Use specific topic headings when you are informing your reader about more than one topic, as shown in the following example (note how the topic headings orient and guide the reader):

Subject: PRODUCTS UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR TECHNICAL TRIAL

Two new payphone credit cards already in use in Europe are being considered for technical trial in specific markets: CASH CARD and SMART CARD.

CASH CARD is a debit card. The user purchases "usage value" for a fixed dollar amount. The customer inserts the card into a specially modified payphone. When the call is completed, the payphone reduces the value of the card by the cost of the call. When the cash card is used up, the user discards it and purchases a new card.

SMART CARD is an advanced-technology credit card that stores a variety of data on a microchip. For example, it can be used to store personal data such as frequently called numbers and electronic funds transfer information for retail purchases.

This edition was adapted from our Effective Business Writing Program. Previous editions may be read at http://www.uliveandlearn.com/newsletters/index.cfm.