Business Writing--the introduction

(from 12/15/08 Learning LinksTM)
The purpose of this Learning Links edition is to give you a sure-fire way to get started when writing a document and to focus the attention of the reader on the subject immediately.
Please re-read that opening line. In the opening line above, you'll find a formula for getting started on writing any document--letter, report, email, whatever. In other words, when you find yourself staring at an empty screen or a blank piece of paper, simply write "The purpose of this document is ..." and fill in the blank. If you can answer that simple question, then you are clear about what the document intends to do. If you cannot complete that sentence, you need to think some more about your intentions in writing the document.
Keep in mind that business writing is all about efficiency and clarity of communication. Vague terminology, wasted words, rambling sentences, story-like writing if only serve to frustrate the reader and short-circuit the communication. Too many times, business communication reads like a fairy tale--it opens with a vague phrase not too unlike "Once upon a time" and rambles like Little Red Riding Hood in the woods until it finds the point it wishes to make.
Your opening sentence should make clear to the reader what it is that you want them to do as a result of the document you're writing, or least make crystal clear the subject.