Business Writing and Communication Skills

You have probably been there – crafting an email, only to hesitate before you hit “send.” You worry: Will it sound professional? Clear enough? Most importantly, will the recipient understand it?

In Lagos, where business moves fast and decisions are made on the go, effective writing isn’t a “nice-to-have” – it’s a necessity. Flawed communication can cost you projects, partnerships – and even your reputation. In fact, 82% of employers say strong communication skills are essential for career success.

Nigeria-based communication specialist Ubong Essien, CSP, sums it up perfectly:

“Clarity and professionalism in writing open doors – especially in global negotiations and local boardrooms.”

This article dives into why strong business writing matters –  and how you can develop communication skills that elevate your career!

1. Why Good Business Writing Matters – Beyond Grammar

Business writing isn’t just about avoiding typos or using fancy words. It’s about:

• Clarity and Purpose: Deliver your message with precision. Avoid verbosity  – get to the point.
• Efficiency: Colleagues don’t have time to decode long emails. Clear writing reduces follow-up questions.
• Trust and Credibility: A polished memo, proposal, or report reflects competence and attention to detail.
• Engagement: Well-written internal communiques increase staff engagement by 20–30% – even a simple “Thank you” makes a difference.

2. Core Rules: The 7 Cs of Business Writing

Business writing experts emphasize a set of guiding principles – often called the 7 Cs:

1. Clear – Avoid jargon. Keep language simple, like in Nigerian examples where bureaucracy muddles meaning.
2. Concise – Shorter is smarter. Research shows trimming 10 – 30% of words improves engagement .
3. Correct – Grammar, spelling, punctuation: they matter. Online courses like Impact Consulting’s guide professionals in Nigeria.
4. Coherent – Use logical flow: intro, body, conclusion.
5. Complete – Always include the next steps for the reader.
6. Courteous – Respect tone, especially in sensitive messages.
7. Credible – Support claims with facts or references.

3. Key Formats: Writing That Wins

Different business scenarios demand different formats:

• Emails: Use subject lines that mirror content, keep the body concise, and end with clear calls to action.
• Memos: Short internal updates deserve bullet points and a clear summary.
• Reports: Structure matters – headings, data tables, and executive summary stand out.
• Proposals: Make them persuasive – focus on benefits and next steps.
• Press releases & formal letters: Maintain professionalism and approved format.

4. Email Best Practices: Tone, Timing, and Etiquette

From Global to Nigerian offices, these tips matter:

• Take a pause before hitting send: Ensure tone isn’t off.
• Use professional greetings: “Dear Dr. Adeyemi” is better than “Hi Ade”.
• Think before CC’ing: Only include those who need to know.
• Sign off suitably: “Best regards” or “Warm regards” – avoid casual closings.
• Proofread before sending: Small errors can damage credibility.

5. Mastering Tone: Formal vs Informal

Strike a balance:

• To external clients or senior leaders: Use a formal tone – structured, respectful.
• With your team: a Friendly and conversational tone works well.
• On social media: Maintain brand voice and be positive but not overly.

6. Avoiding Common Nigerian Pitfalls

In Nigeria, business scribes often fall into traps:

• Corporate speak: Terms like “synergy” or “leveraging” create confusion
• Title dumping: Overloading names with titles seems pompous and distracts from the message.
• Bombastic phrasing: Long-winded sentences bury the real message.

The solution? Choose plain language, trimming the fluff and celebrating simplicity.

7. The Power of Active Voice & Structure

Active voice (“We completed the report”) is clear and compelling. Use headings, bullets, short paragraphs – and charts, if needed.

8. Collaborative Writing for Nigerian Teams

Tools like Google Docs or Teams allow teams across Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Abuja, or across borders to co-edit, gather feedback, and improve quality.

9. Ethical and Global Awareness

Good writers respect global cultures. Use inclusive language, respect privacy, and be careful with local references. Ethical, clear communication enhances brand reputation.

10. Upskilling: Learning from Nigeria’s Best

• Attend workshops by Eugene + George Consulting Limited, Impact Consulting Nigeria on clear and concise writing.
• Learn from Ubong Essien, CSP, who coaches professionals in persuasive and powerful communication.
• Read business leaders’ writing – like Blog.job247sure.com, Sterling Bank bulletins, to pick up tone, structure, and clarity.

11. Measuring Success: How Good Writing Pays Off

Track improvements with these indicators:

• Employee Feedback: Fewer complaints about unclear emails or memos.
• Reader Engagement: Higher open rates in newsletters/email blasts.
• Business Impact: Clear proposals win more clients and drive conversions.

Conclusion

Business writing is not just a checklist –  it is a skill that helps you influence, inspire, and lead. In Nigerian boardrooms and global exchanges alike, your words shape how people perceive you – and what they do next.

A well-written report gives your ideas weight. A crisp email gets faster responses. A persuasive proposal opens doors.

As Ubong Essien reminds us:

“Your writing is your ambassador – it speaks for you, even when you’re not in the room.”

So here is your challenge: be clear, be concise, be credible. Choose active voice. Respect tone. Cut jargon. Proofread. Collaborate. And measure the change.

Because when your writing works for you, every message becomes a step toward success.

Contributed by Agolo Eugene Uzorka, a Human Resource Consultant and Content Writer.