Gratitude Builds Bridges
Gratitude builds bridges. People who feel appreciated are happier, healthier, and more productive. Learn how to thank people powerfully.
Gratitude Builds Bridges Read More »
Writamins
Who Cares About Grammar Errors?
Who Cares About Grammar Errors? During Worktalk’s business writing trainings, people often ask me whether grammar errors still matter in the age of text and Twitter. I tell them that grammar still counts, even with the advent of emojis. Grammatical writing is vital because it contributes to clear writing, and clear writing helps us get
Who Cares About Grammar Errors? Read More »
7 Commonly Misused Word Pairs
Sets of words that sound similar often confuse writers. My book, Get to the Point, 2nd edition, contains an extensive (or was it intensive?) list of these words. Several Writamins subscribers have requested that we review a few classics. Affect versus Effect AFFECT (verb or noun) in its verbal usage means to act on; to
7 Commonly Misused Word Pairs Read More »
Filler Words Annoy People — So Why Do We Use Them?
Where’s the Beef? Which would you rather eat — a burger made with 100% meat or one that’s clogged with flour, preservatives, and other fillers? Assuming you’re not a vegetarian, you probably want the beef, not the filler. In the same way, your readers want your message, not the mealy-mouthed hedge words that clog up
Filler Words Annoy People — So Why Do We Use Them? Read More »
Lying Low or Laying Low?
A friend recently told me that she was laying low until after New Year’s. Alarm bells went off in my head as I wondered, “Doesn’t she mean she is lying low?” Many of us are perplexed about the difference between lying low and laying low. The problem arises from a deeper confusion about the difference between lie and lay. In my book on
Lying Low or Laying Low? Read More »