First impressions count in writing too! So it is always a good idea to carefully check documents such as letter, reports, and proposals before submitting them. Below are five of the most common errors.
1. The document isn't tailored for its audience. For example, a proposal does not speak to a client in a "you" tone. Sometimes, it includes terms that a client may not understand. After giving your document some time to cool off, reread it as your client would. Remember to mark jargon and underline unclear sentences.
2. The document isn't organized well. In other words, its paragraphs do not flow smoothly from one to the next. That is, a given paragraph may cover a totally different aspect instead of clarifying a point. This problem can be fixed or avoided altogether by numbering paragraphs in a draft and writing a few words that summarize what you said. What you'll have is a quick outline of the entire document. You'll also see any organizational flaws in a glance and be able to deal with them directly.
3. The document's sentences don't flow well. One sentence does not flow smoothly from the last. No examples, clarification or short explanations are included. To avoid this problem, never assume that your reader automatically understands what you mean. Help your audience to visualize. Instead of writing "some" or "many," use numbers or percents. This will help to prevent misunderstandings. For example, I may interpret "many" as one thousand instead of a million.
4. The document merely ends or uses trite words such as "in conclusion." Doing something like this leaves an audience cold. Fix this problem by capitalizing on one last opportunity to emphasize your main point and summarize and highlight your point or points in the final paragraphs. Even if your readers forget all of the other details, they will likely remember your main point.
5. Check for mechanical and spelling errors. Have you used "there" when you meant "their?" Do your subjects and verbs agree?
Dorothy Zjawin, a technical writing mentor and instructor, has helped and continues to assist her clients in improving their writing skills. She has also written technical documents and developed her own website, http://www.profitable-pen.com
Chicago limo Skokie ..As one of those fabulous Baby Boomers, you now own... Read More
If you're a writer, you're in business. It doesn't matter... Read More
Chaos and confusion come when established rules and procedures are... Read More
I started writing as a way of keeping safe memories... Read More
Writing better is critical for students. But it's even more... Read More
People want information, they want it quick, frequently in short... Read More
Q and A.Best choice when subject is very verbal or... Read More
During the years that I've been teaching writing and participating... Read More
Word processors are so widely used now that I tend... Read More
1. Turning your idea into a bookWith non-fiction books the... Read More
It was reported that the great American author Sinclair Lewis... Read More
I went to school to be a teacher. In fact,... Read More
Complaint letters aren't always fun, but sometimes they need to... Read More
10 - You will always have a job. As long... Read More
EditingExpect, allow, and accept that every first draft will represent... Read More
The writing community is a strong one, with many new... Read More
Far too many inexperienced writers create flat, stereotypical characters: the... Read More
FERRETING OUT WORK You keep hearing that there's work out... Read More
Be careful when you write.Words you use, sentences you phrase... Read More
In the words of Aristotle, "happiness is self contentedness helping... Read More
We've all heard a politician on their soapbox, pushing for... Read More
Chances are, you'll be busy over the next several weeks.... Read More
Do you consider yourself a storyteller? Do you consider yourself... Read More
If you have been online for any length of time... Read More
What a wonderful resource the Internet is!Students find information to... Read More
limo O'Hare Bonfield ..Since the headline is the first contact your readers have... Read More
First impressions count in writing too! So it is always... Read More
There are a lot of tapes and books and CD... Read More
Writing leads to reading. Therefore, it's only fair to supply... Read More
Most books aren't rejected because the stories are "bad." They're... Read More
Welcome to the zany ideas of a productive writer. My... Read More
One of the most common weaknesses I see in day-to-day... Read More
The following answer sounds simplistic?but think about it. The single... Read More
How many of you take the time to really write... Read More
What is a prologue? When should you use one? Should... Read More
1. SECRETS TO SUCCESS2. MAKING A POWERFUL FIRST IMPRESSION3. AVOID... Read More
I've noticed a big shift away from traditional horror recently,... Read More
As in all endeavors, toil is necessary to succeed and... Read More
Names are important. Names give clues about us, where we... Read More
Typically when falling asleep in bed at night great thoughts... Read More
So you want to be a writer, except you don't... Read More
11 Secrets from an Experienced InterviewerOne of the unwritten rules... Read More
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a... Read More
Started a book and then got bogged down? Like many... Read More
Have you been guilty of procrastinating on your book project,... Read More
For several years before I left teaching to write full... Read More
At first, I noticed that I could have written many... Read More
Peter Abrahams is the author of thirteen novels, including "The... Read More
Language Training - A key to Global CommunicationLanguage Training is... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?I have said above that if a... Read More
Writing |