decide whether, and how, to revise it.
1.Eliminateredundantpairs
Common examples of redundant pairs include: full and complete, each and every, hopes and dreams, the whole entire, true and accurate, always and forever.
Example: For each and every book you purchase, you will receive a free bookmark.
Revision: For every book you purchase, you will receive a free bookmark
2.Deleteunnecessaryqualifiers
By deleting unnecessary qualifiers, you can often eliminate one or two words per sentence. Tweaks like this may not seem like much, but they can add up.
Example: Because a great many of the words in this sentence are basically unnecessary, it would really be a very good idea to edit somewhat for conciseness
Revision: Because many of the words in this sentence are unnecessary, we should edit it
3.Identifyandreduceprepositionalphrases
Overuse of prepositional phrases (which begin with words like "in," "for," "at," " on, " "through," and " over") can make a sentence clunky and unclear. Sometimes the easiest way to revise a wordy sentence is to ask yourself "What do I really mean here?"
Example: The reason for the failure of the basketball team of the University of North Carolina in the Final Four game against the team from Kansas was that on that day and at that time, some players were frequently unable to rebound the ball.
Revision: UNC’s basketball team lost the Final Four game against Kansas because it could not consistently rebound the ball.
4.Locateanddeleteunnecessarymodifiers
Sometimes the meaning of a word or phrase implies its modifier, making the modifier unnecessary.
Example: Do not try to anticipate in advance those events that will completely revolutionize society
In this example, “anticipate” already implies that something is in advance, and “revolutionize” already implies that something will be completely changed
Revision: Do not try to anticipate revolutionary events
decide whether, and how, to revise it.
5.Replaceaphrasewithaword
Many of us use phrases such as “In the event that” and “under circumstances in which” can be replaced with if ”It is necessary that” and “cannot be avoided” can be replaced with must or should.
Example: In the event that going out for the purpose of eating with them cannot be avoided, it is necessary that we first go to the ATM, in light of the fact that I am out of cash
Revision: If we must go out to eat with them, we should first go to the ATM because I am out of cash
6.Identifynegativesandchangethemto affirmatives
Expressing ideas in a negative form means you must use an extra word; it also makes readers work harder to figure out your meaning.
Example: If you do not have more than five years of experience, do not call for an interview if you have not already spoken to human resources.
Revision: Applicants with more than five years of experience can bypass human resources and call for an interview
2.Haveasimpleandclearsubject The Email Subject is the first thing that anyone reads (sees?) in any email and is often one of the factors that influence the recipient to open and read the emails. Whatever is said, most of the readers 'judge' the email by the 'Subject' line.
Examples: Subject: Quarterly revenue report | Includes analysis Subject: Our meeting @ <event> | Let's catch up! Subject: Request your presence at <event>
3.Beginwithapositivegreeting
If you are emailing someone for the first time, start the conversation with a positive note. A simple 'Good day from' or 'Good morning' can give the recipient a positive vibe.
Examples: Thanks for the great insights about <discussion topic> at <event name> It was a pleasure meeting you at <>
4.Statethebackground
If you are emailing someone for the first time, be sure to introduce yourself and state the background of the email You need to state how you know the recipient, and why you are contacting them. Be sure to mention the event name or your friend's name in the subject line if you ' re emailing a contact introduced by a friend.
Examples: It was great discussing with you about <>
I am emailing you to take <> forward. I am reaching to you about <>
5.MentiontheCTA
Every email is essentially a task list for someone. It either expects a response with some details or action from the recipient. In any case, mention the action expected by the recipient clearly in the email. This should be immediately after the core email where you state the purpose of the message.
Examples: Reply to the email with the following details. Can we meet for a coffee and discuss further?
Let me know a suitable time and contact details, to schedule a call regarding this.
6.Addclosingremarks
In addition to the CTA, add closing remarks to give that finishing touch to your email. Use simple sentences as in the sample below, without being too pushy.
Examples: 'Waiting for your positive response, to take it further'.
'Looking forward to work with you on this' 'Feel free to call me on ######, if you need more details'.
HOOKTHEMIN
Start with a headline that will catch the readers’ attention. Follow this up with an opening that immediately addresses what the report is about and why it matters.
ORGANISATION
Try to eliminate superfluous jargon that could alienate readers and have them switching off before you can win them back. Give us a clearly structured story and we'll always process it quicker and easier.
GOVISUAL
Use video to break up your text and get your point across. It's reported that 93% of internal communication professionals believe that video has become essential.
CHANGEITUP
You can also set them up as a company-specific social media network, or intranet portal. Think of it as a personalized Linkedin where your employees can see bite sized snippets of what's going on.
Here are some strategies to help you identify wordiness and decide whether what to use and how to revise it
1.They'revs.Theirvs.There
One's a contraction for "they are " (they're), one refers to something owned by a group (their), and one refers to a place (there). You know the difference among the three just make sure you triple check that you ' re using the right ones in the right places at the right times.
