The Ins and Outs of Executive Writing

Executive writing is specific and concise informational writing focused on supporting the commander's intent, achieving goodwill with all stakeholders and achieving mission objectives. Executive writing is one of many tools that communication professionals use.

Product Characteristics

Executive products inform, persuade, motivate or direct. Depending on the nature of the product, they can be formal or informal, and formatted as memos, emails, proposals, papers or reports.

Executive products should:

• Initiate, sustain or develop positive relationships.
• Contribute to helping command meet mission objectives.
• Support the commander's intent and DoD guidance.
• Use clear, concise, specific and plain language with the bottom line up front.

The Planning and Writing Process

All effective executive writing products follow this general process:

1. Determine purpose and audience.
2. Research the topic to determine needs, interests and concerns.
3. Support ideas with evidence and examples.
4. Outline product.
5. Draft product.
6. Edit for accuracy, brevity and clarity.
7. Receive feedback from appropriate reviewers.
8. Revise based on feedback to get approval.

Different Types of Executive Writing Products

Use the table to understand the ins and outs of each type of executive product.