Written communication is often best applied to messages which are more complex or lengthy, require significant decoding and interpretation, or require a particular form of response. Written communications are their own record of the content of the message which is required in many cases of legal and regulatory compliance.
Written communication can include:
• letters, emails and notifications
• books, magazines and newspapers
• the internet
• social media
• reports
• survey/questionnaires
• training documents
• standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• contracts and customer specifications
Written communications may take a formal structured format, such as letters and reports, or may be informal such as social media messages. Written communications do not always provide opportunity for quick feedback and as such need to be carefully constructed to ensure the correct message reaches the correct audience.