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BUSINESS WRITING

When the technological “revolution” first began, a series of fears developed along with the new automation. First it was feared that increased computerization would put vast numbers of people out of work. Later it was feared that all but the elite would be turned into mindless, button-pushing drones. Hand-held calculators would eliminate our need for basic math skills. Word processors would eliminate our need to spell. Computers would eliminate our need to think.

It is now apparent, however, that the more computerized our society becomes, the more desperate grows the need for skilled employees. Although advances in technolo9gy have made possible the elimination of many unskilled job, they have also led to the creation of new, skilled jobs. For example, as technology has increased competition along with consumer demand, businesses have had to focus attention and effort on customer service. Customer service, in turn, requires and employee equipped, not only with critical thinking skills and social graces, but also with the ability to communicate. And communications skills mean, in an era of fax machines and computer interfacing, the ability to compose messages with words, that is, to write.

Thus, the ability to convey information and ideas in clear, comprehensible language is currently in high demand. But this demand also happens to coincide with what has been termed “a crisis in American education.” It is widely feared (and may be generally true) that many U.S. schools and even universities are turning out graduates inadequately equipped to function in today’s market, to meet the needs of today’s employers. The result is that the individual who is skilled, who can communicate clearly and effectively in writing, possesses a rare and valuable commodity.