Icompetent Logo

Business Writing Essentials

How to write emails, memos and short documents that busy colleagues actually read and act on — reader-first structure, plain language and disciplined editing. For anyone in an industrial or office role who writes at work.

50m
Total time
4
Competency levels
12
Lessons

What you'll learn

  • Explain why reader-first writing gets faster, better responses than writer-first writing
  • State the main point of a message in the first two sentences (bottom line up front)
  • Replace jargon and long constructions with plain, direct language
  • Structure documents with short paragraphs, informative headings and lists
  • Match tone and level of detail to the audience and situation
  • Edit your own writing in ordered passes and apply email etiquette that respects readers' time

Curriculum

Progress through each competency level in order.

1

Awareness

  • Write for the Reader, Not for Yourself
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Bottom Line Up Front
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Awareness Check: Reader-First Basics
    Assessment
    7m
2

Knowledge

  • Plain Language Over Jargon
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Structure: Paragraphs, Headings and Lists
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Knowledge Check: Language and Structure
    Assessment
    8m
3

Skill

  • Tone, Audience and Editing in Passes
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Rewrite a Real Workplace Message
    Assignment
    3m
  • Skill Check: Tone and Editing
    Assessment
    8m
4

Mastery

  • Email Etiquette That Gets Action
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Communication Audit and Standard
    Assignment
    3m
  • Mastery Assessment: Business Writing Judgement
    Assessment
    8m

Ready to build Business Writing Essentials?

Create a free account on iCompetent and start progressing through the levels today.