“To write is human, to write well is divine” (Anonymous, 2010). So, why is it important to write professionally and what constitutes professional writing? Contrary to popular belief, professional writing is not merely being paid to write; although, professional writers are paid well. In short, professional writing is writing at the next level with a purpose. It is important to show the basic aspects of professional writing (knowing the audience, knowing the purpose, being persuasive, and getting to the point) so that one is able to accomplish the act of communicating effectively and looking professional in doing so.
Let’s not confuse professional writing (business writing) with recreational writing (creative writing). When one
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Writing the message with the audience in mind will not only help shape the style of the message itself but the tone in which it is presented as well as the formality of the language used. Tone is the main tool used to effectively and efficiently sell the message and its purpose. Advanced word usage (conversational yet professional, positive, courteous, inclusive and familiar to the reader) is important in writing. Use of active or passive voice, emphasis through style, coherent sentence structure, coherent paragraph structure and placement of the main idea within the message are all used to set the tone and shape the readers frame of mind. Tone also dictates the clarity in which the message is delivered. The most important thing is to format the document and design the content of your message with the reader in mind so that they will understand the message clearly and quickly as well as accept the message readily.
Professional writing is not industry specific or medium specific. For that matter it is not just for professionals or professional purposes. It is not just for writing a novel or a business letter or inter-office memo. It can be used for direct messages that require action, making requests, delivery of bad news, giving instruction, reports or proposals, marketing, school research projects, goodwill messages, or something as informal as sending an email to a family member. Is the address correct? Does the subject line summarize the idea of the
The thought of professionalism conjures up many ideas, and possibly pre-conceived judgements. These will not always be classed as positive or negative, but will undoubtedly have a profound effect on the way you are perceived in your area of work or chosen profession.
The requirements for language in any document should be as follows; ensure the document is aimed at the correct audience (e.g. a staff letter should use formal language) and also, to avoid technical terms that the audience may not understand (e.g. mentioning CRM’s which unless someone has worked with CRM’s before they might not know what they are). When using a certain tone within a document (e.g. formal) it is important to avoid using slang and use full sentences. Image and presentation within documents (e.g. an email) are important, as they have an impact on what sort of impression you want to give. This means checking to use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. Also, ensuring corporate guidelines have been followed… for example, leaving a signature at the bottom of your email.
Develop the message – messages are tailored and developed to specific audiences. When preparing messages it is important to think about who the message is for, what you want the message to receive and what you want the recipient to do as a result of the message.
In the article Professional Writing Expertise by author Ronald T. Kellogg, Kellogg argues that in professional writing involves both focusing on the “process” of creating a piece of writing, while also mentally multitasking in the process. According to Kellogg, to actually define professional writing is difficult because the task is “ill structured”, meaning that the actual information behind it is unclear to explain in simplistic terms. This is because the types of texts generated by professionals is so different when compared to each other, such as comparing Romeo and Juliet to a news article. Both are obviously different, but yet still are considered professional. What they do have in common however is that both follow the “process” text
the patient and redevelops their relationship. With integrative medicine the key word is prevention. It is important to understand that if you take care of the body/mind and help it stay
1. Briefly explain how the CIPD HR Profession Map defines the HR profession, including the professional areas, the bands and the behaviours.
Tone is a key to writing a letter. The tone influences the reader by making the letter have emotions. Tone not only helps to make the letter interesting, but tone also helps the reader to know the author's feelings. When tone is used, it makes the reader feel the emotions from the author and that influences the reader to agree with the authors's point of view. Text A and Text B both have different tones that helps the reader be persuaded by the letter.
The ‘Thinking Performer’ also challenges what (s)he sees/does and thinks for him/her-self instead of blindly following orders. The situation may have changed which affects the usual way things are being done or why they are needed. (S)he looks beyond the results to why they are required and tries to make a positive difference to the organisation. Every organisation is a living organism and the HR professional should be a (pro)-active member rather than a follower. In the HR Professional Map this is represented by required behaviour such as ‘curious’, ‘courage to challenge’ and ‘personally credible’.
Both these professions expect the same high standards when it comes to education and training. Nursing and Social Work both have requirements for continued professional development and lifelong learning. It is essential that Nurses and Social workers keep a record of their training throughout their careers.
One important factor to consider is establishing the education foundation as early as possible. Due to life circumstances, younger employees are more likely to receive more professional training then their older counterparts. More of them are single and therefore have fewer familial commitments. They simply have more time to complete the training. Additionally, many younger adults have a stronger educational background from the start. As a general rule, the more education one begins with, the more likely more education is to be granted in the form of formal learning. Another way that age is a factor is because older adults often do not feel that there will be much benefit in additional education. Employers may have similar thoughts. An employer stands to gain much more in return for their investment in a younger employee. Seniority also comes into play when an organization is deciding where to spend valuable training dollars. The higher the position in the company, the more likely one is to be offered training opportunities. (Learning for life, 2009).
As students preparing for a successful career field we will all find a time when we need to effectively communicate on paper. Some of the challenges that I face in my writing is developing my thoughts into organized, presentable sentences. One thing that I am able to do well is having the creativity to generate the thought process without much planning. I do not have much need for brainstorming or outlines in order to get ideas flowing. This has its detriment to my writing, however. Since my ideas flow so easily, I have had a tenancy to miss some of the key points of assignment outlines. To mitigate this, in the future, I will need to ensure I make adequate time available to prepare for assignments.
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines professionalism as the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. Yet the White Paper on Pharmacy Student Professionalism says it is displaying values, beliefs and attitudes that put the needs of another about your personal needs. There is still another definition. The Medical Professionalism Project says professionalism is the basis of medicine's contract with society. It demands placing the interests of patients above those of the physician, setting and maintaining standards of competence and integrity, and providing expert advice to society on matters of health. In my opinion, a person's attitude, values, and behaviors
1. David’s primary purpose in sending a message is to inform the reader that the car company will not honour the customer’s claim. The writer’s priority is to inform the reader that the company would like to honour the claim, but point out that it could not happen because the warranty is expired.
It is this approach by the government, over the years, which has shifted the views on teacher professionalism. The erosion of creativity and autonomy reduces the need to reflect and as the ATL states ‘Review and reflection may be pointless in an environment where the teacher is or feels powerless to innovate, where decisions and changes are always imposed from above.’
Writing a paper on the writing process is pretty hard. The writing process is different from one person to another. You come across questions like, 'What exactly is the writing process?'; and 'Must you follow one persons writing process if yours is different?'; This is where I came across the answer to my questions, write however you wish to write. If one person likes free write first and another person likes to write a draft first, let them do how they please.