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.
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.
“Hey, thanks!” Sometimes a quick word of thanks to a co-worker is enough. Other times, you need to express your personal appreciation in a way that stands out (but doesn’t break the bank). Try one of these ideas the next time you want to thank someone for going above and beyond.
Are you supposed to use a hyphen when you add “non” to a word?
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.
Mary Kay Kinley, of Pueblo, Colo., writes: “Can you tell me how to use effect and affect?”
“Could you please tell me which is correct: Your welcome or You’re welcome.”
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:
Imagine sitting in a staff meeting, and every time you offer a suggestion someone looks at you and shakes her head. Or a co-worker consistently “forgets” to invite you to meetings. It may seem trivial, but belittling behavior—or bullying—can take a toll, especially when it occurs over and over again.
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.
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