Introduction
Using active voice while writing business messages can have a significant impact on the effectiveness and clarity of the communication. Active voice places the subject of the sentence as the doer of the action, making the message more direct and engaging. In this article, we will explore the effects of using active voice in business writing and how it can improve communication.
Improved Clarity and Directness
Active voice: The use of active voice in business messages enhances clarity and directness. When the subject of the sentence performs the action, it becomes clear who is responsible for the task or decision. This eliminates ambiguity and ensures that the message is easily understood by the recipient.
Passive voice: On the other hand, passive voice can create confusion and make the message less impactful. Passive voice often obscures the doer of the action, which can lead to misunderstandings or delays in decision-making. It can also make the message sound impersonal or bureaucratic.
Engaging and Persuasive Communication
Active voice: Active voice is more engaging and persuasive in business writing. By clearly stating who is responsible for the action, active voice adds a sense of accountability and ownership to the message. This can help build trust and credibility with the recipient, making them more likely to respond positively to the communication.
Passive voice: Passive voice, on the other hand, can make the message sound distant and detached. It may give the impression that the responsibility lies with someone else or that the action is not important. This can undermine the persuasiveness of the message and reduce its impact.
Concise and Efficient Communication
Active voice: Active voice promotes concise and efficient communication in business writing. It allows for shorter and more direct sentences, conveying the message in a clear and straightforward manner. This is particularly important in business settings where time is often limited, and concise communication is valued.
Passive voice: Passive voice tends to result in longer and more convoluted sentences. It often requires additional words or phrases to indicate the doer of the action, which can make the message unnecessarily complex. This can lead to confusion or misinterpretation of the intended meaning.
Conclusion
Using active voice in business writing has several positive effects on the clarity, engagement, persuasiveness, and efficiency of the communication. It enhances clarity by clearly indicating the doer of the action, makes the message more engaging and persuasive, and promotes concise and efficient communication. By utilizing active voice, business messages can effectively convey information, build trust, and achieve desired outcomes.
References
– Harvard Business Review: hbr.org
– The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: writingcenter.unc.edu
