corporate writing style

4 Types of Business Writing Styles

Table of Contents

1. instructional writing, 2. informational writing, 3. persuasive writing, 4. transactional writing, style reminders for each type of business writing.

The world of business writing can seem vast. Each office seems to have variations of documents, each with its personalized templates and industry focus. Varying scenarios require varying forms of business writing. However, innumerable documents can be distilled into four main style categories.

Each category has its overall goal. Based on the objective, each of the many business documents falls within these four broad segments. Understanding these conceptual divisions will help guide your decisions about your document choice and goal.

Instructional business writing provides the reader with the information needed to complete a task. The task may need to be accomplished immediately or it may be for future reference.

This type of business document must break down a process into steps that are understandable to the reader. The written record must account for the reader's knowledge of the area, and the scope of the task while integrating variations or potential problems.

Examples of instructional business writing:

• User Manual: a guide focused on allowing the customer to use a product. Effective user manuals are crucial to a good user experience and a happy customer. User manuals are often considered part of technical writing, which is closely related to business writing.
• Specifications: a technical document that provides an outline of a product or process that allows it to be constructed or reconstructed by an unfamiliar but knowledgeable user, enabling effective distribution.
• Business Memo: a short notification of new information shared within a large group in an organization. The business memo may include direct instruction or be a reference on how to complete future tasks.

Not all business writing requires action. A large volume of writing is created for reference or record. This category can include some of the less glamorous but still essential documents.

Recording business information accurately and consistently is important for marking progress, predicting future work, as well as complying with legal and contractual obligations.

Examples of business writing:

• Financials : documents that outline the financial state of a company. These statements provide a fiscal snapshot of a company over a defined period.
• Minutes: a summary of the proceedings of a meeting. A record of discussions, decisions, and assignments for attendees and others.

The goal is two-fold: to convey information and to convince the reader that the presented information offers the best value. The text is written to impress the reader and sway their decision.

Examples of persuasive business writing:

• Proposals: these documents outline an offer of a product or service to a specific potential client. The client proposal generally presents a project overview, benefits, timeline, costs, and competency.
• Sales Email: an email that is written to a large number of people to pitch a product or service. Learn how to write a sales email.
• Press Release: a text written for journalists and media presenting new information. The text aims to persuade the reader to share the content through their own channels.

Examples of transactional business writing:

• Emails: documents used to quickly communicate information between staff or clients in business activities.

Learn how to write a business email.

• Dismissal notice: this dismissal letter provides the official context and procedural details associated with employment termination.

While the document goal varies, the core of business writing does not. Here are some helpful style reminders for professional communication.

Effective business writing is written with a clearly defined audience and purpose in mind. This is results-oriented writing. The text helps the reader do or know something.

Our courses cover all types of business writing styles.

Our online, virtual, and onsite business writing training is available for individuals and groups. We can customize training to match your team's unique needs.

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