John Janisch

When writig a "white paper/proposa/position paper" where I desire to influence decision makers and secure a decision I include the following five (5) sections.

Section I: Statement of the Challenge
I do not use the term 'Problem'.

Section II: Background
I provide several paragraphs that
address key points, logically. I
develop deductively to guide the
thought process.

Section III:Solution Options
I provide several options to consider
with associated cost and impact data.
I start with a direct discussion on
the requested information then move to
alternatives to consider. The
alternatives might be characterized as
'Options' to the original request with
associated costs identified. I also
offer a recommeded option for
consideration.

Section IV: Benefits
This section focuses on clearly
stating the bennefits associated
with selecting and pursuing the
recommended option or course of
action.

Section V: Risk
This final section is deigned to
encourage doing something. It
highlights the down-side to doing
nothing, the risks and
negative cost impact.

Claudia Martinez

I have a little problem organizing therefore I try to always brainstorm my ideas before.

Claudia Martinez

I agree with you it is very important to brainstorm before writing essay, emails, memos almost everything it gives you a clear idea of what you really need to discuss

Bernice Cole

I like to use the Brainstorming strategy. When I know what I want to say, but not sure how to present it I like this method. It helps me to organize the important points in the correct order that I want to convey in my document.

Carol Howley CHEP

I totally agree. If the writer is precise and to the point the main purpose is easier to grasp

Carol Howley CHEP

organized thoughts help the reader to more quickly understand the communication and helps to get a speedier response

Jay Hollowell

Patricia,

Thanks Patricia, supporting information in particular assists the reader in comprehending both the details and the larger picture.

Jay Hollowell

Jay Hollowell

Woei,

Absolutely, it helps out the reader so much when trying to absorb and process information, particularly if the subject is complicated.

Jay Hollowell

Woei Wong

I took Business writing in college, and one method that I've learn from that class, which I have maintained throughout my professional career, and which was also emphasized in this course, was to keep paragraphs short and to the point, and limited to one subject matter.

Patricia Acevedo

When I writing a message I make note of important information I need to get across to my reader. Then I organize by what is most important to the least important. I add supporting information aroung each key of the subject.I read the message i would like to convy to see if it make any sense and would be understood by the reader.

George Yacus

I believe most people respond well to sequence and logic. When I write e-mail, I often use numbered points to walk the reader through the issue. When I write a letter, I identify who I am, the issue, justification, and at the end what I am asking for. I prefer short and simple sentences, not the 15-20 word recommendation the course prescribes.

James Livesay

I first think about what I want to convey and to whom I need to convey it. I then jot notes down as I think about it or as I discover new facts about the topic. I will then, hopefully, have some quiet time where I can sit down, organize my thoughts, and write the document. One must proofread thereafter, however.

Richard McKillip

I do a lot of free writing. I have found that if I just start typing about the subject at hand, my brain and fingers start to take over allowing me to reflect on what is already written and refine from there.

michaela yabroff

When I have to write a communication, I always start with the brainstorm outline. I picked this idea up from my children when they attended grade school. They were taught this method by using a spider and its legs.
This method keeps me focused and on topic. It tends to eliminate adding too many topics into the report. It keeps me on task and to the point.

Benjamin Kontaxes

I have a tendency toward verbosity when writing. I often find it effective to purposefully make myself consider the reader and the purpose of the communication at the outset. This helps with organization. After considering the purpose, I can use brainstorming techniques to develop the most appropriate way to compile the message that needs to be delivered.

robin muddiman

I use graphic organizer such as a concept map to organize a topic to teach or present in class

Jay Hollowell

Hi Rita,

This is a very good point. For me, free writing stimulates creativity, then the outline helps to structure the flow of the content and/or message.

Thanks,

Jay Hollowell,

Allison Dyer

When writing a communication I usually will brainstorm everything, then do draw the circle with the lines and pull out the main points.THen determine how to make it simple.

Brenda Highfill

Keeping communication limited to one subject at a time, detailing key concepts at the begining and being concise are strategies I use to organize my material.