Mike Johnson reports:

"A thesis statement is the opening and most crucial part of an [essay] or research paper. The point of a thesis statement is to let the readers know what the overall purpose of the paper or essay is and what your main arguments are. When you have three separate point[s] that back up your argument, you can include each of them in your thesis statement. This is known as a three-point thesis statement, and it's an effective way to summarize an argument...Determine the argument you will make in your essay or paper...Come up with three points that support your main argument. With a three-point thesis, you will need three supporting points. However, make sure you can back up those points with evidence...Remember, all of these points need to be backed up by factual evidence in your essay or paper...Start out your thesis statement by stating your main argument...Add the three points to your three[-]point thesis statement. A final three[-]point thesis might look like, 'TomTom offers GPS navigators that are better for consumers than Garmin GPS navigators because they tend to be less expensive, are more user[-]friendly, and offer more features than similar Garmin GPS navigators.'"

Amanda W., Ph.D. reports:

"While writing your manuscript, you will examine and analyze your results in depth, and it will become clear which findings you want to emphasize. This is why many experts suggest you write your abstract at the end, after the rest of the manuscript is written. The same is true for writing your highlights. It will be easiest to wait to write your Highlights section either just before or after you write your abstract, as you will know the major points that you can emphasize at that time...After you have written highlights based on your completed manuscript, you might realize that your manuscript doesn’t focus enough on the most exciting findings. This is a great opportunity to substantially edit your manuscript to shift its focus toward the most important or innovative findings. In the end, the highlights and the most emphasized points in the manuscript should match or overlap considerably...When facing strict word or character limits, it is essential to write concisely. Even if you are well within the journal’s limits, keeping the highlights brief will encourage potential readers to look at your work. Ways to reduce word or character count include replacing longer phrases with shorter ones, removing unnecessary words (especially at the beginning of a sentence), and using active voice...Even if you are writing the highlights for experts in your field, use the simplest, clearest words possible to describe your findings. It can be tempting to choose more interesting terms, but complex language may discourage readers from reading the rest of your article. If you choose to use any uncommon abbreviations in your highlights, be sure to define them at first use. Write with your reader in mind, and make it easy for them to learn what you have discovered...Many times, the highlights will appear at the beginning of the article or even in the Table of Contents...If there are errors in spelling, grammar, or logic, the reader may expect the rest of your paper to be poorly written. Consider having a colleague review the section to catch any errors you may have missed. If you have your manuscript professionally edited, be sure to write the highlights before you submit the manuscript for editing so they are included in the professional revision...If you feel stuck writing your highlights, hire a professional scientific or medical writer to write the highlights for you after reading through your manuscript. If your manuscript will be professionally edited, the editor may be able to write this section quickly and affordably because they will already be familiar with the manuscript."

MBO Partners reports:

"Professional writing skills are a valuable tool in any self-employed professional’s arsenal. Effective written communication – particularly when it comes to client reports – proves essential to managing relationships and keeping projects on track. Reports can help you and your client to measure progress, identify any barriers or issues, and ensure that you are working toward the same goals. Your written client report could be an informal checklist of items accomplished and upcoming tasks or milestones, or it could be a more formal document that includes detailed information...Establish report timing and content at the start of your client engagement. Every engagement will be different. For long-term projects, your client may prefer a monthly phone call, weekly email summaries, and a quarterly report. Some clients may want a short weekly report and a more comprehensive monthly report. Establish up front the frequency, method, and detail of communications...Even with up[-]front agreement, some clients, particularly senior level managers, may not have time to read the entire report. Use an 'executive summary' format that can easily stand alone to communicate the significant parts of the report, including hard facts and figures...Make your report easy to read by including carefully selected headings and bullet points. This enables your client to find information quickly. If relevant, include visual information such as graphs or pie charts to reinforce your main message and break up text...Your report should only be as long as it needs to be. Do not add unnecessary length to a report just to make it appear more important. Use clear language and avoid the use of clichéd business language. Keep your report focused on the information that the client wants and needs...The ability to write a well-written report is not only a critical business tool, [but] it [also] reinforces your brand by demonstrating your expertise and knowledge. Take time to make sure that your information is accurate. Do not rely on spell[-]check alone to catch typographical errors. You may even want to print and read your document...Your report should align with your client's culture but also reflect the personality of your brand. Report writing does not have to be devoid of personality to be professional. Your brand should have a consistent voice and tone that matches both your personal brand and the unique needs of your client...Write your report for your audience. What information do they want to read? What questions will they want answered? Consider the best way to deliver the information...Use the method and medium that will work best for your intended audience."

