In business writing, verbs are more crucial than you might imagine. Choosing the right one can save decision-makers plenty of time, as they clarify your meaning in a more succinct way. It is also especially useful as a tool of persuasion.
For a quick example, look at these two statements.
Statement 1: I was the supervisor of a 12-man division.
Statement 2: I supervised a 12-man division.
Both statements say the same thing. However, the second was considerably shorter (five words versus eight words), apart from being more forceful, overall. If you were an HR personnel scanning resumes with those two sentences written on separate documents, which one would have been more memorable? I’m willing to bet it’s the resume containing the active verb “supervised” instead of “was.”
When you’re writing business-related documents, especially ones that will be evaluated for merit, always make a point of using the most powerful verbs you can manage. Use a writing software to assist you, if need be. Just make sure you get this part done.
If you have a reorganization proposal you’re trying to get passed, don’t say things like “this new plan will see productivity increase by 10%.” Instead, state it powerfully, noting that the company can “accelerate productivity by 10% with this plan.” Did you catch the difference in those two statements? Once makes you “see”; the other “accelerates.” Which do you think will create a more solid image in your readers’ minds?
