Managerial Communication.

Direct Order

As explained, direct order puts the main point first, followed

by the details. In routine messages conveying good news or neutral

information, direct order is appropriate. Similarly, with short reports, when

the reader is likely to agree with the writer's main point, direct order is

often best.

Most readers receive reports neutrally, and since recommendations are

needed for deciding on actions to take, the sooner a reader gets to them,

the better. Direct order is especially appropriate when the reader trusts the

writer's work. If the reader needs to check on any point, the specifics are

in the text.

Indirect Order

Indirect order is often favored for long reports and proposals. The

traditional inductive organizational pattern of introduction, body, and

conclusion is common for such reports. The

indirect approach is unquestionably called for when a reader is likely to

interpret the conclusions as bad news. Then, too, in analytic reports,

proposals, or persuasive reports, when readers might disagree with the

conclusions, the writer must lead the readers logically to the conclusions

using indirect order.

Provide two examples of indirect order and two examples of direct order in different circumstances.