Words such as rather, pretty, very, and little are the leeches that infest the body of prose, sucking the blood of words. We should all try to do a little better, we should all be very watchful of this rule, for it is a rather important one and we are pretty sure to violate it […]
The managing director of a large wealth management company recently complained to me that his staff seemed unable to forge warm relationships with the firm’s clients. “They are reluctant to pick up the phone or invite the client to lunch,” he lamented. “Even their emails veer between formal and stilted or breezy and inappropriately casual.” Recognizing the need for improvement, the firm hired me to work with them, and soon, their team showed a greater awareness of practicing the language of connection.
Effective verbal or written communication is crucial for building strong relationships in the workplace. When we write at work, we aim to engage our readers and achieve a specific purpose, such as gaining approval, obtaining information, or fostering collaboration. However, if readers feel that you do not care about or understand them or that you have disregarded social norms they value, their minds may close. Then, you will fight an uphill battle to get your point across.
Here are four ways to build rapport and inspire greater loyalty and satisfaction in your readers.
4 Ways to Build Relationships With Language Read More »
In today’s whirlwind business environment, concise communication is crucial. With emails, reports, and memos flooding inboxes daily, the ability to streamline your business writing can ensure that you are the person whose messages are read and understood. Conciseness saves time for the reader, although it might require the writer to apply more little grey cells. As 18th-century British lexicographer Samuel Johnson wrote, “Easy reading is hard writing.” Here are some strategies to help you master the art of brevity in your business writing.
First, embrace the principle that less is more. Instead of padding your sentences with unnecessary words or phrases, aim to be brief. Words like “just,” “very,” and “most” are often unnecessary, as are many adjectives and adverbs. Shorter emails and documents are easier to read and require less time and effort from the reader. In an age of endless inputs, it pays to streamline the reader’s experience.
The Art of Conciseness: 5 Ways to Master Brevity Read More »
As a born editor, I have always been naturally critical. Maybe being critical is just being human, but I think some of us have the gift of noticing every last flaw in every last thing…a bit more than others.
But when I was dating my husband more than thirteen years ago, something he said changed my life forever.
We were discussing raising children, and he said, “I learned that instead of telling a child that he can’t do something, you should tell him what he can do.” In other words – even in a situation where you have to deny something to a child, there’s usually a positive action that you can focus on.
The Power of Positivity Read More »
Writing errors often arise even before a person sets pen to paper. While planning is the most critical part of the writing process, unfortunately, many individuals have not been equipped with a quick, effective system for preparing to write.
What can you do to get better at business writing?
This simple three-question framework, which I call the three P’s will help you jump-start your writing process — whether you’re tackling an email, a formal document, social post, or another form of written communication. Before diving in, ask yourself these questions:
– What is the purpose of this document?
– Who (person) is going to read it? What are that person’s emotional trigger points and questions that might have an impact on my message?
– What, in one or two sentences, is my point?
How to Take Your Business Writing From “Average” to “Great” Read More »
