Bryon Nicholson
Wordcount: 351 -5 for Anderson Citation.
Memorandum
To: Fred Fielding, Production Engineer
From: Bryon Nicholson, Accounting Office
Subject: Writing Analysis
I have analyzed your writing skills, and I have compiled a list of techniques that you
can use to improve your writing abilities. These tips were published in Paul V.
Anderson’s Technical Communication. Contact me with any questions.
Bryon Nicholson
Wordcount: 351 -5 for Anderson Citation.
The most important piece of any document is how the document is organized. No one
will read a poorly organized document, no matter how well it is written. There are four
steps that will help you organize your written documents more effectively.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Announce your topics
Write most important to least important
Show your document’s organization
Consider the audience you are writing to
Topic Announcement
The absolute most important thing to remember is to tell your reader what you’re going
to say, and then say it. Here is an example:
First separate the materials by the temperature they require. Some of the
materials will require a cold temperature, others require storage in a dark dry facility, and
use promptly.
It is just a short example about groceries, but keeping the reader guessing distracts their
attention from what you want to tell them.
This strategy is not only for writing paragraphs, but also for writing papers. Doing this
helps to keep your reader’s interest, and increases retention of information.
Most Important Information First
Write the most important things first. Most people will stop reading a document, or skim
the document before they reach the end. This also means that you should give general
information on a topic before you detail it so the reader understands your topic. Write
what you need to say first, add details later.
Show Organization
Headings are a good example of this. Not only are you announcing your topic, you’re
providing a quick index of your document, and giving yourself credibility.
Remember your Audience
Not only do you want to remember the background of the people you are writing to. (a
CEO opposed to a factory worker) Also write to what the people care about most. If
you’re writing about a car accident to a family, it should sound more sincere, as opposed
to a police report.
Bryon Nicholson
Wordcount: 351 -5 for Anderson Citation.