{"id":1090,"date":"2024-01-27T01:05:57","date_gmt":"2024-01-27T01:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=1090"},"modified":"2024-07-26T00:25:34","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T00:25:34","slug":"background-youll-need-2","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/chapter\/background-youll-need-2\/","title":{"raw":"Module 2: Background You'll Need","rendered":"Module 2: Background You&#8217;ll Need"},"content":{"raw":"<section class=\"textbox learningGoals\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Recognize the differences between casual and formal writing styles<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<h2>Formal vs. Informal Writing Styles<\/h2>\r\n<p>Differentiating between formal and informal writing styles is important to adapting your communication to a variety of situations. Both styles have their place and purpose, influencing how messages are interpreted by various audiences.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Formal Writing<\/h3>\r\n<p>Formal writing is characterized by its structured approach, strict adherence to grammar rules, use of sophisticated vocabulary, and avoidance of contractions and colloquialisms. It often employs [pb_glossary id=\"3128\"]passive voice[\/pb_glossary] and an impersonal tone. A formal writing style is typically found in business reports, academic papers, professional emails, and communications with senior management or unfamiliar recipients.<\/p>\r\n<section class=\"textbox example\">\r\n<p>In formal business emails, like a follow-up after meeting a potential partner, the language is precise and deferential, using phrases such as \"I would like to thank you\" and \"As discussed in our meeting.\"<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<h3>Informal Writing<\/h3>\r\n<p>Informal writing is casual and conversational. It mirrors spoken language, using contractions, slang, and personal anecdotes. This style allows for more emotional expression and may not follow all grammatical rules or correct spelling. An informal writing style is common in internal communications, social media posts, and more casual interactions with friends, family, and close business colleagues.<\/p>\r\n<section class=\"textbox example\">\r\n<p>A CEO\u2019s blog post discussing personal experiences and lessons learned in a relatable, conversational tone is an example of the use of informal writing in a work-related context.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<h2>Key Differences<\/h2>\r\n<table>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Attributes<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Formal<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Informal<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Tone and Language<\/th>\r\n<td>Detached, uses complex sentence structures, and avoids personal pronouns and direct address.<\/td>\r\n<td>Direct, uses simple language, and may include direct address and emotional expressions.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Purpose and Audience<\/th>\r\n<td>Serves to inform or persuade in professional or academic contexts.<\/td>\r\n<td>Aims to connect on a personal level, often used among colleagues or in less formal contexts.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Structure and Format<\/th>\r\n<td>Adheres to traditional structures with clear organization.<\/td>\r\n<td>More flexible, often mimicking natural speech patterns.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<section class=\"textbox watchIt\">\r\n<p>[videopicker divId=\"tnh-video-picker\" title=\"Formal vs. Informal Writing Tips\" label=\"Select Video\"]<\/p>\r\n<p>[videooption displayName=\"How to Make Your Writing Sound Smarter\" value=\"https:\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/show?mf=12265058&amp;p3sdk_version=1.10.1&amp;p=20361&amp;pt=375&amp;video_id=xUii8vHE3oM&amp;video_target=tpm-plugin-dwys6n4s-xUii8vHE3oM\"] [videooption displayName=\"Writing Emails In English - Formal, Semi-Formal or Informal?\" value=\"\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/show?mf=12265059&amp;p3sdk_version=1.10.1&amp;p=20361&amp;pt=375&amp;video_id=xKuWPbJvD-Q&amp;video_target=tpm-plugin-gsezub6y-xKuWPbJvD-Q\"] [videooption displayName=\"30 Phrases for the Perfect Business Email\" value=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Sw61Uu8ftII?si=lFyp4bXmvKPkfyam\"]<\/p>\r\n<p>[\/videopicker]<\/p>\r\n<p>You can view the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/BCommMgrs\/Transcripts\/HowtoMakeYourWritingSoundSmarter(Informalvs.FormalTone)_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \"How to Make Your Writing Sound Smarter (Informal vs. Formal Tone)\" here (opens in new window).<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>You can view the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/BCommMgrs\/Transcripts\/WritingEmailsInEnglish-Formal%2CSemi-FormalorInformal_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \"Writing Emails In English - Formal, Semi-Formal or Informal?\" here (opens in new window).<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>You can view the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/BCommMgrs\/Transcripts\/30PhrasesforthePerfectBusinessEmail_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \"30 Phrases for the Perfect Business Email\" here (opens in new window).<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","rendered":"<section class=\"textbox learningGoals\">\n<ul>\n<li>Recognize the differences between casual and formal writing styles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<h2>Formal vs. Informal Writing Styles<\/h2>\n<p>Differentiating between formal and informal writing styles is important to adapting your communication to a variety of situations. Both styles have their place and purpose, influencing how messages are interpreted by various audiences.