Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Heellpp M
Mee W Beetttteerr ...... ((iinnsseerrtt hheerree))
Wrriittee aa B
published by hhttttpp::////w ww ww w..LLoouussyyW
Wrriitteerr..ccoom
m
and hhttttpp::////w
wwww
w..FFrreeeellaanncceeW
Wrriittiinngg..ccoom
m
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
2
0
DISCLAIMER
This e-book has been written to provide information about self-
improvement. Every effort has been made to make this ebook as complete
and accurate as possible. However, there may be mistakes in typography or
content. Also, this e-book provides information on self-improvement only up
to the publishing date. Therefore, this ebook should be used as a guide - not
as the ultimate source of web hosting information.
The purpose of this ebook is to educate. The author and the publisher does
not warrant that the information contained in this e-book is fully complete
and shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions. The author and
publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or
entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused
directly or indirectly by this e-book.
You may freely give away this ebook, bundle it with other
products, give it away as a free bonus product, or link to
www.FreelanceWriting.com to download this ebook. You may
not sell this ebook for money.
Table of
Contents
Help Me Write a Better... ..................................................................................
Speech............................................................................................................. 5
Help Me Write a Better... ..................................................................................
Manual ........................................................................................................... 7
How to Write a Better ... ...................................................................................
Business Memo ............................................................................................ 10
Help Me Write a Better... ..................................................................................
College Essay ............................................................................................... 13
Help Me Write a Better... ..................................................................................
Business Plan ............................................................................................... 16
Help Me Write a Better... ..................................................................................
Employee Handbook................................................................................... 19
Help Me Write a Better... ..................................................................................
Grant Proposal ............................................................................................ 22
Help Me Write a Better... ..................................................................................
Legal Document .......................................................................................... 26
Help Me Write a Better... ..................................................................................
%ewsletter .................................................................................................... 29
Help Me Write a Better... ..................................................................................
Press Release................................................................................................ 32
Help Me Write a Better... ..................................................................................
Technical Document ................................................................................... 35
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
4
0
If your speech is about fire safety, for example, you might have the
following topics:
Make sure you talk about your topics one at a time; don't jump back and
forth, or you may lose your audience. Also, put all information for each
topic together so that it's all in its logical place. This means that if you want
to list all the fire hazards in a home, group them all together under the fire
hazards around the home topic so that your audience can fully understand
the point you're trying to make.
Of course, if your speech is also going to be read right off the page, be sure
to create a good copy, free from any pencilled-in hints to yourself about
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
7
0
your public speaking. Also, double check that your document is free from
typos or grammatical errors before you turn it over for someone to read.
You may have allowed yourself to get away with spelling and grammar
mistakes in your speech, simply because people wouldn't know the
difference when they're only hearing what you have to say instead of
reading it.
For optimum comprehension, explain your policies before you explain their
corresponding procedures. As an example, let's say that you're writing a
policies and procedures manual for teachers in a high school. One
important policy might be: "We always treat students with respect." The
procedures that result from such a policy could be: "Speak to unruly
students calmly and explain that their behavior is unacceptable. If they
refuse to cooperate, send them to the principal's office. Avoid raising your
voice or insulting the student."
In the above case, the procedures might make less sense if they had not
been preceded by the overarching policy. By stating your policy first, you'll
set up your readers to see the matter from your point of view. Then, once
you've explained the procedures that go along with that policy, they will
better understand what the policy means and how to act within its confines.
Every policy and procedure will not always apply to each of your
employees. Therefore, when you're writing, keep in mind the audience for
whom the policies and procedures are intended.
Using the same high school example, let's assume another policy is:
"Teachers must volunteer to lead one extra-curricular student activity."
This will be a very important section for your teachers to read, but what
about your school's caretakers and administrative staff? Clearly, such a
policy does not apply to them.
This is not to say that you have to write a separate policies and procedures
manual for every category of employee in your company. However, do
organize the contents of your manual under subheadings that direct
employees to read the areas that apply to them. A high school manual
might have the headings "For All Employees," "For Teachers Only," "For
Caretakers," etc. Be sure to include a table of contents so that your
employees can find the policies and procedures they need to read.
