Module 2a — Office
Correspondence
and Records
| Course Guide | Module 1 | Module 2a | Module 2b |
Summary of best practices
To sum up this section on writing messages, here are some key ideas to keep in mind:
- Decide on your purpose and key message.
- Think about your readers and do a quick analysis of their needs.
- Decide which form your message is going to take: email, letter, memo, etc.
- Turn your key message into a subject on the subject line.
- Begin the text of the message with an elaboration of the subject line.
- Follow a pattern of organization appropriate to the task and your purpose.
- Use headings, sub-headings, and topic sentences to organize your ideas.
- Make sentences and paragraphs flow more easily with linking phrases and sentences.
- Follow the format and stylistic requirements for the type of message you have chosen.
- Proofread carefully.