose is closely tied to the concept of audience and format.

2.

Audience Before you start to write, you need to know who your audience is and what would interest them. Each of these broad questions requires many other questions to help answer them fully.   

3.

Who is my audience? What do I know about my reader(s)? How can I interest any particular audience?

Tone When we speak, the tone we use (such as angry or excited) lets others know how we feel. When we write, tone is also present. Readers make assumptions about our mood, personality, honesty, and general trustworthiness based on the tone they attach to our words. Tone also helps portray the image that your organisation wants to project. Using appropriate tone in our writing is as important as using appropriate non-verbal communication when we speak.

4.

Context Context is also important. We need to consider whether our writing is internal to the organisation, or external and intended for customers and clients. The purpose for writing and the relationship between the writer and the reader will also affect the context.

Reference Barnett, S. & O’Rourke, S. (2011). Communication: Organisation and innovation. (3rd ed.). North Shore, NZ: Pearson Education NZ Ltd. (pp.220-222)...