Grammar Repair Shop: Maintain a short list of words to capitalize
Problem: Several readers have asked recently about whether to capitalize particular words, ranging from job titles to seasons.
Category: Communication
Why clear writing counts so much
When dashing off your next memo, report or e-mail, cut right to the core points. HR directors from half of the 120 major American corporations polled in a recent study said they consider writing ability when making promotions. “You can’t move up without writing skills,” one HR director said.
Grammar Repair Shop: Is ‘could’ve’ too informal for business?
Problem: Therese Sliwa, Waltham, Mass., wrote about our response in the July “Our Readers Write” column to someone who complained about people writing “could of” for “could’ve” and “should of” for “should’ve.”
Grammar Repair Shop: When is a possessive not a possessive?
Problem: Reader Judy Woodliff asked us whether “elders retreat” should carry an apostrophe after the “s” in “elders” to make it possessive.
Keep workplace noise to a minimum
Even a “quiet” workplace often produces noise at 40 decibels, and office machinery can reach 80 decibels. Minimize distractions by strategically placing the noisemakers (and people) when you arrange work spaces. Here’s how…
Keep up to date with spelling styles
Test yourself by circling the one word in each of the following pairs that’s spelled correctly.
Grammar Repair Shop: Possessive style
Problem: Phyllis Nagy, Orlando, Fla., asked about the spelling of the possessive “boss’s.”
Work wizardry with email rules
If you’re handling a high volume of email with Outlook, you’ve probably already tapped the Rules tool to sort messages. Check whether you’ve missed an opportunity with these options.
Slow down, clam up to sound smarter
If an executive stops and asks you a question, don’t make the big mistake of spitting out your words in a harried rush, figuring that you have only a few seconds to impress the brass.
Turn to e-mail for the truth
Think you can tell when someone is lying? When you must have honesty, it may surprise you to know that face-to-face communication isn’t the best approach. Here’s why …