4 writing tactics that compel readers to take action

“This is just FYI.”

Next time you draft that sentence into a business message, stop. Admit that you are either:

You wouldn’t really bother your busy target audience with a message that doesn’t require their involvement, would you? You must expect some action or response. There is an outcome you hope to achieve.

The point of business communication is action.

We craft messages so people will understand, believe and do what it takes to move business forward.

You can create a message to achieve practically anything—as long as you know what must be done. Ask: In order to move from where you are to where you want to be, what must your recipient do? The options are nearly infinite. Here’s a sampling, from A to Z:

My X word is a stretch, but you get the idea. You have many opportunities to get people involved in your message. Choose wisely.

Write for action.

Once you’ve settled on a desired action, you can write in that direction. Here are four strategies that will help you compose a message that makes things happen:

1. Tell me what to do.