Some word pairs flummox even the most literate writers. We use a word to say one thing, but its opposite form seems not to exist. Or does it? In some pairs, apparent opposites have the same meaning. English is a mongrel language with a motley history, which means that our words don’t always make sense. …
Feel free to use generative A.I. for what it’s good for — brainstorming, rough drafting, and proofreading — but keep your hand on the tiller at all times. This technology can rescue you from writer’s block, but it will not save your neck if you give it insufficient or inadequate prompts and check all the facts it provides. In a way, that’s good news: If your input is still necessary, the robots have not yet taken over the world.
Your choice of words and images makes an impact, as well as your vocal tone and body language. Inclusive communicators know how to gauge their audience’s sensibilities and share a message that will engage without offending. How do they do it? Here are some suggestions:
We live in an age of great sensitivity to language–some might even say hyper-sensitivity. While being too “politically correct” might cause some people to roll their eyes, you ignore individual sensitivities at your peril. Words referring to gender, race, creed, sexual orientation, physical ability, mental health, gender identity, and the like have the potential to make some people feel excluded–and that is the last thing we should want to do. No one can write a list of words you can and cannot use because each audience has its own sensitivities. Nevertheless, here are a few principles to remember.
You would think that when a person applies for a new job, they would take care to put their best image forward. People agonize over whether to wear the blue or brown blazer to the interview, but, amazingly, they don’t proofread their resumés for basic blunders. Then they never get the chance to choose which …
How to Lose a Job Before You Start: Costly Resumé Bloopers Read More »
