Management Tip of the Day: Make Your Writing Chronological

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 MARCH 13, 2013 Make Your Writing Chronological Stories are inherently sequential. One thing happens, then another, then another. That structure works well not only in books and films, but also in business writing because it helps readers follow along. When giving a factual account, use chronology to keep your writing clear, efficient, and interesting. To help you relay the narrative in order — rather than jumping in at the middle or even the end — create a "chronology of relevant events" before you write. List all of the important dates and events then use it to guide your writing, making sure you still write in a way that's personal. 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 Make the Most of Your Downtime Change Small Things, Not Your Entire Culture Build a Better Online Network Don't Make a Career Move You'll Regret How to Write Clearly Think Before Adopting the Latest Marketing Fad Encourage Employees to Want to Stay Use Questions to Build Your Case Win Over Your New Boss Master a New Skill 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)