In the context of business writing, an action statement is a concise phrase that describes a specific task or accomplishment by highlighting the action taken and its outcome.
Specifically, according to the reference, an action statement in business writing refers to an action verb followed by what was done and the results of the action. This structure is primarily used to describe knowledge and skills through specific examples, demonstrating capabilities rather than just listing responsibilities.
Understanding the Core Components
An action statement breaks down a task or accomplishment into three essential parts:
- Action Verb: This is the starting point, a strong verb that clearly indicates what you did. Examples include Managed, Created, Implemented, Analyzed, Led, Reduced, Increased, etc.
- What Was Done: This part describes the specific task, project, or responsibility you handled.
- Results of the Action: This crucial element details the outcome or impact of your action. Quantifiable results (numbers, percentages, time savings) are highly effective as they provide concrete evidence of your success.
Purpose in Business Writing
The primary purpose of using action statements, especially in documents like resumes, cover letters, or performance reviews, is to:
- Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of simply stating you have a skill, an action statement provides a mini-story showing how you applied that skill and the positive results.
- Demonstrate Impact: By focusing on results, action statements clearly articulate the value you brought to a situation or organization.
- Provide Concrete Examples: They turn vague job duties into specific, memorable accomplishments that potential employers or supervisors can understand and appreciate.
Anatomy Illustrated
Here's a simple breakdown of the structure:
| Component | Description | Example (from "Managed...") |
|---|---|---|
| Action Verb | What you did (active verb) | Managed |
| What Was Done | The specific task or project | a team of 5 developers |
| Results | The outcome, impact, or achievement (ideally quantifiable) | to deliver project on time and 10% under budget |
Putting it together: Managed a team of 5 developers to deliver project on time and 10% under budget.
Examples of Effective Action Statements
Here are a few more examples demonstrating the structure and emphasis on results:
- Created a new filing system, reducing retrieval time by 50%.
- Implemented a customer feedback process that increased satisfaction scores by 15 points.
- Analyzed sales data and identified key trends, leading to a 20% increase in targeted marketing effectiveness.
- Led cross-functional team meetings, improving communication and project coordination across departments.
Why They Are Powerful
Action statements are effective because they are:
- Specific: They provide details about the task performed.
- Measurable (often): They frequently include quantifiable results, showing the scale and impact of the achievement.
- Results-Oriented: They focus on the value created, not just the activity.
Using action statements helps make your writing more dynamic, persuasive, and effective in communicating your skills and accomplishments.