1) Use Lists
Memos are, by their very definition, brief. Therefore, you can get away
with using point form. Lists are a great way to convey your expectations
without being too wordy. Take a look at how this memo effectively uses a
list:
Kathy,
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
11
0
Thanks,
Bill"
As you can see, lists help pass along a lot of details without taking up too
much time or space. Use lists when you can so that your memos can be as
efficient as possible.
To avoid this, make your memos stand out by including a headline with
each one. A headline is a fantastic way to get the most important part of
your memo out there immediately for your readers to see. Once your
headline tells them that your memo contains essential information, they
will be more likely to give the rest of it a closer look.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
12
0
As you can see, it's very important not to sacrifice the content of your
memo simply because memos are normally brief. If you can't fit all of the
information you need into a memo, opt instead to write a letter or an e-
mail. It's better to include all of the information you need to transmit than it
is to omit critical details simply for the sake of making your message short.
1. Proper grammar
2. Correct spelling
3. Brevity
4. A clear heading
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
13
0
Your memo won't accomplish very much if your recipient can't read it or
doesn't understand your words. Even though your memo is short, take a
moment to make sure that your audience will be able to interpret what
you're trying to say.
Note that an essay is not a book report. Therefore, your thesis statement
should not be something inarguable, like: "Romeo and Juliet is a play about
the struggles of two lovers fated to be apart." Sure, you'll have an easy time
making your point, but your professor is bound to be unimpressed.
2) Stay on Topic
Even with a great thesis statement, it can be tough to make your essay
readable. There is usually so much information to deal with that you risk
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
15
0
Try this easy trick: once you've chosen your thesis statement, write it on a
sticky note and post it somewhere obvious. Then, every time you write
something, you can ask yourself: "Does this help to defend my thesis
statement?" If the answer is yes, you're in good shape. If not, go back and
reconsider where your argument is headed.
Sound confusing?
argument that supports your essay by refuting the potential thesis statement
of someone else. This tactic shows your professor that you're a strong
critical thinker because you'll have successfully contradicted a potential
argument against your own essay.
Finally, make sure that you order your arguments deliberately. Starting
with your weakest argument could bore your reader, but ending with it
could undermine the impact of your essay as a whole. Therefore, sandwich
your weakest arguments between your stronger ones. This way, you'll still
be able to make all of your points while really highlighting your best
arguments. Your reader will appreciate the effort you've made to keep your
essay captivating and convincing.
All of these topics are important because they help tell the story of your
business. A good business plan will answer all of the questions your
readers could have about your company, so it's best to make it as
comprehensive as you can.
A business plan needs to portray your organization accurately, but you still
must consider the intended audience. This is perhaps most necessary when
you plan to use yours to solicit funds from potential investors or venture
capitalists. People who may contribute financially to your business need to
see its value and growth potential. In this case, it's in your best interest to
use each section of your business plan to really showcase the positive
features of your company.
For example, in the marketing section of your business plan, you'll want to
talk about how many potential buyers you have and how you plan to reach
them effectively. Make your plan as detailed as possible. Use the
opportunity to show potential investors how well prepared you are and how
probable it is that your business will make a lot of money.
and if they're impressed with the content, they will be more likely to read
other sections of your business plan, as well.
It's also a great idea to include an executive summary at the very beginning
of your business plan. An executive summary is a brief overview of your
business plan's best features. For an attention-grabbing executive summary,
write about how great your products or services are, the market potential,
and your financial projections. It will help get your readers involved right
away and entice them to look more deeply into your business plan to learn
more about your company.
Each pair states one rule, but the first sentence is much more positive than
the second in both cases. Although you may feel negativity makes a
stronger statement, your employees may find it condescending and
oppressive. Choose to state things positively in your employee handbook
for a more content work force.
Of course, there are situations in which you must be negative. For example,
you'll want to discuss the repercussions for unacceptable employee
behavior in your handbook. In such a case, simply be direct about the
negative consequences of bad actions. Your employees will better
understand your disciplinary policies if you explain them in a
straightforward manner.