<\/p>\n<h3>Formal Writing<\/h3>\n<p>Formal writing is characterized by its structured approach, strict adherence to grammar rules, use of sophisticated vocabulary, and avoidance of contractions and colloquialisms. It often employs <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_1090_3128\">passive voice<\/a> and an impersonal tone. A formal writing style is typically found in business reports, academic papers, professional emails, and communications with senior management or unfamiliar recipients.<\/p>\n<section class=\"textbox example\">\n<p>In formal business emails, like a follow-up after meeting a potential partner, the language is precise and deferential, using phrases such as &#8220;I would like to thank you&#8221; and &#8220;As discussed in our meeting.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h3>Informal Writing<\/h3>\n<p>Informal writing is casual and conversational. It mirrors spoken language, using contractions, slang, and personal anecdotes. This style allows for more emotional expression and may not follow all grammatical rules or correct spelling. An informal writing style is common in internal communications, social media posts, and more casual interactions with friends, family, and close business colleagues.<\/p>\n<section class=\"textbox example\">\n<p>A CEO\u2019s blog post discussing personal experiences and lessons learned in a relatable, conversational tone is an example of the use of informal writing in a work-related context.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2>Key Differences<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"col\">Attributes<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">Formal<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">Informal<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\">Tone and Language<\/th>\n<td>Detached, uses complex sentence structures, and avoids personal pronouns and direct address.<\/td>\n<td>Direct, uses simple language, and may include direct address and emotional expressions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\">Purpose and Audience<\/th>\n<td>Serves to inform or persuade in professional or academic contexts.<\/td>\n<td>Aims to connect on a personal level, often used among colleagues or in less formal contexts.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\">Structure and Format<\/th>\n<td>Adheres to traditional structures with clear organization.<\/td>\n<td>More flexible, often mimicking natural speech patterns.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<section class=\"textbox watchIt\">\n<div id=\"tnh-video-picker\" class=\"videoPicker\">\n<h3>Formal vs. Informal Writing Tips<\/h3>\n<form><label>Select Video:<\/label><select name=\"video\"><option value=\"https:\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/show?mf=12265058&amp;p3sdk_version=1.10.1&amp;p=20361&amp;pt=375&amp;video_id=xUii8vHE3oM&amp;video_target=tpm-plugin-dwys6n4s-xUii8vHE3oM\">How to Make Your Writing Sound Smarter<\/option><option value=\"\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/show?mf=12265059&amp;p3sdk_version=1.10.1&amp;p=20361&amp;pt=375&amp;video_id=xKuWPbJvD-Q&amp;video_target=tpm-plugin-gsezub6y-xKuWPbJvD-Q\">Writing Emails In English &#8211; Formal, Semi-Formal or Informal?<\/option><option value=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Sw61Uu8ftII\">30 Phrases for the Perfect Business Email<\/option><\/select><\/form>\n<div class=\"videoContainer threePlay\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/show?mf=12265058&amp;p3sdk_version=1.10.1&amp;p=20361&amp;pt=375&amp;video_id=xUii8vHE3oM&amp;video_target=tpm-plugin-dwys6n4s-xUii8vHE3oM\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p>You can view the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/BCommMgrs\/Transcripts\/HowtoMakeYourWritingSoundSmarter(Informalvs.FormalTone)_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for &#8220;How to Make Your Writing Sound Smarter (Informal vs. Formal Tone)&#8221; here (opens in new window).<\/a><\/p>\n<p>You can view the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/BCommMgrs\/Transcripts\/WritingEmailsInEnglish-Formal%2CSemi-FormalorInformal_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for &#8220;Writing Emails In English &#8211; Formal, Semi-Formal or Informal?&#8221; here (opens in new window).<\/a><\/p>\n<p>You can view the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/BCommMgrs\/Transcripts\/30PhrasesforthePerfectBusinessEmail_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for &#8220;30 Phrases for the Perfect Business Email&#8221; here (opens in new window).<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"glossary\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\" id=\"definition\">definition<\/span><template id=\"term_1090_3128\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_1090_3128\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>A sentence written in the form of \u201cB is done by A.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><\/div>","protected":false},"author":23,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"pd\",\"description\":\"Adapted from material created using ChatGPT\",\"author\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"organization\":\"OpenAI\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"pd\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"copyrighted_video\",\"description\":\"How to Make Your Writing Sound Smarter (Informal vs. Formal Tone)\",\"author\":\"Mister Messinger\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/xUii8vHE3oM\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"other\",\"license_terms\":\"Standard YouTube License\"},{\"type\":\"copyrighted_video\",\"description\":\"Writing Emails In English - 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