Modules 15 and 16 for June 9th

Module 15 talks about choosing the right word.  It focuses on what you can do to get the meaning in your message across when writing.  Denotation is a word's literal meaning and bypassing is when two people use the same word to denote two different things.  The text stressing that using accurate denotation can make it easier when solving problems in the writing process.  Also, it is important to get the response you want.  Connotation refers to the associations that come with a given word.  Positive and negative connotation can be made to give off different meanings.  This effects the response that you may recieve from the reader.  The text also states that how words are used can change their meanings.  The use of jargon in writing is only appropriate when it is essential to the message.  There is also such thing as business jargon also known as businessese.  Examples are as per your request, enclosed please find, please do not hesitate.  There are also many words that may confuse writers: accede /exceed, accept/except, access/excess, and you get the point.  The books lists a bunch more!  In Module 16 the main idea is revising sentences and paragraphs.  The text defines what is "good" style.  It states that educational writing is ususally more formal than business writing.  It says to use friendly, informal style.  It also says to avoid slang and contractions.  Abbreviations are okay in emails.  Also, pay attention to style when writing uncomfortable messages like negative.  I think an important point in this module is that "good business style allows for individual variation".  Depending on the audience and situation each writing style may vary.  Humor may also be acceptable in certain situations.  When we revise sentences we need to make sure we use action verbs, use verbs, tighten your writing, vary sentence length and structure, use parallel structure, and put your readers first.  When we revise paragraphs we need to make sure we begin paragraphs with topic sentences  and use transitions to link ideas.  I want to talk mostly about what I think is one of the most important points in Module 16 and that is what style to use for your organizational culture.  No matter what we learn in this class that's useful, every boss is going to have a different idea of what they think constitutes as good business writing.  This is important to keep in mind.  The things we learn about business writing are not exactly rules, but guidelines.