Kristie Lorette reports:

"Applying for a small business grant is a competitive process. The grant money is supplied for specific types of businesses, and those responsible for dispensing the money must review what usually amounts to a litany of applications to select the business or businesses that will receive the money. The most important way to raise the chances of success in applying for a grant is to write a successful proposal. The proposal should detail the business’ mission and activities, future goals, reasons for requesting the grant money and plans for using the grant money...Review your business plan, and make a list of all information about your business’ mission and goals. The proposal committee wants information not only about the type of business you operate but also about your objectives for that business. Take the time to write out this information for yourself in advance...Research the grant program, its objectives and those who run it. In other words, complete some background work to see how you can tailor the proposal to meet the requirements of the grant program. Understanding where the proposal committee is coming from will help you in drafting an effective proposal...Make a list of all criteria for grant approval. The call for proposals should contain a clear statement of the evaluation criteria and how the grant committee will consider each proposal. Review these carefully before even drafting, and list them out to compare to your proposal...Explain your business and its objectives clearly and effectively. Focus on action words to describe business activities, and look for opportunities to indicate what sets your business apart from others...Discuss your target market and how you are reaching that market. Grant money should not remain stagnant, so the proposal committee needs to see how you will put the money to good use in expanding your business...Present your proposed budget for the grant money. Be as specific as possible, explaining how the money will be used and why. Offer charts and graphs to show allocation and expected growth...Provide clear headings and sub-heading for the reviewers to follow. Maintain consistency in font size and style throughout the document to ensure readability. The grant proposal should contain all of the required information and be easy to follow from start to finish...If you have any trouble understanding the stated criteria or other jargon from the call for proposals, be sure to call or email the contact person...Some grant proposals require a specific template, or a template is available to use. Where possible, use a template, as this provides consistency for the proposal committee...Review sample grant proposals online to see how other proposals are constructed."

Richard Ristow reports:

"The best point/counterpoint essays use concrete examples to back up abstract claims, and they follow the traditional essay structure of using an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. A strong, effective thesis statement is included in the introductory paragraph or paragraphs to help organize and focus the rest of the essay. Carefully read the assignment and grading criteria provided by your instructor...Conduct research with an eye toward not only bolstering your argument, but also toward finding real-life examples to use in your essay. Start writing once you have a solid grasp of the issue you're being asked to write about. Use an introductory strategy or 'hook' to engage the reader. Argumentative essays work best when you get to the point quickly. An effective introduction should have three key parts: setting the context, establishing why the main idea is important, and stating a well-argued thesis. Write the rest of your introductory paragraphs, building on the 'hook.' Also, you should...be building toward a thesis statement by providing context. Write your thesis statement. A thesis statement is the length of a sentence and it must be an opinion. It should also sum up the entirety of the argument you are about to make in your essay. Write your body paragraphs with an eye for detail. Simply saying, 'It is wrong' will not convince a reader as much as well[-]thought-out descriptive examples will. Use all the facts you've gathered in your research. Limit yourself to one major point/counterpoint per paragraph. Cite a claim, and then move on to the evidence supporting your position on that claim. Cramming more than one major idea into a paragraph will make the essay look unfocused, unstructured[,] and unorganized. Write your concluding paragraphs. Conclusions should be what the word suggests, 'conclusive.' More importantly, the end of your essay needs to provide a sense of closure. You should be able to reinforce and reiterate your thesis here. If you bring up any new issues in a conclusion, the essay will read like it is incomplete."

Markus Stadelmann-Elder reports:

"You’re about to make a big announcement. It’s something important and practical that will benefit many, and something that your organization has put a lot of time and effort into. It’s big news. You’ve planned a press conference to let everyone know about it – but how do you get reporters to show up? A well-prepared media alert can help you get the attention of the right people at the right time...You should spend as much time writing the headline as you spend writing the rest of the advisory (some may leave this to last). A strong headline will make it less likely for your alert to get lost (or ignored) in a journalist’s email box. Your headline should be catchy, but not so cute that it loses its meaning. It should tell the journalist what the alert is about...In one or two sentences, describe what’s happening and why the journalist should care. You may want to add a bit more information to convince the journalist to attend the event, call you for more information or set up an interview...[F]ocus on the Five Ws [as the important details you provide] (who, what, where, when and why)...Finally, add more information about the organization and how you can be contacted. If you’d like to see another example of a media alert, have a look at this one for an in-person event celebrating the winners of the 2013 Diversity in Governance Awards. Now that you’ve written the alert, you need to send it to the right people."

Faizah Imani reports:

"When trying to persuade company management to implement changes in policy and procedures, a justification report is highly recommended. The whole point of this report is to justify your stance on a particular situation or issue. Present the problem as well as the resolution. The key to writing an effective justification report is to be as thorough as possible. Leave no stone unturned...Write the justification report in business memorandum format. This format includes a 'To,' 'From,' 'Date,' and 'Subject' field in the upper left hand corner of the page...Document in the 'To' field the name of the person or group you are sending the report to. If using a person's name, use his first and last name. A sample group name is 'XYZ Company Management.' In the 'From' field, include your first and last name. Specify the date, including the year, in the 'Date' field. In the 'Subject' field, specify the subject you are discussing in your report. For instance, 'Transforming Into A Green Business.'...Describe in the first paragraph the issue you are attempting to justify and your reasons for doing so...Mention any data pertinent to the issue...For example, if you want the company to adopt more eco-friendly policies, cite data on how installing solar panels at the workplace might help reduce energy costs over the long term. Also provide information on government-sponsored incentive programs for companies that go green. Be sure to document the sources of your data...Sell your idea in the conclusion. Summarize how your idea, if implemented, will affect positive change. Add charts to give the reader a visual of how your recommendations will positively impact the company...Include a short statement indicating that you look forward to the response of everyone reading your report and that you are willing to meet at their convenience to discuss the matter further...Insert a professional salutation to close your letter. As an example, end your letter with 'Sincerely,' followed by your name and signature."