Remember that it's always good to include your incentive policies for good
behavior as well as your disciplinary action for bad behavior. Talking about
your company's employee rewards in your handbook will make the
negative parts a lot more palatable.
A very important note: make sure that spelling and grammar are 100%
correct throughout the entire document. Use the spelling and grammar
checkers in your word processor and have someone proofread your
employee handbook for you if you feel you can't catch all the mistakes
yourself. To get your meaning across and avoid misunderstandings, you
simply must correct every last grammar and spelling error.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
22
0
Of course, many people are not masters of the English language, but as an
employer who wants respect, it's best to make your handbook a reflection
of your demand for careful, thorough work. If you hold your employee
handbook to the same standard you hold your employees, you will find
your workers take their rules and their boss a lot more seriously.
1. Write an abstract/executive
summary
A well-researched grant proposal is quite lengthy. To get your readers
interested right away, include a one- or two-page abstract that highlights
the key points of your proposal. You should incorporate the following
items:
To show why your project needs funding, you must provide details about
the financial struggle of your organization. You must also clearly lay out
how much grant money you'll need and how you plan to spend every last
dollar. People won't give you money if they aren't confident you'll use it
wisely.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
25
0
Also, include any non-monetary resources that you plan to contribute, such
as labor and volunteer work. Your audience will recognize that contribution
as valuable, even if it isn't dollars and cents.
Of course, you must also remember to state your end of the bargain.
Include what you will do for the person signing your legal document.
Remember, each party is bound to have a fair amount of expectations from
the situation that requires your legal document. Think things through ahead
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
27
0
of time so you can be sure that you'll cover everyone's needs when it comes
to the writing phase.
2) Keep it Simple
Because the nature of a legal document is often complicated, it's best to
keep your language simple. To promote readability, use words that
everyone understands, not convoluted legal jargon or unnecessarily big
vocabulary. Keep your sentences short enough that your readers can easily
manage the information contained in each one.
In the event that your legal document does require a lot of legal-ese,"
consider hiring an actual lawyer. There will be consequences if you get it
wrong, so don't hesitate to spend the money if you aren't sure how to cover
all the bases of your legal document yourself.
Going over your work for a second look will invariably make your
document more readable, but it will also help you make sure you've
covered everything you need to. Legal documents serve important
purposes, so it is in your best interest to proofread your writing and review
your content to make sure it's complete.
For example, if your press release is about your quarterly profits, don't just
put: "The company's profits were $165,000 last quarter." Instead, give your
readers an idea of how big of a change that is. Try writing, "The company's
profits were $165,000 last quarter, a strong 27% increase from the previous
quarter." Provide some context for readers so that they can understand the
relevance of your facts.
When writing the facts into your press release, also try using language that
has an emotional connotation. "Feeling words" involve your audience more
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
33
0
personally and encourage them to keep reading. Using the above example,
try writing, "Our executive is proud to announce a 27% increase in profits
from the previous quarter." The word "proud" conveys a stronger message
than the facts alone; it tells your readers that you have really accomplished
something substantial.
2) Use Quotations
Your audience will identify more with your press release if they can
mentally attach a personality to it. If you can, include some interesting
quotations that apply to your facts. For example, if your organization held a
press conference, consider pulling some key phrases from the speaker's
address.
Using the same example we used previously, let's assume that your
company's president released a statement saying, "I am excited about our
company's future and confident our profits will continue to rise." Such a
dynamic, captivating statement should be added to your press release so
that your readers can benefit from the impact of the message, as well.
language to explain the details of your press release that's not a problem.
Just make sure you use everyday words whenever you can.
For example, if your company has won a prestigious award, try writing
something like: "Company ABC, the 2005 Garrison Award winner, is
pleased to announce the acquisition of XYZ Inc." If your organization is
involved in charity work, you could write: "In addition to shareholder
payouts, Company ABC also devotes resources to Children International
and Animal Rights causes."
