Page 43 - Business-8

Sample answer:
Yes. One time I came across a proposal which was filled with long-winded sentences
and highfalutin words. Instead of easily understanding the content, I had to read it
several times.

1. Your colleague asks you to check a proposal that she has been writing. She
seems to have fondness for using highfalutin words and you know that this
is best avoided in business writing.

Sample answer:
I notice that you seem to have a very good command of English; however, I believe
that it would be better if you’ll use simpler words for a business proposal. The readers
don’t have much excess time to go over our proposal. Therefore, they would prefer it
if they could easily understand without the need for a second or third reading. Going
straight to the point would be much better. I hope I’ve helped. Please take my word
as a compliment.

2. Your friend heard that you just came back from a seminar on business writ-
ing, so he asked for your help. What are the important rules of business writ-
ing that you could tell him?

Sample answer:
First, you should have a clear idea of what message you would want to put across
your writing. You should know your objectives well. Organize your thoughts clearly
before writing. Then, remember that the goal is not to impress but to be unambigu-
ous. Therefore, it would be better to use simple and accurate words and direct-to-the-
point sentences. Finally, take a break and go over what you have written over and over
again later. This can help make you more objective as you take note of the corrections
needed. Once you discover your faults and weaknesses, there’s no way that you would
want to improve on those more. Take note that everything is being learned and as we
venture with life and its obstacles, we become smarter and stronger.

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