Paul V. Anderson’s Technical Communication, 6th ed.

Writing Reader-Centered Correspondence: Letters, Memos, and E-mail

Guidelines for Writing Reader-Guidelines for Writing Reader-Centered CorrespondenceCentered Correspondence

Adopt a reader-centered “you-attitude.”

Guidelines for Writing Reader-Guidelines for Writing Reader-Centered CorrespondenceCentered Correspondence

State your main point up front—unless your reader will react negatively.

Guidelines for Writing Reader-Guidelines for Writing Reader-Centered CorrespondenceCentered Correspondence

Keep it short.

Guidelines for Writing Reader-Guidelines for Writing Reader-Centered CorrespondenceCentered Correspondence

Give your readers the background they need.

Guidelines for Writing Reader-Guidelines for Writing Reader-Centered CorrespondenceCentered Correspondence

Use headings, lists, and graphics.

Guidelines for Writing Reader-Guidelines for Writing Reader-Centered CorrespondenceCentered Correspondence

Global Guideline: Learn the customsof your readers’ culture.

Guidelines for Writing Reader-Guidelines for Writing Reader-Centered CorrespondenceCentered Correspondence

Follow format conventions for respective forms: Writing Reader-Centered Letters Writing Reader-Centered Memos Writing Reader-Centered E-mails

See additional PowerPoints on each of the forms.

Read more about using writing reader-centered correspondence in Chapter 20

of Technical Communication.