The Business Writing Toolkit

Business documents exist to cause decisions. Structure them for the busy reader: conclusion first, evidence after, action requested explicitly.

Key Concepts

• Pyramid principle: main message first, then grouped supporting points
• Proposals: problem → proposed solution → benefits → costs → next step
• Reports: executive summary that stands alone; details in labelled sections
• Memos: one topic, one page, one clearly requested action
• Plain words win: 'use' beats 'utilise'; short sentences beat impressive ones

Try It Yourself

Take something you want approved and structure the ask as a pyramid: one-sentence recommendation, three supporting points, evidence beneath.