If there’s one technique that can instantly improve your business writing, it’s this: Trim and simplify. When writing in a hurry, it’s easy to include unnecessary words or cram too much into a single sentence. Result: Business writing easily becomes cluttered or “grandiose” sounding. Trimming can eliminate redundancies, while simplifying can make sentences easier to understand.
Restrictive vs. nonrestrictive clauses, and more.
You’ve been talking about an idea for a new office procedure or policy, but no one seems to be listening. Maybe they don’t like the idea. Or maybe the idea isn’t catching on because you haven’t been using the right words for it. Semantics do matter.
Someday, hopefully not too terribly soon, you’ll be looking for another job. And when that happens, you’ll need to sharpen your résumé so that it captures the attention of hiring managers. The main focus on your résumé should be itemizing victories, so that your future boss can imagine you doing the same things for him.
Question: In the following sentence, should the words “on site” be hyphenated? They removed the trees and dumped them on site.
Elevate the clarity of your writing by using the inverted pyramid style that journalists use … Go ahead, give someone a high five or a supportive pat on the back … Send large files fast by using a free service such as YouSendIt Lite … Gain credibility by stripping “marketese” from your writing geared toward customers … Double-check e-mail messages where the stakes are high.
Steer clear of these three grammatical pitfalls: 1. “None”: It is always singular, never plural. 2. Learn when to use “lie” vs. “lay.” 3. It’s “between you and me,” not “you and I.”
Manage your “invisible résumé” by rewriting the sections you don’t like … Perfected your bragalogue yet? Communications coach Peggy Klaus swears by this self-promotion tool … Avoid this grammar misstep … Make your LinkedIn invitations stand out … Convince yourself of the power of checklists by reading The Checklist Manifesto.
“Because,” “due to,” “since”—which one is the right one to use? Use “because” instead of wordier options, such as “owing to the fact that” or “on the grounds that.” You could also use it instead of the persnickety “due to.” Example: “It was canceled because of illness.” “Since” often means the same thing as “because.”
Hold more-focused meetings… Keep emoticons out of business communication … Find salary information for administrative positions in your area … Save money on printing … Avoid this grammar trap … Receive the credit you deserve …
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