2.Yourvs.You're
The difference between these two is owning something versus actually being something:
You made it around the track in under a minute you ' re fast! How's your fast going? Are you getting hungry?
See the difference? "Your" is possessive and " you ' re " is a contraction of " you are. "
3.Itsvs.It's
This one tends to confuse even the best of writers. "Its" is possessive and "it's" is a contraction of "it is " Lots of people get tripped up because "it's" has an ' s after it, which normally means something is possessive. But in this case, it's actually a contraction.
4.IncompleteComparisons
Our car model is faster, better, stronger. Faster, better, stronger than what? What are you comparing your car to? A horse? A competitor's car? An older model?
When you ' re asserting that something should be compared to something else, make sure you always clarify what that something else is. Otherwise, it's impossible for your readers to discern what the comparison actually means.
Here are some strategies to help you identify wordiness and decide whether what to use and how to revise it
5.PassiveVoice
If you have a sentence with an object in it -- basically a noun that receives the action -- passive voice can happen to you. Passive happens when the object is put at the beginning of a sentence instead of at the end. With passive voice, your writing comes across as sounding weak and unclear.
6.DanglingModifiers
After declining for months, Jean tried a new tactic to increase ROI.
What exactly is declining for months? Jean? In reality, the sentence was trying to say that the ROI was declining not Jean. To fix this problem, try flipping around the sentence structure (though beware of passive voice):
Jean tried a new tactic to increase ROI after it had been declining for months.
7.ReferringtoaBrandorEntityas'They'
A business ethics professor made me aware of this mistake. "A business is not plural," he told our class. "Therefore, the business is not 'they.' It's 'it.'"
8.PossessiveNouns
Most possessive nouns will have an apostrophe -- but where you put that apostrophe can be confusing. Here's an example of possessive nouns used incorrectly:
All of the lizard's tails grew back. In this sentence, "all" implies there's more than one lizard, but the location of the apostrophe suggests there really is just one
Here are some strategies to help you identify wordiness and decide whether what to use and how to revise it
In this sentence, "all" implies there's more than one lizard, but the location of the apostrophe suggests there really is just one. Here are a few general rules to follow:
If the noun is plural, add the apostrophe after the s. For example: the dogs' bones. If the noun is singular and ends in s, you should also put the apostrophe after the s. For example: the dress' blue color. On the other hand, if the noun is singular and doesn't end in an s, you'll add the apostrophe before the s. For example: the lizard's tail.
9.Affectvs.Effect
Effect, with an " e, " isn't used as a verb the way "affect" is. When you ' re talking about the change itself -- the noun -- you'll use "effect."
That movie had a great effect on me.
When you ' re talking about the act of changing the verb you'll use "affect." That movie affected me greatly.
10.Mevs.I
Most people understand the difference between the two of these, until it comes time for them to use one in a sentence.
When you get done with that lab report, can you send it to Bill and I?
The sentence above is actually wrong, as proper as it sounds.
Try taking Bill out of that sentence -- it sounds weird, right? You would never ask someone to send something to "I" when he or she is done. The reason it sounds weird is because "I" is the object of that sentence and "I" should not be used in objects. In that situation, you'd use " me. "
When you get done with that lab report, can you send it to Bill and me?
Much better.
11.Tovs.Too
"To" is typically used before a noun or verb, and describes a destination, recipient, or action. Take these examples:
My friend drove me to my doctor's appointment (Destination) I sent the files to my boss. (Recipient) I'm going to get a cup of coffee. (Action)
"Too," on the other hand, is a word that's used as an alternative to "also" or " as well " It's also used to describe an adjective in extremes. Have a look:
My colleague, Sophia Bernazzani, writes for the HubSpot marketing blog, too. She, too, is vegan. We both think it's too cold outside.
12.i.e.vs.e.g.
"i.e." means "that is" or "in other words," while " e.g., " or "example given" means "for example" The former is used to clarify something you ' ve said, while the latter adds color to a story through an example.
13.Peekvs.Peakvs.Pique
Peek is taking a quick look at something -- like a sneak peek of a new film Peak is a sharp point like the peak of a mountain. And pique means to provoke or instigate you know, like your interest.
14.Whovs.That
When you ' re describing a person, be sure to use "who." When you ' re describing an object, use "that."
"Who" is used to identify a living pronoun. If you asked, "Who ate all of the cookies?" the answer could be a person, like myself ("I did"), or another living being ("the dog did").
"Whom" is usually used to describe someone who's receiving something, like a letter "To whom will it be addressed?" But it can also be used to describe someone on the receiving end of an action, like in this sentence:
Whom did we hire to join the podcast team?
"Whose" is used to assign ownership to someone.
