1

Transactional Writing
Transactional writing is non- ction writing that intends to communicate information
between individuals or groups. You will be expected to know the following transactional
writing styles:

• Email
• Speech
• Open Letter
• Eulogy
• Editorial
• Blog

THE EMAIL

At its very core, emails are used to communicate concise, to the point messages and are
usually used within a professional setting. There are no platitudes, uses a formal register
and gets straight to the point.
fi
 2
Structure:
• Subject Line:
• Write a concise and clear subject line that summarises the purpose or main topic of
your email. This helps the recipient understand the content at a glance and prioritise
their responses.

• Greeting:
• Start with a polite and appropriate greeting, such as "Dear [Recipient's Name]," or
"Hello [Recipient's Name],".

• Introduction:
• Begin your email by brie y introducing yourself if necessary, especially if you are
contacting someone for the rst time or in a professional setting.
• State the reason for writing the email or provide context to help the recipient
understand the purpose of your message.

• Body:
• Use paragraphs to organise your thoughts and make the email easy to read.
• Provide the necessary information or details related to the subject of your email.
• Be concise, clear, and speci c in your writing.
• If applicable, use bullet points or numbered lists to present information in a
structured and easy-to-digest manner.
• Use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation to ensure clarity and
professionalism.
• If necessary, include any relevant attachments or documents.

• Closing:
• Express any speci c requests, questions, or actions you expect from the recipient, if
applicable.
• Thank the recipient for their time, consideration, or any assistance they may provide.
• Use an appropriate closing phrase, such as "Best regards," "Sincerely," or "Thank
you," followed by your name.

• Signature:
• Include a professional signature at the end of your email that includes your full name,
job title (if applicable), contact information (phone number, email address), and any
relevant links or social media pro les (optional).
fi
fl
fi
fi
fi
 3
THE SPEECH

A speech is a form of vocal communication that involves directly addressing the

audience. There are three main purposed to a speech: to inform, to persuade, and to
entertain. Your topic and the reason for the speech will dictate what purpose your speech
with serve.

Structurally, a speech is very much like an essay, however, your focus is to capture your
audience and then to entertain, inform, or persuade them. Your premise must be the
golden thread throughout, creating ow and links.

Too keep your audience listening, include anecdotes, jokes, quips, idioms and rhetoric.
fl
 4
Structure:
• Introduction:
• Grab the audience's attention with a compelling opening, such as a captivating
story, a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful quote.
• Clearly state the purpose or main idea of your speech.

• Opening Statement:
• Provide an overview or roadmap of what you will be discussing in your speech. Give
the audience a preview of the main points or arguments you will cover.

• Body:
• Divide the body of your speech into several main points or sections. Each section
should focus on a speci c idea, argument, or piece of information.
• Organise your points logically, ensuring a smooth transition between each point.
• Provide supporting evidence, examples, statistics, or anecdotes to strengthen your
arguments and make your speech more persuasive.
• Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas e ectively.
• Consider the needs and interests of your audience and tailor your content to
resonate with them.

• Transitions:
• Use transitional phrases or sentences to guide the audience smoothly from one
point to another. This helps maintain the ow of your speech and ensures that the
audience can follow your train of thought.

• Visuals and Props (if applicable):

• If appropriate, incorporate visual aids, such as slides, charts, or props, to enhance
your speech and make complex ideas more understandable.
• Ensure that visuals and props are used sparingly and e ectively, without
overwhelming or distracting the audience.

• Conclusion:
• Summarise the main points or arguments you covered in your speech.
• Restate your main idea or thesis statement to reinforce your message.
• Provide a memorable closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the
audience.
• Consider ending with a call to action, encouraging the audience to take speci c
steps or change their behaviour based on your speech.

• Closing Remarks:
• Thank the audience for their attention and engagement.
• Reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity to speak.
• Consider ending with an inspiring quote, a personal re ection, or a call to unity and
shared values.
fi
fl
fl
ff
ff
fi
 5
OPEN LETTER

An open letter is a letter that is addressed to a particular person or group of people, but
is intended for publication in a newspaper or journal. You will use formal register when
writing and will usually have the goal of advising or criticising, or both. You must keep in
mind that an open letter is intended for publication and it meant to be read by others. It
can, however, be anonymous.

Structure:
• Salutation:
• Begin the open letter with a salutation that addresses the intended recipient or target
audience. This could be a speci c individual, a group, or the general public.

• Introduction:
• Introduce yourself or your organisation and provide some background information or
context to establish your credibility or connection to the issue you are addressing.

