Communicate...and how!

Recent research has shed light on various aspects of written business communication. Here are 15 things that have been learned:

 

Personalization enhances effectiveness: Personalized business communication, tailored to individual recipients, tends to be more effective in achieving desired outcomes.

 

Concise messages are preferred: Research suggests that concise and to-the-point messages are more likely to capture recipients' attention and be remembered.

 

Clear subject lines are crucial: Subject lines that are clear and specific can significantly increase the open and response rates of business emails.

 

Positive tone influences outcomes: Using a positive tone in written business communication, such as expressing gratitude and using polite language, can improve rapport and enhance outcomes.

 

Visual elements enhance understanding: Incorporating visual elements like charts, graphs, and infographics can enhance the comprehension and retention of information in written business communication.

 

Responsive emails yield better outcomes: Responding promptly to business emails and inquiries demonstrates professionalism and fosters better relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

 

Proofreading is essential: Research emphasizes the importance of proofreading written business communication to eliminate errors, improve clarity, and maintain a professional image.

 

Active voice is more effective: Using the active voice in business writing tends to be more engaging and persuasive than the passive voice, as it creates a stronger sense of accountability.

 

Clear calls to action are necessary: Including clear and actionable requests or calls to action in written business communication can increase the likelihood of recipients taking the desired actions.

 

Email length affects response rates: Studies suggest that emails with shorter lengths (around 50-125 words) receive higher response rates compared to longer, more detailed emails.

 

Politeness and empathy foster trust: Demonstrating politeness, empathy, and understanding in written business communication can foster trust and strengthen professional relationships.

 

Tailoring to audience preferences is important: Research highlights the importance of understanding the preferences and expectations of the target audience when crafting written business communication.

 

Formatting matters: Proper formatting, including headings, bullet points, and subheadings, improves the readability and organization of written business communication, enhancing comprehension.

 

Authenticity enhances credibility: Authenticity in written business communication, such as using a genuine and sincere tone, can enhance credibility and build stronger connections with recipients.

 

Emotional intelligence matters: Incorporating emotional intelligence in written business communication, such as understanding and addressing the emotional needs of recipients, can positively influence outcomes and relationships.

 

It's important to note that these findings are based on recent research, but individual preferences and contexts may vary.

Via Bovee & Thill's Online Business Communication Magazines