Estrada, Monica Ivy L.
Word Definitions
Informal A broad term for speech or writing marked by a casual, familiar, and generally colloquial use of language. An informal writing style is often more direct than a formal style and may rely more heavily on contractions, abbreviations, short sentences, and ellipses.
Examples and Observations:
"An informal writing style is a relaxed and colloquial way of writing standard English. It is the style found in most personal email and in some business correspondence, nonfiction books of general interest, and mass-circulation magazines. There is less distance between the writer and the reader because the tone is more personal than in a formal writing style. Contractions and elliptical constructions are common. . . . An informal style approximates the cadence and structure of spoken English while conforming to the grammatical conventions of written English." "[T]he informal style, far from being merely a sloppy form of language, is governed by rules every bit as precise, logical, and rigorous as the rules governing formal language." Memorandum A short message or record used for internal communication in a business. Once the primary form of internal written communication, memorandums (or memos) have declined in use since the introduction of email and other forms of electronic messaging. Etymology: From the Latin, "to bring to remembrance"
Examples and Observations:
"Memos are used within organizations to report results, instruct employees, announce policies, disseminate information, and delegate responsibilities. Whether sent on paper, as emails, or as attachments to emails, memos provide a record of decisions made and actions taken. They also can play a key role in the management of many organizations because managers use memos to inform and motivate employees. . . . "Adequate development of your thoughts is crucial to the clarity of your message, as the following example indicates:
ABRUPT Be more careful on the loading dock.
DEVELOPED To prevent accidents on the loading dock, follow these procedures: 1. Check . . . 2. Load only . . . 3. Replace . . . Although the abrupt version is concise, it is not as clear and specific as the developed version. Do not assume your readers will know what you mean. Readers who are in a hurry may misinterpret a vague memo." (Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, and Walter E. Oliu, Handbook of Technical Writing, 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin's, 2006) "Abide by this one main rule in every memo-writing situation: Be clear, brief, and tactful. Because many activities are competing for their time, readers expect information to be related as quickly and clearly as possibly. Yet be sure not to sacrifice tact and sensitivity as you strive to achieve conciseness."
Letter Report A short appraisal report limited to property characteristics, valuation, and recommendation; a report by a company as to the condition of the title on a specific date. A letter report gives no insurance on that title. Bulletins
A brief report, especially an official statement on a matter of
public interest issued for immediate publication or broadcast
A brief update or summary of current news, as on television or
radio or in a newspaper.
Bulletins are details coverage and underwriting for various
types of policies within the categories of insurance. Oral Reports An oral report may be delivered around a small table with just few listeners or in a large auditorium to hundreds of people Presenting effective formal oral reports is an important mean of establishing and maintaining your credentials and authority within a field or within an organization. INFORMAL ORAL REPORT Informal oral reports are generally characterized by smallgroup settings with high a degree of audience interaction and a relaxed manner of delivery and dress. An informal oral report might be an impromptu presentation.
Informal oral presentations can foster the free exchange of ideas and be important for producing action terms. FORMAL ORAL REPORT A formal oral report is distinguished by its adherence to an agreed-upon format or outline. Formal oral reports are usually prepared well in advance of presentation and are therefore well rehearsed. Your manner of delivery is extremely important in a formal oral report situation. Audience interaction is generally limited to the question and answer period at the conclusion of your report. Formal oral reports may follow an outline similar to the parts of any formal written reports and may be presented to an audience of ones peers or to an interested general or mixed audience in a setting such as a large auditorium or hall.
Proposal A document that offers a solution to a problem or a course of action in response to a need. Types of proposals include internal proposals, external proposals, grant proposals, and sales proposals.
Classic Proposals:
Disintroductions, by Ambrose Bierce Portrait of an Ideal World, by H.L. Mencken A Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift
Etymology: From the Latin, "put forth"
Observations:
"Audience and Purpose.. A proposal offers a plan to fill a need, and readers will evaluate your plan based on how well you answer their questions about what you are proposing to do, how and when you plan to do it, and how much it will cost. Because proposals often require more than one level of approval, take all your readers into account as you answer their questions. Consider especially their levels of technical knowledge of the subject. For example, if your primary reader is an expert on your subject but a supervisor who must also approve the proposal is not, provide an executive summary written in nontechnical language. You might also include a glossary of terms used in the body of the proposal or an appendix that explains highly detailed information in nontechnical language." Booklets
Bound publication, commonly having less than 20 pages.
Unbound but fastened booklet (with or without a cover) is generally called a 'pamphlet.
A small bound book or pamphlet, usually having a paper
cover. Conferences A meeting for consultation or discussion. An exchange of views. A meeting of committees to settle differences between two legislative bodies. The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation o r discussion; interchange of views.
