Business Writing Resources
Browse the helpful guides below. These resources have been prepared by the Business Communication Lab at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. View All ResourcesAnalyzing and Responding to a Case Study
Case study assignments can feel difficult, especially if this is your first time working on one. In this article, we’re going to discuss what a case study is and some tools you can use to help your assignment feel more manageable.
Managing Your Tone with Word Choice and Sentence Length
Tone denotes the perceived attitude of the writer toward the subject and their intended audience. One of the ways you can modulate your tone is through word choice and sentence length.
Managing Your Tone with Personal Pronouns
Pronouns like “we,” “you,” and “I” affect how personable your writing sounds. Using personal pronouns can create a sense of connection or responsibility that you can adapt depending on what is appropriate for the impression you’re trying to create.
Business Brief
The brief is a staple of business communication. Mastering this form will equip you to compel your audiences toward action!
Managing Your Tone with Relational Awareness
Being able to appropriately assert yourself, defer to others, and express gratitude will help you balance your tone in all of your written communication.
Analyzing An Assignment Prompt
Before you start writing your paper, it is essential to understand the objectives of the assignment and the requirements of the prompt. The video below demonstrates how to analyze an assignment prompt.
Inclusive Communication
Effective business relations depend on knowing how to address a diverse public with inclusive communication. Learn tips on how to write and speak ethically to be mindful and respectful of people’s intersecting identities.Intersectionality is a core concept in...
Tips for Staying Engaged During Online Classes
“Attending” online classes and getting the most out of them can be very difficult, especially when you are used to in-person classes. These tips will help you adjust and thrive!
The Rhetorical Situation
Learn how to make your attempts to persuade more effective by fully understanding the rhetorical situation
Synthesis
Learning how to synthesize correctly will help you bring multiple texts together in order to make some larger statement or prove a thesis (a claim)
SWOT Analysis
Strategic planning is a skill business majors must have; SWOT analyses will help you build this skill
Study Abroad Personal Statement
Increase your study abroad application’s chances of success by following these tips!
Statement of Purpose
Boost your application’s chances of getting accepted by writing a stellar statement of purpose!
Executive Summary
Writing effective executive summaries will increase the likelihood that decision-makers will consider your ideas
Persuasive Appeals
If you want to persuade your audience, be sure your argument appeals to their character, emotions, and reason.
Memo
Mastering the memo structure will create transferable skills by help you write more concisely and in a more organized manner.
Logical Fallacies
In order for your argument to help, rather than hurt, your credibility, be sure to avoid these fallacies.
General Rules for Business Communication
In order for business communication to be successful, the information has to be clear, concise, and comprehensive.