Technical
Document
Technical documents often contain complex topics that can be difficult to
explain. To make sure your readers learn the most from your technical
document, check out some of the following tips:
Once you've clearly separated your ideas, decide on the most logical
sequence for your chapters. To figure out what the best order is, try
working backwards. For example, if one concept can't be explained without
first explaining three other concepts, make sure those three concepts'
chapters come first in your document. Keep working until your ideas are
listed in such a way that your readers have all of the knowledge they need
from one chapter to be ready for the next.
Imagine trying to teach a child to read without first teaching them the
alphabet. Without providing the fundamentals first, you wouldn't be able to
add on anything more complicated. It's the same with your technical
document. For increased understanding, give your audience the basics they
need first, so that they can better grasp the tougher concepts later.
If you're having trouble deciding if your document is easy enough for your
target audience to read, try asking a friend who could be a part of that
target audience. Once he or she reads it, you'll have a good idea whether or
not the language is simple enough.
To help people get the most from your technical document, remember that
the better they understand your concepts before they continue, the better
they'll understand other, more complicated concepts later on. Explain your
ideas clearly and review them at the end of chapter. You'll be rewarded
with educated readers who benefit from the expertise and effort put into
your technical document.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
38
0
A cover letter does not answer the question: "What experience do I have?"
Your resume does that. Instead of regurgitating your job history, use your
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
39
0
cover letter to talk about what you will bring to the company if you are the
successful candidate.
2) Do Your Homework
Not every employer is looking for the same set of skills. Therefore, one
cover letter will not work for every application. To really "wow" your
readers, treat every job opening as unique. Learn about the position you
want and tailor your cover letter accordingly.
To really grab the attention of your reader, include evidence that you know
a bit about the company for which you're applying. If you're applying for a
job at a college, for example, check out their website to see if they've won
any awards or if they have any notable programs. The hirers will be
encouraged to give you a chance if your cover letter says something like, "I
am impressed that your school has won the Huntley Academic Award, and
I would be honored to join such an illustrious team."
3) Advice on Formatting
To improve the readability of your cover letter, limit it to one page only,
including your contact information at the top of the page. Make your cover
letter very short, with concise paragraphs and plenty of white space left
over. You don't need to list every detail about yourself; just pick a few
things that really stand out and showcase them only.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
40
0
The font you use should be in a readable size (between 10 and 12 points),
and should exactly match the font you choose for your resume. Use the
same type of paper for both documents, as well. Your cover letter and
resume will look most professional if you present them as a matching set.
Do not use multiple or complicated fonts, and avoid using colored paper or
ink. A clean black typeface on stark white paper looks crisp, professional,
and desirable to read.
Remember, the physical look of your cover letter is just as important as its
content; each element reinforces the other, so take the time to make your
cover letter look and sound just right. It might mean landing your dream
job!
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
41
0
1) Plan Ahead
Without planning, your article is bound to come across as disorganized and
difficult to read. Even short articles require planning to be as readable as
possible.
Brainstorming is a great technique to help you figure out what topics you
want to cover in your article. From the ideas you get, decide which topics
are most important based on your intended article length. For example, if
youre writing an article about dancing, you could write about the many
types of dancing, dance classes, dance history the list goes on.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
42
0
If you want your article to delve deeply into one subject, make sure you
restrict yourself to only one of your brainstormed topics. If your article is
more of an overview, you have a bit more freedom with the number of
topics you choose.
You may find that youll have to brainstorm more than once to narrow
down your topics sufficiently. If you chose dance history from the above
example, you might brainstorm subtopics" such as the dance history of a
certain country, decade, or dance company. Again, depending on the aim of
your article, you might choose only one topic to explore or several.
Integrate the "short, short, and simple" rule into your articles and you are
guaranteed to have a much more readable result. Remember that the best
articles are informative and entertaining without being too wordy or
complicated.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
44
0
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
45
0
First, learn the correct usage of quotation marks in writing speech. It can be
difficult to follow dialogue in your book if these are used improperly. Make
sure that each person's speech is in quotation marks and on its own line.
Next, be careful about your paragraph length. Sometimes book writers get
carried away and make paragraphs much longer than they need to be. This
doesn't mean you need to truncate your ideas; just make sure that your
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
46
0
paragraphs are separated into manageable sizes that are easier for your
readers to digest.
