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Business Style Guide Version 1.0/2019 Page 1

Business Style Guide

File Formats

Unless otherwise specified, acceptable file formats for digital submission are:

 Documents: MS Word (docx)  Spreadsheets: MS Excel (xlsx)  Presentations: MS PowerPoint (pptx)

PCC students are eligible for MS Office at no cost. Please see your instructor for details!

Page Layout

 Typed, single-spaced, block style format with left alignment of text

 One blank line between paragraphs  Do not indent the first line of your

paragraph  One inch margins, 11-12 point font with

consistent font use throughout the document

 Use of page footer with document title, date and page number

 Name should be left aligned at the top of the first page

Content Layout

 Use section headers to identify key parts of the document

 Use of bulleted lists and tables when appropriate

 Use of intro, body, close organization for essay and report formatted documents

 Use of cover page and a table of contents page for formal multi-page documents (e.g. business or marketing plans)

 Professional documents are organized prior to composition

 Avoid excessive whitespace

Citations

 Use University of Chicago (Notes and Bibliography) format for citations – the PCC library website has information about this citation format under the “Citing Sources” link.

 Papers should have both a bibliography and footnotes/endnotes. Choice of endnotes or footnotes is based on the number of citations. Footnotes are used for fewer citations and endnotes are used for more citations.

 Using the words and ideas of others may be considered plagiarism. The following must be cited:

o Direct use of quoted material from a source

o Use of fact or data that is non- common knowledge

o Sources that are significantly used in preparation of the assignment

Business Style Guide Version 1.0/2019 Page 2

Voice

The voice for documents, presentations and email should:

 Avoid slang, casual language and overly informal tone  Attempt to use third person voice unless first person is appropriate to the question /

assignment (e.g. “How do you feel about…”)  Use active voice over passive voice  Always be respectful in your communications with instructors and fellow students  Use of proper English spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and avoiding informal

language and slang  Be spell checked and proofread for accuracy

Presentations

 Business casual attire (at minimum), attention to vocal projection, eye contact, and natural body language

 Students should use slides as notes rather than note cards but should not read slides as they present

 Attention to timing ensuring that the presentation is within the time limit but doesn’t under- utilize the time

 Organized delivery with a clear introduction, body of information, and conclusion  Presentation materials with text and graphics and bulleted lists to help guide you through your

presentation.  Use of proper English spelling and grammar avoiding informal language and slang

Email

 Subject line, greeting, sign off, and a courteous tone that demonstrates respect for your audience

 Organized and concise communication of the subject matter  Use of proper English spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and avoiding informal

language and slang