Business Writing Tips from The Writing Center
Flow and Format: Use headings
October 11, 2007
Use headings and
subheadings to indicate major shifts in subject matter and move the
reader smoothly and economically from one point to the next.
Your readers will
appreciate being able to locate the same type of information in the same
place each time. For example, your weekly or monthly status reports
might use the following headings:
- Significant Problems/Action Taken
- Accomplishments
- Planned Projects
You can
emphasize action items with "generic" headings such as
ACTION REQUIRED or
ACTION REQUESTED to make sure they are not overlooked, as
shown in the following memo:
Subject:
Potential Information Gathering Application for Zelco
Background
We have recently received information about product D that may allow
us to overcome distance limitations in providing information-gathering
services for Zelco.
On May 2, ADVANCO gave a demonstration of
product D that we considered successful. We would like to test this
product in an actual working environment, preferably at Zelco.
Action Required
Because of the special
expertise of your organization, someone from your group should
coordinate this test. Please let me know by June 14 whom you recommend
to serve as coordinator.
Next week we'll look at additional ways
to use headings.
This edition was adapted from our Effective
Business Writing Program. Previous editions
may be read at
http://www.uliveandlearn.com/newsletters/index.cfm.
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