To make a flow chart, start by writing down the first event (or idea) in your
book in its own little box on a sheet of paper. Every event gets its own box.
Next, write the events that result from the first event(s) in their own little
boxes, then connect the boxes with arrows. Keep going until all of the
events in your book are accounted for.
For best results, make your flow chart when you're still in the planning
stages of your book. It will help you visually decipher how you want your
book to flow, as well as which ideas you want to write about when. You'll
also have an easier time keeping track of how far you've progressed with
each element of your book, which will keep your writing organized and
easier to read in the long run.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
47
0
Also, consult your publisher about your ideas for the physical presentation
of your book. Your publisher will most certainly have some ideas of their
own, but don't be shy about adding your input. Often, you will have a
unique vision for the layout of your book that may appeal both to your
publisher and to your readers. Speak up with your publisher; together with
them and your editor, you may be on your way to writing the country's
newest bestseller!
Your business uses letters to correspond with your clients and suppliers,
advertise your products, and let your stakeholders know what's going on
with your company. Effective business letters will enhance the reputation
of your business, so take the time to learn how to write them well.
2) Keep it Concise
A business letter that drones on and on will not keep the attention of your
readers. Resist the temptation to over-explain yourself or overly praise the
virtues of your business, products, or services. Your audience simply will
not take the time to read a business letter that is too wordy.
To really get your message heard, find a shorter way to convey your
meaning. Explain yourself using short sentences with a couple of effective
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
49
0
Before printing, make sure that your ink cartridges are full, especially if
you require colored ink for your logo or a graphic. If you do not have
enough of the right colors, your words and pictures will look faded and
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
50
0
distorted. Having enough of the right inks will make your letters look sharp
and professional. If you're printing a large volume of letters (for a mass
mail-out, for example), consider going to a printer to make sure your letters
all turn out well.
In the eyes of your customers and suppliers, your business letters are a
reflection of your business practices. Therefore, take the time to make them
look professional. The result will be a more readable document that
produces better results for your business.
If you are selling something in particular, focus on that and don't give in to
the urge to promote other parts of your business. For example, if your
company is having a sale on living room furniture, use your sales letter to
talk about the quality of the furniture, the low prices, and to urge readers to
visit the store now. Don't waste valuable space by talking at length about
the appliances and lighting fixtures you also sell. Stick to the intent of your
sales letter to give it the most impact.
(Potential call-out: Stick to the intent of your sales letter to give it the most
impact.)
On the other hand, if you are using your sales letter to introduce your
business to a community, you'll have a bit of leeway to present your
business more generally. For example, if you are a realtor trying to get
customers in a new subdivision, it's best to talk very briefly about each of
your services (such as buying homes, selling homes, and legal services).
You won't be able to talk extensively about each part of your business, but
this method will motivate people to call you to learn more.
In fact, when writing your sales letter, count on the fact that your recipients
will not read the whole thing. To really grab their attention, you'll have to
make the most important words and phrases jump out at them. Try these
hints to keep your readers interested:
Make your most important words stand out by putting them in bold.
Don't overuse this, or your readers will stop noticing what's bolded.
Just choose a few key words or phrases that you really want to be
seen.
If you have a key sentence that really deserves some attention, put it
in bold all on its own. Only use this technique once or twice for
maximum impact.
Use exclamation points (!) occasionally. They'll make your reader sit
up and take notice, as long as they aren't overused.
3) Sell Yourself
Believing in what you're selling is the first step to having a great sales
letter. Your letter will be much more readable if you take the time to
describe your business with pizzazz.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
53
0
Tell your readers about your industry experience. Tell them why you are a
better choice than the competition. Tell them what they can expect by
choosing your business over others. Don't be modest! If you believe that
your company is great, you'll have a better chance of convincing your
readers, too. A strong representation of your company will motivate your
audience to trust you with their business.
