Once you have collected data for a message, you’ll need to find a way to organize it. Well-organized messages group similar ideas together, allowing readers to see relationships and follow arguments. You can use two primary techniques for organizing your information: a scratch list and an outline. Answer the question based on the following scratch list.
1. The Boston Hotel
2. High-end linens
3. 600-thread-count sheets
4. Coffeemaker and selected teas
5. Imported beer
6. Fresh-squeezed juices
7. Affordability
8. Food and drink
9. Double-thick bath towels
10. Silk pillowcases
11. Raw silk curtains with gold embellishments
12. $100/night four-star rooms
13. Free snacks, shampoo, and conditioner
14. Free wireless Internet
Which group includes specific supporting detail that could be added to the previous scratch list?
a. High-end linens; free wireless Internet; free snacks, shampoo, and conditioner
b. Safety, comfort, half-price Tuesday
c. Sparkling water, evening wine tasting, four-star hotel restaurant
d. Business messages typically follow either a direct strategy or an indirect strategy. The direct strategy, or frontloading, places the main idea at the beginning of a message.
e. Using a direct opening strategy .
f. An indirect strategy places the main idea after an explanation or reason.