Chapter 1 : Introduction to Writing

Topics covered in this snack-sized chapter:



Introduction to Writing arrow_upward


  • A core human skill is the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
    • The US Constitution is a written work.
    • All US Laws are written.
    • You cannot run any business well without some skill in writing.
  • The art of management is simply good written and verbal communication.
  • Good writing involves:
    • Writing for your audience,
    • Simple, clear sentences,
    • Writing in an appropriate style,
    • Using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation,
    • Proof-reading of all materials before publishing them.

    Three Cornerstones of Writing arrow_upward


  • Audience:
    • You always write for a specific audience. (Example: Your boss).
  • Purpose:
    • You write for a specific purpose. (Example: To persuade or to inform).
  • Occasion:
    • You write for a specific occasion. (Example: Deadline for paper).

    Three Basics of Good Writing arrow_upward


  • Good writing communicates an idea clearly and effectively.
  • Good writing is elegant and stylish.
  • Good writing is free of grammar and spelling errors.

    • Writing Essentials arrow_upward


  • Put the Reader First:
    • Know who you are writing for, and what they expect.
  • Focus on Goals:
    • Good writing has a clear purpose.
  • Keep it Simple:
    • Use simple words and short sentences whenever possible.
  • Sentences:
    • Choose nouns, verbs, and words order carefully.
  • Case and Voice:
    • Use proper case (e.g. first person) and proper voice (e.g. active voice) consistently.
  • Style:
    • Write with style appropriate to your audience (e.g. a boss or an employee).
    • Write the situation (e.g. an urgent email or a business proposal).
  • Punctuation:
    • Make sure your sentences have the correct punctuation marks.
  • Spelling:
    • Remember to check for incorrectly-spelled words.

    Put the Reader First arrow_upward


  • Write for the reader, and keep your goals for them in mind as you write.
  • Use words that the reader can easily picture.
  • Use pictures, graphs and illustrations whenever possible.

    • Some Helpful Tips arrow_upward


  • Keep your sentences short.
    • 15-20 words.
  • Keep your paragraphs short.
    • Average 5-6 sentences.
  • Use Active Voice.
    • Be consistent in the use of voice.
  • Write from a personal perspective.
    • Write to your own strengths, don’t try to mimic someone else.
  • Cut out useless words.
  • Write positive sentences.
    • Avoid negatives.

    Three Steps to Writing arrow_upward


  • Plan, organize and write a draft.
  • Review and revise.
  • Publish.

    • Planning arrow_upward


  • Who will read this?
  • Why should they read this?
  • What do I want to communicate?
  • What is the most important message I want the reader to remember?
  • What will the reader do with this information?

    • Organizing Your Thoughts arrow_upward


  • Problem - Solution Approach:
    • Clearly explain the problem and then build a solution around it.
  • Division Approach:
    • Divide your goals into a main topic and sub-topics.
    • Write out the main idea and fill in supporting ideas beneath it.
  • Cause/Effect Approach:
    • Describe the familiar.
    • Use it to explain the unfamiliar.
  • Summary, Details, Conclusion:
    • Start by summarizing your argument.
    • Provide details about your argument as evidence.
    • Conclude by explaining how your argument matters.

    Rinse, Lather, Repeat arrow_upward


  • Build your main message into the rest of the document.
  • Tie each individual argument back to your main idea.
  • Clearly state your main message in both the summary and the conclusion.


    • Thank You from Kimavi arrow_upward


  • Please email us at admin@kimavi.com and help us improve this tutorial.