1) Organization is Essential
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
54
0
To get the most out of your research, go through it and make a note of
which parts will work to support the arguments you are making. Try
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
55
0
labeling your arguments (i.e. argument A, argument B, etc.) and then put
the appropriate label next to the corresponding part of your research. You'll
have an easier time finding helpful data when you need it.
3) Always Proofread!
Proofreading is a critical step in the writing of your thesis or dissertation. It
may seem exhausting to you after the months you spent putting it all
together, but it is nevertheless necessary. Proofreading helps you eliminate
every last error from your document. It also gives you the opportunity to
reword any sentences you don't like the second time around.
Virtually all word processors now come with spelling and grammar
checkers, which you will find very helpful. However, these alone are not
enough. You must physically proofread your thesis or dissertation yourself
usually more than once to catch all of the typos and other errors that
happened along the way.
Sometimes, the sheer volume of your work can make it hard for you to
catch all of the errors. A fresh pair of eyes will certainly help you find more
mistakes. If you can, enlist the help of a trusted friend or colleague to
proofread your thesis or dissertation for you. They can help find errors and
suggest alternate wording for places where your writing is a bit awkward. If
you've got a little extra money, you can also hire a professional to do this
job for you.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
56
0
your blog for a headline. Something like "The Secret the Diamond Industry
Doesn't Want You to Know" will tempt your audience to read further.
"People with children need to choose the best school that's right for their
family."
Both sentences convey the same information, but the second sentence
narrows in on the audience reading your blog. Although it's tempting, there
is no point in trying to make your blog appeal to a broader audience by
using non-personal language. Remember that the people who are interested
in your topics will likely be your only readers, so direct your blog right at
them.
many words. For example, if your blog is about a supermarket sale, it's
better to make a list of what items are on sale instead of writing, "Lettuce,
cereal, frozen pizzas, toilet paper" A list clearly states relevant
information in a concise, easy-to-read fashion.
Make sure you keep your paragraphs short and put one line space between
them. It only takes a split second for a potential reader to decide if they'll
read your blog or not. One mass of text with a complicated font will not
appeal to your audience. Even an informative and entertaining blog will be
overlooked if it's too hard on the eyes. Remember, blogs that are more
readable enjoy larger and more loyal audiences.
a) Friendly service
b) No waiting
c) Satisfaction guarantee
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
61
0
4) Focus on Formatting
We've said it before, we'll say it again: do not put too much text into your
brochure. Too much text overwhelms your audience. It's better to have
some empty space to make your brochure easier on the eyes and give your
readers some room to digest what your business has to offer. Don't try to
cram more words in by using a tiny font size, either; your audience won't
be fooled!
In terms of font styles, be careful about how creative you get. In a brochure
it can be interesting to have a couple of unique-looking fonts, but too many
will take away from the overall effect. Try using a very simple font for
your body text and a slightly more "fun" font for your headlines.
Similarly, use caution with colors. It's great to have a nice background
color to accent your pictures and text, but one that's too loud will distract
readers from your brochure's message. Before sending your brochure to the
printers, experiment with color combinations and get the opinions of
colleagues you trust.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
62
0
Finally, consult your printers before choosing a paper type. The quality and
finish of the paper will affect the readability of your brochure. Ask for
advice about which finishes will look best with your brochure's colors,
pictures, and text. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for a sample before you
commit to a certain finish; your brochure is an important sales piece that
needs just the right look to showcase your business.
grammar errors negatively affect (and can even alter) the content of your
message.
In terms of the overall layout, keep both your sentences and your
paragraphs short. Long sentences and paragraphs can confuse and/or lose
the attention of readers. Also, remember to separate each paragraph with a
line space so that you don't overwhelm your recipient with one big block of
text.
If you are writing to a client or a supplier, you must use polite and
professional language. A paying customer usually expects respect and
courtesy. Similarly, a supplier needs to know that you are a trustworthy
customer, so it's best to keep those messages professional, as well. Slang
and casual language can be very off-putting to a client receiving an e-mail
from your business. Also, don't forget to say "please" and "thank you!"
