Discuss six methods a writer can use to create a conversational tone in a business message

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

Answer: A writer needs to understand the difference between texting and writing. The casual, acronym-filled language friends often use in text messaging, IM, and social networks is not considered professional business writing. Second, the writer should avoid dated and pompous language. Avoid using obscure words, stale or clichéd expressions, and complicated sentences whose only intent is to impress others. The writer should avoid preaching and bragging. If the obvious needs to be pointed out, it should be placed in the middle of the paragraph. Intimacy should be used carefully. Business messages should generally avoid intimacy, such as sharing personal details or adopting a casual, unprofessional tone. However, when you have a close relationship with audience members, such as among the members of a close-knit team, a more intimate tone is sometimes appropriate and even expected. Fifth, be careful with humor. Humor can easily backfire and divert attention from your message. Avoid humor in formal messages and when you're communicating across cultural boundaries. Lastly, use plain language. An important aspect of creating a conversational tone is using plain language (or plain English specifically when English is involved). Plain language presents information in a simple, unadorned style that allows your audience to easily grasp your meaning—language that recipients "can read, understand and act upon the first time they read it".