Definition
Ability to communicate ideas, thoughts,
facts in writing. Skill in using correct grammar,
correct spelling, sentence and document structure, accepted
document formatting, and special literary techniques to
communicate a message in writing.
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Behavioral Descriptions
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Proficiency Level 5
Extensive knowledge of advanced
literary techniques and formats.
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Proficiency Level 4
Adjusts words to add effect.
Uses one or two formal writing styles
appropriate to one’s field.
Writes documents which hold the
reader’s attention.
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Proficiency Level 3
Adjusts content and style of written
documents according to the subject
matter and audience.
Writes clear and concise material.
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Proficiency Level 2
Uses correct grammar and syntax in
written communications.
Produces understandable memos,
letters, or other documents.
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Proficiency Level 1
Uses incorrect grammar, poor
spelling, and poor sentence structure.
Expresses ideas that are not fully
thought out.
Writes messages that are sometimes
unclear.
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Suggested Activities for Development
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Volunteer to summarize
notes from meetings. Distribute the summaries to others
and ask for feedback.
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Volunteer to write monthly
or quarterly reports for your work unit.
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Develop a manual or
standard operating procedures for a process in your work
unit.
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Learn three new words a
week. Add these words to your writing vocabulary.
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Write an article for your
organization’s newsletter, website, or intranet.
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Summarize books or
articles in your field and share with colleagues.
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Revise your current
resume.
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Develop a proposal for a
grant, product or service.
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Write an autobiography.
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Write a speech for someone
higher in the organization.
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Write an article or
technical report in your field and submit it for
publication.
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Recommended Courses
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Additional Resource
Books
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Get To The Point! Painless
Advice For Writing Memos, Letters And E-Mails Your
Colleagues And Clients Will Understand by E. Danziger
(Three Rivers Press, 2001). Tips on clear and concise
writing, secrets of editing and revising, simple
explanations of the most useful elements of grammar and
punctuation, frequently misused words and how to
remember their correct meaning.
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The Elements Of Style by
W. Strunk, E. B. White, & R. Angell (Allyn & Bacon,
2000). Contains rules of grammar phrased as direct
orders and provides the principal requirements of plain
English style. Concentrates on fundamentals: The rules
of usage and principles of composition most commonly
violated.
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Effective Business
Writing: Strategies, Suggestions and Examples by M.V.
Piotrowski (HarperCollins, 1996). Numerous examples show
how to overcome writer's block, organize messages for
maximum impact, achieve an easy-to-read style, and find
an efficient writing system and much more.
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New York Public Library
Writer's Guide To Style And Usage by A. Sutcliffe
(HarperCollins, 1994). The purpose of this guide is to
help new and experienced writers and editors navigate
today's world of electronic publishing, beginning with
the writing of first drafts and ending with the delivery
of computer disks or camera-ready copy.
- The Elements Of Business Writing: A Guide To Writing
Clear, Concise Letters, Memos, Reports, Proposals, And
Other Business Documents by G. Blake, & R. W. Bly (MacMillan
Publishing, 1992). Equally useful to executives and
support staff, it shows how to: write clearly and
powerfully; rid writing of jargon and pompous language;
organize material effectively; and avoid errors in
spelling, grammar, and usage.
Media
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Email Essentials. Ever
challenging ourselves to gather more information faster
and then disseminate it instantaneously, we human beings
have become obsessed with the value and effectiveness of
e-mail. Employee University, 1-888.215.8532.
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You Can't Write With
Handcuffs On Your Brain. Bad Writing Ain't Funny…But
This Video Is! What happens when good writers get bad
advice? Employee University, 1-888.215.8532.
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Behavioral-Based Interviewing Questions
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