Spencer Powers reports:

"Use pictures.  Most people with dyslexia minds are highly visual.  Pictures will help us describe something in words and add details...Expect inconsistency.  Probably the most frustrating thing about being dyslexic is that one day you feel like you’re making good progress and keeping up with the rest of the class, but the next day, nothing makes sense and you are baffled by stuff that you understood yesterday...Be flexible about topics.  My favorite way to learn is to research and write about a topic that fascinates me, but writing about a topic of no interest to me is pure drudgery.  Please give me as much freedom as possible to choose my own topic...Don’t let the aide hover over me.  One of the things I hated most about school was when an aide told me what to do every step of the way.  I’d rather do it my way and be wrong than just do exactly what somebody else says, especially with my writing.  One aide told me that I had to use sentence starters, which I know are helpful to a lot of students, but always made me feel like I was taking an easy way out, almost cheating even...Give me specific feedback.  My favorite teacher used to make [check marks] in light pencil beside sentences that I needed to revise and then talk to me about how to do so...[as well as] make stars in places where I needed to add more information...Let me use audiobooks and videos when doing research...I’ll get more writing done if you let me gather information from audiobooks and videos as well as printed sources...Use consistent vocabulary...Always, always, always allow me to use the keyboard.  SpellCheck is really, really important to me...Don’t just correct my punctuation but review the rules of punctuation with me...Please don’t confuse inattention with lack of interest...[A] dyslexic brain makes 5X more neural connections than a [non-dyslexic] brain when engaged in language-based tasks.  This is a fact that’s been proven over and over again by scientific research.  So, of course, those hard-working brains get tired 5X faster and need to take breaks 5X as often."

Kivi Leroux Miller reports:

"Whether it’s a board meeting, a seminar, or a conference, the events your organization hosts or attends can provide great fodder for newsletter articles — if you highlight the most important points...[P]ick just a few highlights from the event. Think of the event as a whole and pick the best resources or information from the day. What three things did you learn? What three points surprised you? What would someone who attended the event go back and tell her co-workers around the water cooler? What points would she highlight to the boss, to emphasize that the registration fee was money well spent? If you feel strongly that you need to mention every speaker, pick the single most important or memorable point from each presentation and focus only on that point. Leave all the boring, mundane[,] and pro forma details out of your article. Welcoming addresses are typically devoid of real substance and don’t need to be mentioned (unless they were given by a very big name). We also don’t need to know what was served for lunch. It’s not unusual for at least one speaker to bomb, and if you were bored in person, imagine how bored your newsletter readers will be if you try to summarize that person’s entire presentation. Also think about different article formats that you could use to summarize the event, rather than straight reporting. Try 'Top Ten Insights from the Workshop' or 'How To (Insert Task): Lessons Learned at the Workshop.' You can wrap up the article by mentioning speakers you didn’t highlight and suggesting ways that newsletter readers can get more information on the topic."

PromoSimple reports:

"Your giveaway headline is the first thing that will catch a potential entrant’s eye—and if they like what they see, they’ll continue reading and enter. But how can you make sure your headline and description copy catches their attention?...When people come across your giveaway, you want to catch their attention and entice them to enter, right? Your giveaway headline is right at the top of your form and likely to be the very first thing a potential entrant sees. That means that your giveaway headline’s job is to hook the reader: [G]rab them and then reel them in. To [do] that, you have to make it very compelling...[G]et very specific about what your entrant will win. Remember, the most compelling thing people can read is what they’ll get out of something. And what they’ll get out of entering your giveaway is a chance to win! Make your giveaway headline about your prize, and make it as specific and clear as possible. If people don’t completely understand what they might win, they won’t enter. Also, be sure to put some thought into it and write a great headline before you publish your campaign. If you change the headline later, it will only confuse people...Often, your headline won’t be enough space to convey just how amazing your prize is. The giveaway description area is the place to go into detail! If the headline told them that they could win a men’s Timex watch, your giveaway description is where you can describe what makes it special. Is the face a titanium alloy? Is the band calf leather? Let people know! Remember, too, to give people context when necessary. People following you on social media might know that you’re in Phoenix and your giveaway gift card is for a Phoenix store, but people who find you via your website might not. And if people find your giveaway via our Giveaway Directory, they might not know anything about you at all! Don’t forget to give strangers the context they need to want to enter...The most successful giveaways always have images; don’t neglect yours. If you have an image you’ve taken of the prize yourself, great. If not, you can likely use a professional picture of the prize, as long as you give photo credit—and that’s as easy as writing 'Photo by [where you found it]' at the bottom of your prize description. Your enticing copy and a great picture work together to make your giveaway irresistible. Put some thought into all of these elements and people will clamber to enter."