Why do you plan?

 
What is the value of planning? Think about this...
 
Have you ever sat at your desk not knowing how to begin? Very often, 
you may find writing difficult because you start writing right away. In 
other words, you overlook the importance of planning before you write. 
Unfortunately, "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail." So you need to plan 
your writing ... and then write according to your plan. If you plan well, 
your writing is more likely to get the results you want.
 

How can you plan your writing? 

 
Effective writers use 3 strategies.
 
WHY are you writing?
WHAT do you want the reader to do?
WHAT does the reader need to know?
 
These 3 questions provide a good framework for planning. Let’s look at 
them one by one.
 

Why are you writing?

 
The business world is full of busy people. They don't want to waste time 
reading meaningless letters, memos, faxes and e-mails. They don't want 
to guess why you're writing to them. That's why it's very important for 
you to state your purpose for writing very clearly at the beginning. 
 
Look at the following letter:
 
20 September 200X