A business requires strong communication skills to not only build a rapport with its customers but create a cohesive team internally. This doesn't just apply to verbal communication, however - business writing is just as vital.

As an EA, knowing how to express yourself well through written communication is a tool that benefits you, and your Executive, in many ways. Here's how. 

Excellent written communication

Possibly the most obvious benefit that comes with having strong business writing skills is you can communicate effectively via the written word. Conveying your message accurately through emails or documents isn't a simple thing to do, as it's easy to misread what someone is trying to say. 

As an excellent business writer, you'll know how to:

• Write clearly, using concise language. 
• Communicate the complete message, correctly. 
• Ensure your writing is error free. 
• Simplify your language so it's easily readable. 

Given how extensive written communication is within an EA's role, ensuring there's no confusion around what you're trying to say is vital. With practise and the right training, you'll find conveying a message clearly and accurately will become much easier, saving you time and energy. 

Professionalism

You represent your Executive. Every email or document you prepare and send out doesn't just reflect on you - it influences how people view your boss as well. Excellent business writing helps you retain a strong level of professionalism throughout your communication makes both of you look good.

It shows a high level of care and consideration that conveys respect for the people who are reading your communications. Additionally, excellent business writing shows the manner in which you like to conduct yourself, and invites the same level of professionalism in response. 

Build respect amongst your peers by demonstrating excellent written communication skills.

Credibility

Consider stumbling upon a poorly written article online. The information contained within it seems interesting, but the sentences ramble, there are obvious errors and the formatting is terrible. Would you take it seriously? 

Generally, people make snap judgements around writing based on how well it is presented. In the above example, the article may contain a wealth of great information, but due to the poor writing it's unlikely anyone will trust the author. That's if they even commit to reading the article. 

Excellent business writing gives you credibility in the eye of the reader. Not only do you clearly know how to communicate well, it shows you've dedicated time and effort to what you've written. As an EA, this can help you build respect with your peers. 

Influence

Strong business writing skills don't just allow you to communicate a concept well - they also help you become more persuasive. If you have a great idea you want to put into action, you generally need to get others on board. With training in business writing, you'll understand how you can craft your message so it has the strongest impact on the readers. It will help you highlight what's important, draw attention to the benefits involved and assist in influencing readers towards your point of view. 

Manages relationships

EAs communicate with a variety of people, internally and externally, at every level of an organisation. Managing and maintaining these relationships is important. Excellent business writing skills help you do just this - it shows courtesy and respect for the reader.

Informal or poor written communication can come across rude or lazy, especially if you're trying to manage a difficult situation with someone. This can cause the issue to escalate unnecessarily. With strong business writing skills, you can clearly communicate your meaning while avoiding language that might inflame the situation further. 

If you'd like to improve the core skills you need as an EA, take a look at the training offered by the Executive Assistant Network that's specifically designed to help you shine in your role.