Management Tip of the Day: Before You Write Anything, Know Your Readers

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JANUARY 29, 2013 Before You Write Anything, Know Your Readers Communication is a two-way exercise. Without knowing something about your readers, you'll rarely get your ideas across. Consider their goals and priorities and what motivates them. Depending on what your recipients value, your tone will change and so will your content. Highlight the things they care about most. If you're writing a memo to colleagues, for example, consider how they'll interpret what you're saying based on their levels in the organization. Or if you're responding to a client's request for proposal, address every need outlined in the RFP — but also think about the client's industry, company size, and culture. To make this easier, consider choosing an intelligent, non-specialist member of the audience — or invent one — and focus on writing for that person. Your message will be more accessible and persuasive to all your readers as a result. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Better Business Writing. Buy the book to develop critical skills for writing clearly and persuasively » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Better Business Writing Ebook Now Available Is your writing holding you back? When you're fumbling for words and pressed for time, you might be tempted to dismiss good business writing as a nicety. But it's a skill you must cultivate to succeed: You'll lose time, money, and influence if your e-mails, proposals, and other important documents fail to win people over. Writing expert Bryan A. Garner gives you the tools you need to express your ideas clearly and persuasively so clients, colleagues, stakeholders, and partners will get behind them. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS The Right Way to Give Your Boss Bad News Stop Surfing the Internet Now Keep Your Audience Engaged By Sharing the Stage Know What Makes Your Company Special Make Emotional Connections with Your Employees Job Seekers: Social Media Is Your Friend Grab Senior Executives' Attention When You Present 3 Ways to Battle E-mail Overload Stand Out in Your Interview Strengthen Your Network with Shared Activities All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 Must Reads Boxed Set HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR Guide to Better Business Writing HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)