Why do people struggle so with commas? It’s seems we either tend to over-do it or under-do it, and using commas correctly eludes us. Maybe that’s because the comma is so easy to use and so easy to leave out. It’s just a little bit of punctuation, lacking the hardness or a period after all,… Continue reading Oh, Comma, You Little Trickster You, Leading Us Astray…
Category: Writing Skills
Clarity Counts! Be Clear to Communicate
If you want to be a better, faster writer, be clear. Does that sound like unnecessary and obvious advice? It should be, but I see cluttered, clunky writing in professionally written materials on an almost daily basis. That tells me we still need to work on clarity. Why clarity matters When you’re in a hurry… Continue reading Clarity Counts! Be Clear to Communicate
6 Ways to Proofread Your Writing (and Avoid Looking Dumb)
Mistakes make us look stupid. Period. Mistakes in our writing also lower our credibility, whether they show up in a document, an email, or a chat message. When readers see errors in your writing, they might assume that: You’re a sloppy writer. Your spelling/punctuation/grammar knowledge is subpar. You’re not detail-oriented. You don’t care enough to… Continue reading 6 Ways to Proofread Your Writing (and Avoid Looking Dumb)
Communicate Your Message Faster When You Change Just One Word
Can changing just one word of your message get that message across faster? I think so... I used to drive a stretch of freeway with a most annoying sign off to the west that irked me every time I passed it. The sign was a huge banner for a tree maintenance company and it read,… Continue reading Communicate Your Message Faster When You Change Just One Word
This One Simple Trick Will Make You a Better Writer Fast
Have you ever hit Send only to find out later you had an egregious error in your message? I'm guessing yes, because it has happened to us all. We're typing fast and probably thinking about the next task while trying to finish this one and boom, next thing you know, we've sent a messy message… Continue reading This One Simple Trick Will Make You a Better Writer Fast