COMMUNICATION is critical when it comes to running a business.

It can be difficult to get your point across in the most concise manner, especially in e-mail messages. Many times, the purpose of a message will become lost in a sea of words.

The Center for Plain Language provides tips to help workers communicate more clearly in 2011:

* Remember your audience.

When you are ready to convey a message, place the important facts first, then follow with the additional content that is needed to fully understand the situation.

* Create short and direct sentences.

To keep a simple sentence, stick to the easy sentence structure of subject, verb and predicate. Adding additional words can lead to confusion. Try to keep sentences at 20 words or fewer.

* Use the active voice.

The active voice quickly identifies the subject and tends to be shorter and quicker to the point. The passive voice can be too wordy.

* Avoid wordiness.

It is better to use as few words as possible.

* Stick to personal pronouns.

Pronouns create a more personal tone for the reader; it is easier for them to relate to the subject.