I.    PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION

• Good writing meets five reader needs

• Graphic: strategy and tactics for organizing messages

GOOD WRITING MEETS FIVE READER NEEDS:

1.          Immediate insight into requirements of reader, that is, readers are able to understand what they are required to do with the document by the time they read the subject line, the first verb, and the opening section.

   Techniques:

• Writing extremely clear, concise Subject Lines.

• Using very clear first verbs.  These should allow the reader to know which of four ways to react to the document:  is the reader being asked to supply information?; is information being presented to inform the reader?; are hypotheses being tested and data analyzed and evaluated?; is a proposal being made requiring the reader’s approval?

• Composing a first paragraph that accurately summarizes the topic covered and why it is important.  To be an accurate summary, it should answer the WHAT, WHY, WHEN, and other questions needed for a clear introduction to the document.

2.          Instant retrievability, the ability to find any topic or data the reader wishes to find through scanning, without having to read the entire document.

   Techniques: 

             Headings, Lists, Underlining, Boldface, Indenting, Introductory Forecasts, Clearly Labelled Tables, Easy-to-find Data.

3.          Easy comprehensibility, the ability of the reader to read a document once and gain an accurate understanding of it.

             Criteria:  reader must be able to understand document in a single reading.  If at any time the reader has to re-read information, it indicates the material could be more effectively organized.

   Techniques: 

• Providing clear BACKGROUND, which reminds reader of antecedents and provides linkages with the last information the reader received on this subject.

• Writing paragraphs deductively, in WHAT, WHY, DETAILS order.
•  4.   Clear understanding of and ability to check whether the writer is making a logical argument.

• Toplining Whats and often Whys, in sequentially and topically organized documents, followed by Details.

• Toplining Whys in singularly focussed analysis and recommendation messages.

• Toplining What and Whys in multi-topic analysis or recommendation messages.

• Phrasing so that toplines develop a logical theme when scanned.

• Using “good facts” to support arguments empirically.

5.          Documents show a clear understanding of the strategic requirements of author’s department, division, and overall organization.

Writing messages that show:

• compelling benefits, such as increased share, volume, and profit; increased safety, reliability, security, or productivity; improved employee morale, or customer and consumer satisfaction.

• a thoughtful risk assessment, a concise, yet well-researched evaluation of potential constraints.

• alignment, a clear connection between the writer’s stated purpose and department, division, and company objectives.

• consistency and constancy, an intent that is clear over time, which will result in a sustainable advantage.

• core competency, a strategy that leverages resources to achieve goals, especially by using core competencies that reflect current and historical strengths.

• customer and consumer focus, a perspective that shows a clear understanding of customer and consumer requirements.

STRATEGY AND TACTICS OF ORGANIZING MESSAGES

	What readers want at each stage	How to accomplish this
OPENING*	Answers to 4 questions What is the point? What is the relevance to the com-pany? Should I read the whole message now or lat- er? Will this be an easy or a difficult document to mwhich to respond?	Compose a precise subject line Make opening a concise summary of entire document that accurately predicts its content, including the What, the Why, and the When Forecast body and next steps in longer documents
BACKGROUND	Brief description of histor- ical context from which this topic emerged	Provide key facts that clarify why the document is being written now Summarize previous docu- ments on this topic
METHOD	Clear description of methods	List steps in chronological order
BODY	* Easily scanned argument Clear hierarchy of ideas	Effectively used headings as “table of contents” of message
DATA ANALYSIS	Sound argument and evi- dence to document claims Consistency among object-ives conclusions reasons, evidence, follow-up, and action steps	Number and underline key pre- mises Deductively order para- graphs Consistently clarify the Why Ensure arguments pass the “Because, Based On, Therefore” test Align with objectives & actions Indent to indicate higher level and lower level points
DISCUS SION	Answers to 2 questions: What constraints exist? What alternatives are there?	Explain constraints, risks List alternatives, explain why not chosen
FOLLOW-UP	How will this be implemented?	Clarify the How, typically in list format
ACTION *  required element	Answers to 4 questions: What do you want me to do? What are you going to do? What should others do? When will these ac- tions take place?	Clarify the Who does What, When and Why questions Consistent with objectives and analysis