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Explores general writing strategies that managers/supervisors need to handle letters, performance reviews, job descriptions, and reports. Approaches content as a result of choices that follow guidelines (rather than rules).
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The John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government at the University of Central Florida
Writing Tips for ManagersFacilitated by Chris Friend
Introductions
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Name
Job Title
Years of Service
Role in the County
Types of Workplace Writing
Biggest Writing Challenge
Today’s Agenda
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What Does Writing Look Like?
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Business Letters
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Letters: Positive Response
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Letters: Negative Response
Letters: Complaints
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Letters: Congratulations
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RecommendationLetters
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Welcome LettersImage courtesy Microsoft, public domain.
Letters: Persuasive
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Other DocumentsImage courtesy Microsoft, public domain.
Job Descriptions
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PerformanceEvaluations
Business Reports
Frequently Confused Words
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Frequently Confused Words
advice
advise
a suggestion (it’s a thing)I need advice on buying ice.
to help guide (it’s an action)You are wise. Can you advise?
Frequently Confused Words
affect
effect
to influence (it’s an action)Will this affect our community?
a result (it’s a thing)What effect will this have on us?
Frequently Confused Words
allot
a lot
alot
to distributeOur team was allotted two hours.
more than a littleOrlando has a lot of traffic.
not a word
Frequently Confused Words
fewer
less
smaller number (countable items)I got fewer emails today!
smaller amount (uncountable ideas)There is less water in that puddle.
Frequently Confused Words
further
farther
degreeI want to go further with my career.
distanceTampa is farther away than Ocala.
Frequently Confused Words
it’s
its
contraction: “it is”I think it’s too hot outside.
possession: belonging to itFlorida is known for its sun.
Frequently Confused Words
lose
loose
to misplaceSpelling makes me lose my mind.
not tightThis clamp is so loose it won’t hold.
Frequently Confused Words
passed
pastpast
an actionThe car passed by.
a descriptionThe car went past.
a timeThe trouble is in our past.
Frequently Confused Words
than
then
comparisonI like blue more than green.
timeLet’s chat, then do lunch.
Frequently Confused Words
they’re
their
there
contraction: “they are”Maybe they’re the experts.
possession: belonging to themThey work with their hands.
location: not here (& other uses)Please park over there.
Frequently Confused Words
two
too
to
number: between one and threeI see two paragraphs here.
addition: “also” or excessI see too many paragraphs, too.
all other usesI want to go to Lake Eola.
Frequently Confused Words
well
good
describes action—how it’s doneYou did your job very well.
describes things—tells qualityYou did a very good job.
Frequently Confused Words
you’re
your
contraction: “you are”I think you’re working too much.
possession: belonging to youIs that your winning Lotto ticket?
WritingStrategies
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Trim Your Words
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ReadingLevel
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Reduction Example
How to Write Effectively: The task of developing clear and concise writing is not a difficult one. You simply determine what is the best way that you can present your subject. Then write it for the potential audience the very simplest way.
Reduction Example
To write effectively: write simply.
How to Write Effectively: The task of developing clear and concise writing is not a difficult one. You simply determine what is the best way that you can present your subject. Then write it for the potential audience the very simplyst way.
to Write Effectively:
write
write
simply
The Essence268 words
73% are one syllable
20 words ≥ 3 syllables
10 sentences© 2008 Mort Künstler
Thank you.Writing Tips for ManagersFacilitated by Chris Friend