• Statement of Purpose:
• Clearly state the purpose of the open letter and the speci c issue or topic you are
addressing. Explain why it is important or relevant to you, your organisation, or the
broader community.

• Main Points and Arguments:

• Present your main points, arguments, or concerns in separate paragraphs or
sections. Each paragraph should focus on a speci c point and provide supporting
evidence, examples, or personal experiences to back up your claims or assertions.
• Use clear and persuasive language to convey your message e ectively.
• If applicable, address any counterarguments or opposing viewpoints and provide
rebuttals or explanations.

• Personal Stories or Testimonials:

• Include personal stories, testimonials, or accounts from individuals or communities
a ected by the issue you are addressing. This adds a human element and helps to
make the letter more relatable and impactful.

• Call to Action:
• Clearly articulate the action or change you are requesting from the recipient or target
audience. Be speci c about what you want them to do and how it will address the
issue at hand.
• Provide suggestions or recommendations for potential solutions or steps that can be
taken.

• Conclusion:
• Summarise your main points and reiterate the importance of your cause or message.
• End with a compelling closing statement that leaves a lasting impact or encourages
further action.

•
ff
fi
fi
fi
fi
ff
 6
• Sign-o :
• Close the open letter with an appropriate sign-o , such as "Sincerely," "Best
regards," or a phrase that aligns with the tone and purpose of the letter.
• Include your name, title, or any relevant a liations to provide credibility and
accountability.
ff
ffi
ff
7
 8
THE EULOGY

A eulogy is a speech or tribute given to honor and celebrate the life of a person who has
passed away. There are three terms involving the death of a person that are frequently
confused:
• A eulogy is a speech typically given during a funeral or memorial service that pays
tribute to the deceased.
• An obituary is a written announcement of a person’s recent death that is placed in
the newspaper. Typically it contains a brief account of the deceased’s life and
achievements.
• An elegy is a poem or song that is intended to lament the dead.

When writing:
• Decide on the tone.
• How serious or lighthearted do you want the eulogy to be?
• A good eulogy need not be uniformly sombre; it must be appropriate though.
Some eulogy-writers take a serious approach, others are bold enough to add
some humour.
• Used cautiously, humour can help convey the personality of the deceased and
illustrate some of his or her endearing qualities.\
• Consider your audience.
• Write the eulogy with the deceased's family and loved ones in mind. Dwell on the
positive, but be honest.
• If the person was di cult or inordinately negative, avoid talking about that or allude
to it gently.
• Make sure you don't say anything that would o end, shock, or confuse the
audience.
• Not saying something is often more powerful than saying it.

Structure
• Introduction:
• Begin by acknowledging the audience and expressing gratitude for their presence.
• State your relationship with the deceased and your reason for speaking.

• Opening:
• Start with a compelling or meaningful quote, poem, or anecdote that captures the
essence of the person's life.
• Set the tone and create a connection with the audience.

• Personal anecdotes and stories:

• Share personal stories, memories, or experiences that highlight the character,
values, achievements, or unique qualities of the deceased.
• Use vivid descriptions and speci c examples to illustrate their impact on your life
and the lives of others.
• Include moments of humour, joy, or inspiration to celebrate their life.

• Re ections on their life and legacy:

fl
ffi
fi
ff
 9
• Re ect on the signi cant milestones, accomplishments, or contributions of the
person.
• Discuss their passions, interests, or talents and how they made a di erence in the
lives of others.
• Highlight their values, principles, or beliefs that guided their actions and impacted
those around them.

• Lessons learned or wisdom shared:

• Share any life lessons, advice, or wisdom imparted by the deceased that had a
profound impact on you or others.
• Discuss how these teachings continue to inspire or in uence your life and how they
can be cherished and passed on.

• Acknowledgment and appreciation:

• Acknowledge and express gratitude to individuals or groups who provided support,
care, or love to the deceased during their life or in di cult times.
• Mention any speci c acts of kindness or generosity that made a di erence.

• Closing:
• Summarise the essence of the person's life and the impact they had on others.
• O er nal thoughts or re ections on their legacy.
• Conclude with a memorable quote, poem, or sentiment that captures the essence of
their life or the emotions you wish to convey.

• Closing remarks:
• Thank the audience once again for their presence and support.
• O er comfort and words of encouragement to the bereaved family and friends.
• Provide any logistical information regarding the funeral or post-funeral
arrangements, if necessary.
• Remember, a eulogy is an opportunity to celebrate and honour the life of the
deceased, so it's important to personalise your speech and speak from the heart.
ff
ff
fl
fi
fi
fi
fl
ffi
fl
ff
ff
 10
THE EDITORIAL

An editorial is an article in a newspaper or other periodical or on a website presenting the

opinion of the publisher, writer, or editor. It can also be a statement broadcast on radio or
television that presents the opinion of the owner, manager, or the like, of the program,
station, or channel.

