Tag Archives: Concise

More Workplace Writing Power Points

By Phil Stella | Published: July 4, 2016

Several months ago, we launched a new feature of brief Workplace Writing ‘Power Points’. Going forward, we’ll share more of these simple tips to help your writing pass the ‘7-C Test’  and become more Clear, Conversational, Concise, Consistent, Credible, Compelling & Correct. Read More »

Now that’s Really a Dumb Question

By Phil Stella | Published: May 5, 2014

You know that old adage, ‘There’s no such thing as a dumb question’? Sorry to spoil your fantasy, but that’s wrong. There are plenty of dumb questions. Three of my faves are:

1. Excuse me, do you know what time it is?   2. Hey Mister, got any spare change?   3. Honey, do you want to take out the trash?
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Give Your Text a Break with Text Breakers

By Phil Stella | Published: April 1, 2013

White space makes your emails and other documents easier to read, understand and use. Avoid long paragraphs by breaking them into shorter ones or converting them with Text Breaker numbers, letters or bullets. Also, consider using bold or underlined text for emphasizing keywords. Text Breakers also enable you to eliminate unnecessary words and phrases.

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Stop using ASAP!

By Phil Stella | Published: March 1, 2013

If you’ve been reading the periodic articles on business writing techniques and strategies found here, you’ve encountered one of my favorite rants – ‘Specific beats Vague’. So, whenever you have a choice between a vague word, like ‘several’ and a specific word like ‘four’, opt for the specific word.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with using ‘several, your reader assumes you know the real number and wonders why you didn’t use it instead. When you use an undefined word, your readers will define it for you … and likely not the way you would have defined it.

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