Summary: Common myths in business writing

We’ve just gone through a 5-part series in which we cleared up some common myths about business writing. Let’s summarise them here.

• Myth #1 — good language skills are the most critical aspect of business writing.
• Myth #2 — if it’s important, people will read it.
• Myth #3 — readers have to be fully informed.
• Myth #4 — you must use formal language.
• Myth #5 — put your conclusion at the end.

Good business writing is good business. And the rules are quite straightforward, starting with clearing up the most common myths above.

To read a short report on the principles of effective business writing — with before/after examples — you can visit our website and download the free report (no email needed) entitled “Get to the Point! — say it in the first three lines”.