How do you write formally and informally in business writing?

I had to smile reading this. A recent resume client sent me her latest version and I stumbled across a sentence that made zero sense. It was filled with business jargon and fluff and was absolutely meaningless. I asked on our Zoom call what point she was trying to make. As she explained, I typed it in her resume, word for word -- in plain, easy-to-understand language. There was a stunned silence. Incredulous, she asked, "You can write like that on a resume?" I had to laugh. Of course you can write like that! Lead with your main point, using direct, simple words that anyone can understand. In any kind of writing, you have just a few seconds to make an impact, to encourage the reader to keep going. Don't waste them.

Informal writing is not one type of writing. Most business communication informal, but people shouldn't mistake it for the same informal writing that you use to chat or text with a friend. In any communication, it's important to consider the audience. Usually in business, we write informally to connect with our audience. It's also important to represent your brand and keep your tone consistent with the relationship you have with the audience. For example, the tone of informal writing you use when sending an email to a new or potential client is not the same as the tone for a message to a long-time client you've met multiple times in person. Emails will sound different from social media posts. Appropriateness is key!

Sure, you can use fragments and slang, as long as your audience understands it. Writing informally to draw in target readers is different from writing to friends and family, because not everyone in your audience knows you well. Be careful to be clear - that's more important than being casual or clever.

Formal writing doesn't have to be fluffy or verbose. One can write a formal document that uses persuasive writing techniques to make it more digestible. Shorter sentences, removing adjectives, consistent use of tense, and intentional use of formatting and layout are great ways to make a formal document seem more reader-friendly.

Today, we are all used to getting content in short bites. Writing that is too formal from the start will turn readers off. A document for the professional setting should be clear, accurate, coherent, and concise to be effective. For informal communication, my team has adopted the military's "bottom line up front" or BLUF principle. Put the information or action you need right up front. Provide supplemental information for recipients to read as needed.

Again, a bit inaccurate. You can blend formal and informal writing, but doing so takes skill and practice. This article is simplifying the concept because it's safer to choose one or the other. The first sentence is true, though - be clear and accurate if you want people to believe you.

Here are specific examples that epitomize each type. You can find writing that blends the two, but it'll be easier to start with these. Formal: articles from reputable entities like Forbes, essays in academic publications like JAMA, legal documents like contracts Informal: emails and texts from friends and family, amateur social media posts, lifestyle-brand advertising (the "hey buddy!" approach)

You can use both the formal and informal approach to your writing but then it depends on the goal and how you want your audience to perceive you.