If you are writing a colleague, bear in mind that it is still a work e-mail, and
therefore should maintain a certain level of decorum. Personal material
combined with business communication can weaken the impact of your
message. It's best to restrict the content of your business e-mails to
business-related information only.
have someone with an eagle eye go over your resume again to spot any
straggling errors.
Perfect spelling and grammar in your resume may seem obvious, but it
really can't be stressed enough. Your resume tells your future employers if
you're a quality worker. Anything less than top grammatical quality on
your resume will leave them with doubts. It's worth saying again: get your
spelling and grammar right!
The next item should be in the same format: position, company name, and
location on one line, with each detail separated by a dash. On the next line
should be a brief description of your duties at that job. Keep the format
identical throughout your resume so that your reader doesn't have trouble
figuring out what you're trying to say.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
67
0
For example, if you are a certified lifeguard, that fact will be crucial to
someone looking to hire a lifeguard. It may even be interesting to someone
looking for an employee with elements of that training, such as a childcare
provider. It will likely not be compelling to an employer looking for an
accountant.
This is not to say that your skills are not transferable. Most experience or
training can be translated into something useful to your reader. However,
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
68
0
you have such a small amount of space to impress your potential employer
that you must trim the details that will have the least likelihood of helping
you get the job. Remember, your resume reflects you as a professional, so
choose the details that show you're just the professional they need.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
69
0
Plain English
Business Writing
At the office, it's critical that you know how to write well. Businesses need
to hold their writing to the same high standard they demand of their
products and services. Your clients and suppliers judge you on your
documents, so read on to learn about making your business writing
competent and professional.
Before you print anything, invest in a good quality printer. The end result
will show whether you've used an old, cheap printer or a high-end machine,
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
70
0
so spend the money to make your documents look amazing. Also, make
sure your ink cartridges are full before printing. Your documents will be
harder to read if the ink is faded.
a) Separate your ideas with paragraphs. Keep your paragraphs short and to
the point, and make sure there is one line space in between each one.
b) Use headings when you can. Headings get an idea across right away and
encourage your readers to learn more about it.
2) Keep it Short
Passionate entrepreneurs often make the mistake of over-describing on
their websites. Yes, you do want to give your customers enough
information about your business. However, too many words or too many
web pages will be so daunting to them that they won't bother to read what
you've written. If you want to "wow" your website visitors, remember:
a) Short sentences
b) Short product/service descriptions
c) As few web pages as possible
What other tool can you use to make your words "pop"? Pictures! It may
surprise you, but interesting pictures persuade people to read what's on
your website. A picture takes less effort for your visitors to absorb, so the
right picture can capture their interest much more quickly than words.
Place relevant pictures close to your text to encourage a more captive
audience.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
74
0
4) Pack a Punch
Now that you know you've got to keep your website short and simple, you
must make the space you do have as attention-grabbing as possible. Pick
the best parts of your business and highlight them right on your homepage.
To decide which areas to write about, ask yourself the following questions:
Although there are no hard and fast rules about what to put on your
homepage, the above questions will get you thinking about what should be
there. It's much better to describe a couple of the strongest aspects of your
business than to overload your homepage with secondary information. Get
them interested right off the bat, and they'll stay to look at the details found
in other areas of your website. Remember, successful websites motivate
people to buy using the quality -- not the quantity -- of their words.
Help Me Write a Better ... (Insert here)
Published by http://www.LousyWriter.com
75
0
Misused Words
1) ACCEPTA%CE, ACCEPTATIO%.Acceptance is the act
of accepting; also favorable reception: as, The acceptance of a
gift, She sang with marked acceptance. Acceptation now means
the sense in which an expression is generally understood or
accepted.
66) HIRE, LET, LEASE.To hire means to obtain the use of;
to let, to give the use of. To lease means to give the use of by
lease. The owner of a house leases it; the person who occupies it
takes a lease of it.
68) I have more information to-day than I had before, said Mr.
Sheehan.
155) WAIT FOR, WAIT O%.To wait for means to await, as,
We will wait for you at the corner. To wait on means to attend on,
as, At dinner the women waited on the men.
incorrect to say, Walk like I walk, but one may say, He walks like
me, or He looks like his grandfather.
The End