Writing That Works

Writing That Works is a guide to business communication that covers emails, presentations, reports, and other professional writing formats. The book draws from the authors' experience at major corporations and advertising agencies. The text provides frameworks for crafting clear messages and avoiding common writing pitfalls in workplace settings. It includes examples of both effective and ineffective business writing, with analysis of what makes each succeed or fail. The manual addresses the evolution of business communication in the digital age, including guidance on tone, formatting, and style across different mediums. The chapters progress from foundational writing principles to specific applications like sales materials and executive communications. At its core, the book emphasizes that successful business writing serves the reader's needs through precision and brevity rather than embellishment. This philosophy reflects broader themes about the relationship between clear communication and professional success.

Readers value this book's practical advice on business writing fundamentals like emails, presentations, and reports. Many note its usefulness for both new graduates and experienced professionals. Likes: - Clear examples showing before/after revisions - Straightforward tips on being concise - Relevant guidance on digital communication - Detailed sections on resume writing and job applications Dislikes: - Some examples feel dated - Basic content that experienced writers may find too simple - Repetitive points across chapters - Limited coverage of social media writing A common critique is that the book could be condensed into a shorter format, as noted by several Amazon reviewers. Multiple readers mention the helpful chapter on PowerPoint presentations. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (280+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (40+ ratings) One frequent comment from positive reviews: "This should be required reading for business students." Several negative reviews cite the $16.99 price as too high for the content provided.

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📚 Kenneth Roman served as the CEO of Ogilvy & Mather, one of the world's largest advertising agencies, bringing real-world business writing expertise to the book. ✍️ The first edition was published in 1981, and the book has been continuously updated to address digital communication, with the latest edition covering email etiquette and online writing. 💼 The authors developed many of their writing principles while working at Ogilvy & Mather with David Ogilvy, known as "The Father of Advertising" and famous for his clear, persuasive writing style. 📝 The book's principles have been adopted by major corporations including Merrill Lynch and IBM as part of their internal communication guidelines. 🎓 Both authors taught business writing at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business, testing and refining their methods with future business leaders.