Business Writing Yesterday and Today - Answers
In today's business writing we should be writing in active voice, using a proactive style that expresses your own personality. Not like many of the examples given in this quiz, which were full of long-winded jargon and boring, standard clichés that were designed by our great-grandfathers to add padding and length to sentences. The golden rule in writing today is: If you wouldn't say it, don't write it!
- NOT: We refer to your letter dated on July 8th, 2002 pertaining to the above.
SAY: Thank you for your letter dated 8 July.
- NOT: I should be glad if you would advise me when we can meet to discuss this matter.
SAY: Please let me know when we can meet to discuss this.
- NOT: We refer to the meeting between your goodself and the undersigned on even date.
SAY: It was good to meet you this morning.
- NOT: The above-mentioned goods will be despatched to you today.
SAY: These goods will be sent to you today.
- NOT: As per our discussion earlier, I would appreciate if you could e-mail us the contact number and address of your agent in Malaysia.
SAY: It was good to speak to you this morning. Please send me the contact number and address of your agent in Malaysia.
- NOT: We spoke this morning regarding your complaint concerning your recent order.
SAY: Thank you for calling me this morning. I was sorry to learn about the problems with your recent order.
- NOT: We would appreciate if you could kindly revert back to me on this matter soonest.
SAY: I look forward to hearing from you soon.
- NOT: Kindly make arrangements for the above- stated items to be collected from our office any day between 8.30am to 3.00pm.
SAY: Please arrange for these items to be collected from our office any day between 8.30 am and 3.00 pm.
- NOT: Kindly confirm by filling up the form attached hereto and it should be returned to me latest by 21 December (Monday).
SAY: Please complete the attached form and return it to me by Monday 21 December.
- NOT: Should you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
SAY: Please give me a call on 94726076 if you have any questions.
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