"Who's," on the other hand, is used to identify a living being. It's a contraction for "who is "
16."Alot"vs.Alotvs.Allot
"Alot" is not a word. If you ' re trying to say that someone has a vast number of things, you'd say they have " a lot" of things. And if you ' re trying to say that you want to set aside a certain amount of money to buy something, you'd say you'll "allot" $20 to spend on gas.
17.Intovs.Into
"Into" indicates movement (Lindsay walked into the office) while "in to" is used in lots of situations because the individual words "to" and "in" are frequently used in other parts of a sentence. For example, "to" is often used with infinitive verbs (e.g. "to drive"). Or "in" can be used as part of a verb (e.g. "call in to a meeting").
18.Losevs.Loose
According to Merriam Webster, "lose" is a verb that means "to be unable to find (something or someone), to fail to win (a game, contest, etc.), or to fail to keep or hold (something wanted or valued)."
"Loose" is an adjective that means "not tightly fastened, attached, or held," like loose clothing or a loose tooth.
19.Thenvs.Than
My dinner was better then yours.
In the sentence above, "then" should be "than." Why? Because "than" is a conjunction used mainly to make comparisons -- like saying one thing was better "than" another. "Then" is mainly an adverb used to situate actions in time: We made dinner, and then we ate it.
20.Ofvs.Have
Since it's so common for us to throw around fake worlds like "shoulda," a mistake is an easy one to make "shoulda" sounds like a shortened version of "should of." But really, "shoulda" is short for "should have." See how it works in these sentences:
I should have done my laundry on Sunday. I could have taken a shorter route. I would have gone grocery shopping on Friday, if I had time.
So next time, instead of saying, "shoulda, woulda, coulda," you should probably say, "should've, would've, could've."
21.UseofCommas
To Separate Elements in a Series
Each element in a series should be separated by a comma. For example: "I brought a jacket, a blanket, and an umbrella to the park."
To Separate Independent Clauses
You can use commas to separate independent clauses that are joined by "and," "but," "for," " or, " " nor, " " so, " or "yet." For example, this sentence is correctly written: "My brother is very smart, and I've learned a lot from him."
"To assure " means to promise or say with confidence. For example, "I assure you that he's good at his job."
"To ensure " means to make certain. For example, "Ensure you ' re free when I visit next weekend."
Finally, "to insure" means to protect against risk by regularly paying an insurance company. For example, "I insure my car because the law requires it." Use "fewer" for things that are quantifiable, like "fewer M&Ms" or "fewer road trips." Use "less" for things that aren't quantifiable, like "less candy" and "less traveling." 24.Semicolons
Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses that, though they could stand on their own, are closely related. For example, you could use a semicolon in the sentence: "Call me tomorrow; I'll have an answer for you by then."
25.Complimentvs.Complement
If something "complements" something else, that means it completes it, enhances it, or makes it perfect. A wine selection can complement a meal, and two colors can complement each other. The word "compliment" is used to praise or express admiration for someone (as a verb)
26.Farthervs.Further
"Farther" is used more to refer to physical distances, while "further" is used more to refer to figurative and nonphysical distances.
The word "further" can also be used as an adjective or as an adverb to mean "additionally." For example, "I have no further questions."
27.EnDashvs.EmDash
Both " " and " " are versions of the dash: " " is the en dash, and " " or " " are both versions of the em dash. You can use either the en dash or the em dash to signify a break in a sentence or set off parenthetical statements.
The en dash can also be used to represent time spans or differentiation, such as, "That will take 5 10 minutes." The em dash, on the other hand, can be used to set off quotation sources, such as, "'To be, or not to be, that is the question.' — Shakespeare."
28.TitleCapitalization
1. 2 3. 4.
Capitalize the first and the last word.
Capitalize nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, and subordinate conjunctions.
Lowercase articles ("a," " an, " "the"), coordinating conjunctions, and prepositions.
Lowercase the 'to' in an infinitive ("I want to play guitar").
29.Betweenvs.Among
The word "between" is used to refer to two (or sometimes more) things that are clearly separated, and the word " among " is used to refer to things that aren't clearly separated because they're part of a group or mass of objects.
Here are some strategies to help you identify wordiness and decide whether what to use and how to revise it
Here are 58 ideas for creating compelling content
1. Write your headline first. Include a compelling reason why anyone should read your content. 2. Then write your subheads. These will help structure your post. 3. Don’t forget captions. People are more likely to read your captions than your copy, so don’t miss this opportunity to communicate! 4. Delight with your opening paragraph. Remember, your opening paragraph has to draw your readers into your story. Each sentence has to make them want to read the next. 5. Energize with your closing paragraph. Make sure you write a few kick ass lines that inspire your readers to take action or change their beliefs. 6. Create fascinating bullet points. Most people won’t read every word of your content. They’ll scan the headlines and the bullet points. 7. Don’t disappoint. Remember the compelling reason in your headline? Make sure you deliver on it. 8. Present a benefit in your headline. