What is *Writing That Works* about?

*Writing That Works* by Kenneth Roman is a practical guide to effective business communication, offering strategies for emails, presentations, reports, resumes, and more. It emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and audience-focused writing, with updated advice on digital communication and political correctness. The book provides actionable frameworks to help professionals convey ideas persuasively across various formats.

Who should read *Writing That Works*?

This book is essential for professionals, managers, job seekers, and students seeking to improve their business writing skills. It’s particularly valuable for those crafting emails, presentations, proposals, or resumes, as well as anyone aiming to communicate with precision in corporate, nonprofit, or entrepreneurial settings.

Is *Writing That Works* worth reading?

Yes, the book is praised for its actionable tips and real-world examples. Endorsed by industry leaders like David Ogilvy, it’s considered a timeless resource for anyone wanting to eliminate jargon, structure ideas clearly, and achieve results through writing. While some find its advice broad, its focus on fundamentals makes it widely applicable.

How does *Writing That Works* approach business communication?

Roman prioritizes clarity and conciseness, advocating for short sentences, active voice, and specific language. The book teaches readers to “not mumble” by addressing audience needs directly, whether writing emails, speeches, or marketing copy. It blends traditional principles with modern digital considerations.

What are the key principles of effective writing in the book?

- **Simplify**: Use short words, sentences, and paragraphs for readability. - **Focus**: Highlight the 3 most important points upfront. - **Edit ruthlessly**: Remove filler words and redundancies. - **Format strategically**: Use headings, white space, and bullet points to guide readers.

How does *Writing That Works* address email communication?

The book advises keeping emails concise with clear subject lines, single-topic focus, and actionable requests. It cautions against overusing email for complex discussions and emphasizes proofreading to maintain professionalism. Examples show how to structure emails for maximum impact.

What tips does the book offer for crafting presentations and reports?

For presentations, Roman stresses starting with a compelling hook, using storytelling techniques, and limiting slides to key visuals. Reports should open with executive summaries, use data visualization, and end with specific recommendations. Both formats require tailoring content to the audience’s knowledge level.

How can *Writing That Works* improve job application materials?

The book provides templates for resumes that highlight achievements over duties and cover letters that tell a career narrative. It advises using action verbs, quantifying results, and aligning materials with job descriptions. Interview follow-up emails are also covered.

Writing That Works Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Writing That Works

Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson

3.72 (1297 Reviews)

Business Communication skill Career

Überblick

Wichtige Erkenntnisse

Autor

Häufige Fragen

Transform your business writing with "Writing That Works" - the communication bible that David Ogilvy insisted everyone read three times. For 40+ years, this guide has helped executives craft messages that persuade, inspire action, and eliminate the fluff that kills careers.

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Kurzfassung8Min

Erlebe das Buch durch die Stimme des Autors

Vertiefung42Min

Verwandle Wissen in fesselnde, beispielreiche Erkenntnisse

Lernkarten10 Erkenntnisse

Erfasse Schlüsselideen blitzschnell für effektives Lernen

Spaß22Min

Genieße das Buch auf unterhaltsame und ansprechende Weise

Bestes Zitat aus Writing That Works

Once you've decided what to say, come right out and say it.

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Writing That Works ist nicht nur ein Buch — es ist eine Meisterklasse in Business. Um Ihnen zu helfen, die Lektionen auf die für Sie beste Weise aufzunehmen, bieten wir fünf einzigartige Lernmodi an. Ob Sie ein Tiefdenker, ein schneller Lerner oder ein Geschichtenliebhaber sind, es gibt einen Modus, der zu Ihrem Stil passt.

Kurzfassung

Zusammenfassung von Writing That Works in 8 Minuten

Zerlegen Sie die Kernideen von Writing That Works in leicht verständliche Punkte, um zu verstehen, wie innovative Teams kreieren, zusammenarbeiten und wachsen.

00:00

Lernkarten

Top 10 Erkenntnisse aus Writing That Works auf einen Blick

Destillieren Sie Writing That Works in schnelle Gedächtnisstützen, die die Schlüsselprinzipien von Offenheit, Teamarbeit und kreativer Resilienz hervorheben.

Spaß

Lektionen aus Writing That Works erzählt in 22-Min Geschichten

Erleben Sie Writing That Works durch lebhafte Erzählungen, die Innovationslektionen in unvergessliche und anwendbare Momente verwandeln.

00:00

Personalisieren

Erleben Sie Writing That Works auf Ihre Weise.

Fragen Sie alles, wählen Sie die Stimme und erschaffen Sie gemeinsam Erkenntnisse, die wirklich bei Ihnen ankommen.

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von über 200.000 wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von über 200.000 wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Starten Sie Ihre Lernreise, jetzt

Diese Zusammenfassung herunterladen

Erhalten Sie die Writing That Works-Zusammenfassung als kostenloses PDF oder EPUB. Drucken Sie es aus oder lesen Sie es jederzeit offline.

Writing That Works

Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson

3.72 (1297 Reviews)

Business Communication skill Career

Überblick

Wichtige Erkenntnisse

Autor

Häufige Fragen

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Kurzfassung8Min

Erlebe das Buch durch die Stimme des Autors

Vertiefung42Min

Verwandle Wissen in fesselnde, beispielreiche Erkenntnisse

Lernkarten10 Erkenntnisse

Erfasse Schlüsselideen blitzschnell für effektives Lernen

Spaß22Min

Genieße das Buch auf unterhaltsame und ansprechende Weise

Bestes Zitat aus Writing That Works

Once you've decided what to say, come right out and say it.

Mehr wie dieses

Works Well With Others

Ross McCammon

Words That Work

Frank Luntz

Business Writing Tips

Mastering Communication at Work

Ethan F. Becker and Jon Wortmann

3 sources

The Communication Revolution: Why Your Words Shape Your Career

Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult

3 sources

Scripts That Transform: Your Workplace Persuasion Playbook

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

The Art of Communication in a Cluttered World

00:00

In today's digital deluge, where the average office worker processes over 200 messages daily, clear communication isn't just helpful - it's a competitive advantage. Warren Buffett demonstrates this perfectly in his legendary Berkshire Hathaway annual reports. Rather than writing for Wall Street analysts, he writes with his sisters in mind, using clarity and simplicity to build one of history's most successful investment companies while maintaining unparalleled trust. This approach isn't just effective - it's transformative. When communication cuts through noise, it creates connection, drives action, and builds reputation. In business, your words often arrive before you do, making your writing not just a skill but a crucial extension of your professional identity. Have you ever noticed how the most profound ideas are often expressed with the simplest words? Shakespeare captured King Lear's devastating grief with just "Never, never, never, never!" This is the essence of powerful business writing - don't mumble. Clear thinking leads to clear writing, and clear writing gets results. Start with structure. For anything beyond a few paragraphs, tell readers where you're going. Use short paragraphs, sentences, and words. The Wall Street Journal's readability comes from crisp sentences and brief paragraphs - never more than three sentences in opening paragraphs, often just one. Choose active voice over passive: "We recommend" rather than "It is recommended." Be precise rather than vague: "Overspent by $10,000" tells more than "very overspent."

Navigating the Digital Communication Landscape

The Enduring Power of Traditional Communication

Persuasive Presentations: Words That Move Audiences

From Words to Action: Writing That Gets Results

The Art of Self-Editing: Your Competitive Edge

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Kurzfassung

Zusammenfassung von Writing That Works in 8 Minuten

Zerlegen Sie die Kernideen von Writing That Works in leicht verständliche Punkte, um zu verstehen, wie innovative Teams kreieren, zusammenarbeiten und wachsen.

00:00

Lernkarten

Top 10 Erkenntnisse aus Writing That Works auf einen Blick

Destillieren Sie Writing That Works in schnelle Gedächtnisstützen, die die Schlüsselprinzipien von Offenheit, Teamarbeit und kreativer Resilienz hervorheben.

Spaß

Lektionen aus Writing That Works erzählt in 22-Min Geschichten

Erleben Sie Writing That Works durch lebhafte Erzählungen, die Innovationslektionen in unvergessliche und anwendbare Momente verwandeln.

00:00

Personalisieren

Erleben Sie Writing That Works auf Ihre Weise.

Fragen Sie alles, wählen Sie die Stimme und erschaffen Sie gemeinsam Erkenntnisse, die wirklich bei Ihnen ankommen.

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von über 200.000 wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von über 200.000 wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Starten Sie Ihre Lernreise, jetzt

Diese Zusammenfassung herunterladen

Erhalten Sie die Writing That Works-Zusammenfassung als kostenloses PDF oder EPUB. Drucken Sie es aus oder lesen Sie es jederzeit offline.

Writing That Works by Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson Summary

Overview of Writing That Works

Similar books to Writing That Works

Bestes Zitat aus Writing That Works

Kurzfassungs-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von Writing That Works in 8 Minuten

Lernkarten-Modus - Top 10 Erkenntnisse aus Writing That Works auf einen Blick

Spaß-Modus - Lektionen aus Writing That Works erzählt in 22-Min Geschichten

Personalisieren-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von Writing That Works in 0 Minuten

Writing That Works PDF herunterladen

Writing That Works EPUB herunterladen

Writing That Works by Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson Summary

Overview of Writing That Works

Similar books to Writing That Works

Bestes Zitat aus Writing That Works

Mehr wie dieses

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

The Art of Communication in a Cluttered World

Navigating the Digital Communication Landscape

The Enduring Power of Traditional Communication

Persuasive Presentations: Words That Move Audiences

From Words to Action: Writing That Gets Results

The Art of Self-Editing: Your Competitive Edge

Kurzfassungs-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von Writing That Works in 8 Minuten

Lernkarten-Modus - Top 10 Erkenntnisse aus Writing That Works auf einen Blick

Spaß-Modus - Lektionen aus Writing That Works erzählt in 22-Min Geschichten

Personalisieren-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von Writing That Works in 0 Minuten

Writing That Works PDF herunterladen

Writing That Works EPUB herunterladen

Mehr wie dieses

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

The Art of Communication in a Cluttered World

Navigating the Digital Communication Landscape

The Enduring Power of Traditional Communication

Persuasive Presentations: Words That Move Audiences

From Words to Action: Writing That Gets Results

The Art of Self-Editing: Your Competitive Edge