Writing Style

Ms Isha Agarwal C-07

Ms Nupur Nagalia C-09

Ms Aastha Jain C- 23

Mr Kannan Karthik C-37

Mr Karthi N C-42

Business Communications workshop onWriting Styles

Amity University, Noida, UP

March 2014

Importance of Writing Style

• A written proposal is the only medium for communicating what we want to do.– Granting bodies may not have time to discuss

the proposal.– They usually make a decision after reading

our proposal.

• Winning proposals have good ideas that are communicated well.

Key Elements of Writing Style

• STYLE(word choice)Clear

Concise

• TONE(sentence fluency)Persuasive

• MOOD(voice)Well-formatted

STYLE

STYLE is the way the author uses words, phrases, and sentences.

TONE

TONE is simply the author’s attitude toward the subject.

MOOD

MOOD is the overall feelings or emotions that are created in the

reader.

STYLE

Writing Clearly

• When you write something, assume that the reader– Does not know the context or situation in

which you are working.– Will not immediately understand the

importance of your project.

Writing Clearly (cont)

• Keep the reader in mind when you write.

• Follow basic principles to maintain clarity:– Provide overviews before details.– If tables and figures are used, design them for

easy understanding.– Expand abbreviations / acronyms.– Explain difficult terminology or concepts.

Writing Clearly (cont)

• Check whether your writing is clear by showing your proposal to a colleague or friend.

• Ask if he/she can– Spot any unclear parts.– Understand the results you hope to achieve.– Understand the importance of your project.

Writing Concisely

• Two useful guidelines by George Orwell, a British writer:– Never use a long word where a short one will

do.– If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it

out.

Writing Concisely: A Brief Exercise

• Using simple, common words– attempt→ fundamental→

• Deleting needless words– red in color→ totally destroyed→

• Condensing wordy phrases– at this point in time→ in the event that→

• Using verbs, not nouns made from them– produce relief of→ provide an

explanation→

Writing Concisely (cont)

• Keep sentences short and complete.

• If you use paragraphs in your proposal, keep them short too.

• Preview or summarize main points, for example, in the abstract, but avoid unnecessary repetition.

• Follow length or word-count limitations given in the proposal instructions.

TONE

Writing to Persuade

• A proposal seeks to convince or persuade the grant reviewer.

• The tone of writing can play a big role in persuading the reviewer.

• Using the right tone can be tricky.– It should be persuasive.– It should not be impassive (dry) or arrogant

(overconfident).

Writing to Persuade (cont)

• Consider these sentences:X This project may improve the operational

processes of this library. (Impassive/dry) This project will lead to a substantial

improvement in the operational processes of this library. (Persuasive/convincing)

X There is absolutely no doubt that this project will lead to an unprecedented improvement in this library. (Arrogant/overconfident)

Writing toPersuade (cont)

• Where to use a persuasive tone:– Introduction: to establish that your project is

needed– Conclusion: to explain that your project is

likely to be successful and effective

• In the other parts of your proposal (for example, background study and methods), a persuasive tone may not be appropriate.

MOOD

Formatted Writing

• Bad handwriting makes the text hard to read or gives the reader a negative impression.

• Badly formatted documents have a similar effect on the reader.

• Granting bodies often provide templates for writing proposals, but it’s still important to format your writing.

Formatted Writing (cont)

• Some techniques to improve format:– Consider inserting subheadings if a section of

text is long.– Use fonts consistently (for example, all

headings should have the same font).– To emphasize words or phrases, use bold,

underline, or italics; don’t use CAPITAL LETTERS.

Formatted Writing (cont)

• Some techniques to improve format:– Don’t use numbering or bullets excessively.– If the numbered or bulleted points are lengthy,

order them vertically instead of horizontally.– Consider breaking a long list into more than

one list.– Closely follow any instructions regarding the

format of your proposal.

A Final Check

• Proofread your proposal before you finalize and send it.

• Check for errors in spelling and grammar.

• A manual spell check is useful for catching wrong words.

Some Resources

• The Elements of Style (www.bartleby.com/141/)• Getting the Most out of Words

(www.authoraid.info/resource-library/Editing%20and%20Publication-Chapter%202.pdf/view)

• Academic Phrasebank (www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk)

• http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/few/684• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writing_style

Thank You!