Have you ever stopped to think about the power of your words? Whether it’s a quick email to your team, a tweet promoting your business, or the wording in your company’s mission statement, every piece of written communication can either drive results or miss the mark.
The key is making your words work for you. Let’s explore how effective written communication can generate profit and ensure your message hits the target every time.
What Is Written Communication?
It’s not just emails and memos—it’s everything you write to represent your business. Think about:
- Policies and procedures.
- Employee handbooks.
- Social media posts.
- Client proposals.
Every word matters, and when done right, your written communication becomes a tool to inspire, persuade, and profit.
How to Make Your Written Communication Effective
Get Your Message Across Clearly
Before you write, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve? Your message should be clear and action-oriented.
- Are you trying to inspire your employees to be more productive?
- Do you want to persuade a client to sign a contract?
- Are you building trust with your audience on social media?
Start with a purpose, and let every word serve it.
Communicate for Profit
Your written communication should do more than inform—it should deliver results. A well-crafted message can:
- Win new customers.
- Secure contracts.
- Generate publicity.
Use language that prompts action, whether it’s scheduling a meeting, signing a deal, or referring your services to others.
The Power of Actionable Verbs
Actionable verbs can transform your communication. They don’t just convey a message—they inspire the recipient to act.
Here’s why actionable verbs work:
- They create a clear call to action.
- They eliminate confusion by specifying what needs to be done.
- They lead to tangible outcomes.
Avoid vague instructions like this:
- “I encourage you to come prepared and successfully deliver the workshop.”
What does “come prepared” mean? Without specifics, the team is left guessing, which can lead to poor results.
Compare it to this specific, actionable message:
- “Please take one hour to study your assigned part, rehearse with your partner, and let me know if you have questions. I’m confident we’ll deliver a great workshop!”
The Cost of Ineffective Communication
Vague instructions can be costly. Let’s break it down:
Scenario 1:
A manager sends a vague email, and the team is unsure what’s expected. The result?
- The team’s efforts are uncoordinated.
- The workshop fails to attract clients.
- The company discontinues the workshop, losing revenue.
Scenario 2:
The same message is rewritten with actionable verbs. The result?
- The team knows exactly what to do and delivers a polished workshop.
- Clients sign up for future sessions and refer others.
- The company generates more revenue and builds a positive reputation.
Clear, actionable communication doesn’t just prevent failure—it drives success.
Additional Tips for Success
- Be Inclusive: When you invite questions or offer support, your message is more effective and fosters collaboration.
- “Let me know if you have questions” shows you’re approachable and invested in the team’s success.
- Assume Nothing: Never assume your colleagues or clients know what to do. Spell it out to ensure clarity.
Takeaways
- Use actionable verbs to inspire action and achieve results.
- Avoid vague language—specificity drives success.
- Every written word is an opportunity to generate profit, so make them count.
Your written communication can inspire, persuade, and drive your business forward. Harness it wisely, and watch the results speak for themselves.