Tips for Writing Ministerial Correspondence

1. Tips for Ministerials
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 use Plain English;
 address the topic;
 don’t be defensive or aggressive;
 be accurate (and make sure that the briefing paper is accurate too);
 follow the style guide;
 don’t reinvent the wheel, but don’t try for a “one size fits all” approach,
either;
 finish on a positive note;
 get access to the finished product if possible;
 be concise;
 use templates;
 write in the style of the Minister;
 consult other areas if necessary (give them as much notice as possible);
 ask for help and information (as early as possible);
 look for the positive in feedback; and
 develop a think skin!
Basic Structure for Ministerial Correspondence
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Establish empathy.
Make sure you Response to issue. Try to flow each
cover all issues, paragraph into the
even if you don’t next, both for
cover them content and
individually or in readability.
Response to issue – give options?
order.

2. Finish on a positive note.