Certified Travel Associate Practice

Which principle of business writing emphasizes writing the message in as few words as possible?

1. Conciseness

2. Copy

3. Correctness

4. Courtesy

The correct answer is: Conciseness

The principle of business writing that emphasizes expressing ideas in as few words as possible is conciseness. This approach is crucial in professional communication as it allows the writer to convey their message clearly and efficiently, ensuring that the reader can quickly understand the key points without sifting through unnecessary information. Conciseness helps maintain the reader's attention and enhances the overall effectiveness of the communication. It is especially valuable in today's fast-paced business environment, where individuals often receive a high volume of messages and require clarity and brevity. In contrast, the other principles focus on different aspects of effective communication. While 'copy' refers to the content and style of writing, 'correctness' ensures that the information presented is accurate and free from errors. 'Courtesy' emphasizes maintaining a polite and respectful tone in correspondence. Each principle is important, but conciseness specifically addresses the need for brevity in business writing.