Thoughtful

People like working with RSM because we get to know them and give advice that addresses their pain points. Through all our communications, we show that we care about our audience and understand the issues they face. That audience could be clients, colleagues, partners or other stakeholders.

By being empathetic, we build trust and mutual respect. We show this empathy in writing by involving the reader and keeping them front of mind.

To sound thoughtful

Our communications should always answer our readers’ questions: What’s in it for me? How does that help me?

Structure writing to put important points first
Spell out the benefits
Be specific to your audience

Structure writing to put important points first

Our communications should always answer our readers’ questions: what’s in it for me? How does that help me?

BEFORE YOU START TO WRITE, ANSWER THESE SIMPLE QUESTIONS:

Why does your reader need this information?
What should your reader do with the information I give them?

Then put the most important takeaway for your reader first.

Spell out the benefits

We can help readers understand what’s in it for them by showing them the benefits of something, be it our own service, new legislation or an event. So, rather than writing about what something is, we write about what it can do for them.

BEFORE: UNCLEAR BENEFIT	AFTER: CLEAR BENEFIT
The main aim of our tailored audits is to give assurance to stakeholders on the accuracy and reliability of financial information.	An audit gives assurance to stakeholders on the accuracy and reliability of financial information. We tailor our audits to your business, helping you address the areas that are most strategically important.

Be specific to your audience

We want to show our readers that we understand the challenges they face. To do this, we move away from detail on related points that aren’t relevant to them. Instead, we share takeaways that answer their pain points.

BEFORE: IRRELEVANT DETAIL	AFTER: DETAIL FOCUSED ON AUDIENCE
UK private schools now have to apply VAT to educational fees after the government carried out this plan in its manifesto. This change in treatment reflects the new government’s views on the fairness of VAT exemptions for such institutions. The Treasury expects this tax to raise £1.725 billion a year, which the government will use to help improve education for young people.	UK private schools must apply VAT to educational fees. The new government made this change to align with its views on fair VAT treatment. However, questions remain about the VAT treatment of other services such as extracurricular activities and boarding fees. While private schools wait for full clarity, they are navigating uncharted territory and legal disputes are likely.
Private schools up and down the country have been registering for VAT as a result of these changes. However, many are concerned about whether or not VAT needs to be applied to boarding fees and other extracurricular activities like sports clubs. Legal disputes may arise.