History
Focus
This style guide focuses on business communications and is tailored for people who write on the job, which distinguishes it from style guides that are written from a journalism perspective. To develop the book, the authors surveyed communications executives at Fortune 500 companies. Results of that survey are summarized in the first chapter. The book also includes a 200-page section of A-to-Z entries on usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling for words and phrases commonly used in business writing. Example: ampersand (&) Use the ''ampersand'' in an organization’s formal name if that is what the organization uses, as in ''Barnes & Noble'' (do not write ''Barnes and Noble''). But do not use the ''&'' in place of ''and'' in text. Write ''Trinidad and Tobago,'' not ''Trinidad & Tobago''. If, however, you are using abbreviations, replace ''and'' with ''&'', so that ''research and development'' becomes ''R&D'', ''profit and loss'' becomes ''P&L''. ''The Business Style Handbook'' is on the recommended reading list forOrganization
''The Business Style Handbook'' is organized as follows. Acknowledgments Cites the Fortune 500 companies and communications executives who participated in the authors’ surveys for the first and second editions of the book. Introduction Describes the purpose of the book and its methodology. Fortune 500 Survey Results A summary of findings from the authors’ survey on writing practices at Fortune 500 companies. For example, it quotes one respondent who states, “No matter the level of employee, clearly communicating ideas is critical to the success of initiatives.” Why Style Matters Discusses the importance of writing well to establish credibility in business. For example, “Good communication skills are increasingly viewed as a core competency in the corporate world.” The Case for Standards Reviews the benefits organizations can gain from helping employees strengthen their writing skills. Write with Purpose Outlines how to approach writing strategically. Email: Before You Hit Send Gives recommendations for best practices in business emails, such as how to use cc, bcc and Reply to All appropriately. The A-to-Z Entries A 200-page section of entries on usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling for words and phrases relevant for business writing. Example: bottom line, bottom-line Two words when used as a noun, as in ''How will the price increase impact the bottom line?'' Write with a hyphen when used as an adjective: ''It is too soon to assess to the bottom-line impact of the price increases.''References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Business Style Handbook Style guides for American English McGraw-Hill books 2002 non-fiction books 2012 non-fiction books