Choosing the right word will guarantee that you will convey exactly what you mean, whereas choosing the incorrect word can sound wrong or can change the meaning of the statement. When do you use “input” or “enter”? What about the difference between “back-up” or “replacement”? How about “fix” or “resolve”? Ensure that words and expressions you […]
Tony Levin is an American musician, specializing in bass guitar, Chapman Stick and upright bass. He is best known for his work with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel, and currently leads his own band, Stick Men. Levin has recorded or toured with hundreds of artists including: Paul Simon (with whom Tony appeared in the 1980 […]
We use numbers all the time. However, do you ever think about how you use numbers when writing? It is time to make a habit. Follow the accepted standards (listed below). Always make sure that number use in a document is user-friendly–easy to understand. Spell out numbers one through nine. One, two, three, etc. Use figures […]
When a potential customer sends an email, will your response automatically start a dialogue? How you present your response to that prospect will determine whether or not you get an answer, or are flat-out ignored. When responding, try a formula like this: Dear Loretta, Hope you’re doing well. There is a salutation before the person’s […]
All choices in communication are of terrific importance. Modern-day shorthand (text-speak) is very useful, and entirely appropriate. (Did that just say what I think it said?) Yes, TXT shorthand is the right answer–when it’s used with the right audience. You can draw an analogy here to using profanity. Vulgar language, when used with the correct […]
What is active voice? Many of us have seen our word processors suggest that we revise from passive voice to active. OK. What if we don’t know what that means? “Sure, I know that I’m supposed to use active voice when constructing sentences; and avoid passive voice.” What does that mean? Active voice […]
The decision has been made – time for a new job! The résumé has been spiffed up, and you have found the perfect new position for you. Now it is time for the cover letter. This is your chance to speak in your voice and tell this company why they want to hire you. The question […]
Well lookie here… the Earth has revolved around the Sun once again! Three hundred sixty-five days have elapsed (or as the cast in the musical Rent would sing, “525,600 Minutes”). A year is a good marker for progress made. Once it’s completed, it all starts again. Happy New Year. Two thousand seventeen has been Improving Communications’ best year yet. We owe […]
Using capital letters properly is a sign of respect for your audience and subject. By not using, or misusing capital letters, your readers may think that you don’t know what’s correct (or even worse, don’t care). It may send a message to others that makes you look thoughtless. None of us would want that. If […]
Usually the Improving Communications emails and posts focus on what you CAN DO to improve your writing or your speaking. But today we are going to focus on what NOT TO DO. But do you know the things that should be on the You Don’t Say list? When my daughter came home from her first day […]