Components of an editorial:
• An editorial has a powerful, eye-catching headline.
• The introductory paragraph introduces and summarises the editor's standpoint on
the issue.
• The body consists of strong arguments or evidence that supports this point of view.
• The level of language depends on the audience.
• The tone is serious and an impersonal, passive voice is generally used.
• Qualifying words are used to clarify the argument e.g. rstly, lastly, thus, in
conjunction with and consequently.
• The conclusion sums up the argument and may make recommendations.

Structure:
• Introduction:
• Begin with a compelling opening sentence or hook to grab the reader's attention.
• Clearly state the main issue or topic that the editorial will address.
• Provide a brief overview of the context or background information related to the
issue.

• Thesis Statement:
• Present a clear and concise thesis statement that expresses your viewpoint or main
argument regarding the issue.
• This statement should re ect the central message or stance that the editorial will
elaborate on and support throughout.

• Body Paragraphs:
• Organise your editorial into multiple paragraphs, each focusing on a speci c point or
supporting argument.
• Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly introduces the main idea of
that paragraph.
• Provide evidence, examples, statistics, or expert opinions to support your
arguments.
• Use logical reasoning and clear explanations to make your points e ectively.
• Address counterarguments or opposing viewpoints and refute them with compelling
evidence or reasoning.

• Conclusion:
• Summarise the main points made in the body paragraphs and restate your thesis
statement.
• Provide a compelling closing statement that reinforces your stance or call to action.
fl
fi
ff
fi
 11
• Leave the reader with a thought-provoking or impactful statement that encourages
further re ection on the issue.

• Optional Elements:
• Include relevant anecdotes, personal experiences, or real-life examples to add depth
and credibility to your arguments.
• Incorporate quotes from reputable sources or experts to strengthen your points.
• Use persuasive language and rhetorical devices, such as rhetorical questions or
appeals to emotions, to engage the reader.
fl
 12
THE BLOG

A blog is a type of website or online platform where individuals or organisations regularly

publish content in the form of articles or posts. The term "blog" is short for "weblog," and
it originally referred to a personal online journal or diary. However, over time, blogs have
evolved to cover a wide range of topics and purposes.

Tips to writing a blog:

• Identify your target audience: Understand who your intended readers are, their interests,
and what they might be searching for. This will help you tailor your content to their
needs and preferences.

• Choose a captivating headline: Create an attention-grabbing title that piques curiosity

and entices readers to click and read your blog post.

• Use a conversational tone: Write in a friendly, approachable manner that resonates with
your audience. Avoid overly formal or technical language unless it aligns with your niche
or target readers.

• Keep it concise: Blog posts are generally shorter than traditional articles. Aim for clear
and concise writing, breaking up your content into easily readable paragraphs. Use
bullet points, subheadings, and numbered lists to enhance readability.

• Hook readers with an engaging introduction: Grab readers' attention from the start with
a compelling opening paragraph. Pose a thought-provoking question, share an
interesting anecdote, or provide a surprising statistic or fact to engage your audience.

• Provide valuable and informative content: Make sure your blog post o ers something
valuable to readers, whether it's practical tips, insights, information, or entertainment.
Research your topic thoroughly and support your points with credible sources or
personal experiences.

• Include a call to action: Encourage readers to take action after reading your blog post.
This could be leaving a comment, sharing the post on social media, subscribing to your
newsletter, or exploring related content on your blog.

Structure:
• Headline:
• Start with a catchy and attention-grabbing headline that accurately represents the
main topic or focus of your blog post. Make it intriguing and compelling to entice
readers to click and read further.

• Introduction:
• Begin with an engaging introduction that hooks the reader and provides an overview
of the topic. This section should establish the context and capture the reader's
interest, encouraging them to continue reading.
ff
 13
• Body:
• Divide the main content into sections or paragraphs, each addressing a speci c
subtopic or idea related to the overall theme of the blog post.
• Use subheadings to clearly indicate di erent sections and make the content
scannable for readers who may prefer to skim or selectively read certain parts.
• Develop each section with supporting details, evidence, examples, or anecdotes to
provide depth and credibility to your arguments or ideas.
• Maintain a logical ow between paragraphs and sections, ensuring that the ideas
connect smoothly.

• Conclusion:
• Summarise the key points discussed in the blog post and reiterate the main
message or takeaway.
• End with a strong concluding statement that leaves the reader with a lasting
impression or call to action.
fl
ff
fi