“MBAs’ rusty composition skills could benefit from a brush-up,” said a recent article in Business Week. Writing classes aren’t usually core requirements at business schools, though more and more schools are recognizing the need for writing classes and workshops.

Business writing is significantly different than academic writing, says Roseanne Bane, a business writing professor. She shares her tips:

• Don’t be long-winded. Padding and fluff have no place in the business world.
• Know your medium. What works in an academic essay won’t work in an e-mail or a presentation.
• Understand your audience. Ask yourself what your audience already knows, and what they need to learn.
• Practice writing often. Make time for writing several drafts.