There are many ways to inform people about a certain event that is about to happen. Announcements are the most common way of spreading information about what has happened, what is happening and what will happen. It can be done through TV and radio coverage, newspapers, simple posters, elegant flyers, etc.
With the rise of social media, establishments often broadcast their announcements through boosted Facebook posts or promoted posts on Twitter and Instagram. Social media has really opened a whole new avenue of announcing and making things known, even news outlets have their own pages and profiles on various platforms as they can reach a wide range of audiences through social media.
But, before the rampant use of social media for announcements, it has been a common practice – even until today, to post announcements on bulletin boards across campus or public spaces. However, how do you write these announcements or notices?
A standard notice is a common and formal means of communication which aims to give information regarding an event that is about to happen. It is a formal announcement of an event weeks or even months before it actually happens. It is a short piece of writing which follows a rigid format.
A notice is widely used by organizations and/or individuals to announce celebrations, death, sales, inaugurations or to issue public instructions and so much more. It is a very useful tool for communication and broadcasting information that should be known to the public. It is a common sight to see in schools and buildings that have designated posting areas. While notices from government agencies and other big organizations commonly appear on various newspapers and other media outlets. You may also see formal notice examples & samples
It is important to remember that notices are formally written or printed information or news, thus it follows a formal tone and style as well. It is strictly factual and information are based on released information from the upper management. The language is also simple and formal, it doesn’t need flowery words. You may also like two weeks notice examples & samples
A good and effective notice must have the following features:
A notice usually has a specific word count. It is common to adhere to the 40 to 50-word limit. The sentences in the notice should be short, concise but should express a complete thought. Repetition is prohibited and there is no need for an introduction. It is straight-to-the-point information; as it is a formal method of communication, it is expected to be direct and clear. It should leave no room for further query but should not compromise the word limit.
As mentioned above, it is a short piece of writing but still expresses a complete thought. Indicate the necessary information regarding the event like date, venue, fees, guests, prizes, etc. It should answer the 5 Ws and 1 H questions effectively and must not leave audiences with more questions instead of no questions. You may also check out work notice examples & samples
The authority in a notice is the individual, organization, office, etc. issuing the notice. The people responsible for the event should be indicated to make it clear that the notice is legitimate and valid. You may also see meeting notice examples & samples
Avoid being vague about the information regarding the event. The purpose of the notice must be easily understood after just a quick read through the whole material. It must be crisp, straight-forward and direct.
As it is a formal announcement, simple and formal language must be used. No need for flowery words in the notice. It must convey formality and clarity. You may also like appointment notice examples & samples
As mentioned earlier, it must contain the following information:
A notice should have these three basic parts:
This is supposed to be eye-catching. It should immediately capture the audiences’ attention and urge them to read the notice. The heading talks about the main topic or issue of the notice.
For example, NOTICE – Dance Competition, NOTICE – School Field Trip, NOTICE – Inter-school Sports Competition.
The body of the notice should include all the necessary details regarding the event. It should be able to explain all the information about the event. It answers all the basic questions before the audience even asks anything. It must be complete even though it is written in short sentences. You may also check out copyright notice examples and samples
The name and signature of the individual or head of the office issuing the notice should be indicated in the end part of the notice. If matters or items need to be handed in, do not forget to include his/her contact number and address. It is important to include a contact person as they are responsible for answering more questions for clarification and information. You may also see eviction notice examples & samples
Depending on specific occasions, it is acceptable to use background images, logos or graphic representing the event.
In the academe, students are required to practice writing notices. As the marking scheme for notice writing, the name of organization, “NOTICE,” heading and date as well as the content and language is equivalent to 2 marks. The name and designation of the person writing, and writing the notice inside a box is equal to 1/2 marks. It the writer exceeds the word limit by 2 or 3 words, 1/2 mark is then deducted. If the exceeding words are 4 or more, 1 mark is deducted. You may also see employee notice examples & samples
Notices serve as an important tool for communication. It is very common to read notices, especially concerning the government as it is used for transparency and spreading information to the public. It makes it easier for the responsible office to spread the information since it just posted in visible public areas or designated bulletin boards. You may also like separation notice examples & samples
Writing notices is an art but unfortunately, people have forgotten how to write formal notices. Although it can be somehow restricting, it is a good practice to measure the command in language and words. It can measure the writer’s ability to completely convey the information in such short sentences. Notices, are in fact, still very useful and an efficient source of information.
