In the endless hustle to get work out the door (or onto the email server) faster, it is easy to short-change the proofreading process. When we do this, errors follow.
Here are a few tips:
- If you add a few words to your message after you’ve finished your main proofreading, read it again before you send the letter or email. How often have you seen typos or omitted words in the last-minute additions spoil the effect of the whole document?
- If you use direct mail or bulk email, don’t rush to get the mailing out without taking care of the fine points. If you are sending paper, are the sheets folded straight? For paper or email, check the gender and title of every addressee and make sure you are addressing each person properly – as Mr., Ms., Dr., Judge, or whatever other title a person has earned. People take it personally when they are addressed incorrectly.
- “Why is there not enough time to do something right the first time, but plenty of time to do it over?” In the long run, as another proverb goes, haste makes waste.
Share your tales of woe: Do you have painful business-writing stories? A misaddressed envelope, a confidential email made public, or an embarrassing typo? Please share your stories by writing an email to Elizabeth.