Seeking input? Be direct
When you seek input from others, whether you’re speaking or writing, be clear in your request. People will appreciate your directness and the time it saves them.
Category: Communication
Not so fast with a spell-checker
As any writer can tell you, a first draft is seldom perfect. The best writers put their words through rigorous rewrites and revisions before they even bother to run the spell-checker. Doing the same for memos, e-mail correspondence and letters could take your business writing to a whole new level.
Grammar Repair Shop: So, very … undesirable
The words “very” and “so” are kosher intensifiers during casual conversations (as in, “It’s so hot today!”). But when writing, it’s best to avoid both. Why? They can weaken your writing.
Grammar Repair Shop: Hyphenate a non?
Are you supposed to use a hyphen when you add “non” to a word?
Before you hit ‘send’: 3 e-mail tips
Think before you click.That’s the in-a-nutshell advice of Will Schwalbe, co-author of Send, a book about how to write the perfect e-mail. Here are three of his best practices.
Grammar Repair Shop: Affect vs. effect
Mary Kay Kinley, of Pueblo, Colo., writes: “Can you tell me how to use effect and affect?”
Grammar Repair Shop: You’re welcome!
“Could you please tell me which is correct: Your welcome or You’re welcome.”
Use winning words to get what you want
Why do some people always seem to be successful at getting what they want? It’s their use of the power of persuasion, says Laurie Puhn, author of Instant Persuasion.
Top 5 little-known web research sites
Save time doing web research with these five powerfully helpful sites: Ask a Librarian; OWL, the Online Writing Lab; the Phrase Finder; Refdesk.com; and LibrarySpot.com.
Simple ways to ‘onboard’ new hires
If you’re in a management role, make sure you “onboard” new hires. You’ll benefit from more engaged, productive employees who want to stay and be committed to the company. Try these three simple ideas: