Business Communications

Request Memo
Confirmation Memo
Periodic Report Memo
Ideas and Suggestions Memo
Informal Study Results Memo

Memos about the Unpleasant
Persuasive Memos

Heading
Inside Address
Salutation
Body
Complimentary Close
Signature Block
Reference Initials

Special Letter Parts

Mailing Notation
Attention Line
Reference Line
Subject Line
Second Page Heading
Enclosure Notation
Copy Notation
Postscript

Memorandum Formats

Letter of Transmittal
Title Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Executive Summary
Glossary and List of Symbols
Appendix

The Text of the Report

Introduction
Body of the Report
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Notes and Bibliography.

Formal and Informal Reports
Short or Long Reports
Informational or Analytical Reports
The Proposal Report
Vertical or Lateral Reports
Internal and External Reports
Periodic Reports

Four Steps in Writing a Report

Defining the Problem and the Purpose
Zeroing in on the Problem
Developing the Statement of Purpose
Identifying Issues for Investigation

Structuring the Report

Informational Assignments
Analytical Assignments

Concluding the Report

Tables
Bar Charts
Gantt Chart
Line Charts
Pie Charts
Pictograms
Maps
Flow Charts and Organization Charts
Other Visual Aids

Introducing Visual Aids in the Text

Misplaced Elements
Dangling Modifies
Parallel Construction
Active and Passive Voices

Punctuation

Paragraphs

Logical Order
Concluding Sentences

Compositions

Steps in Essay Writing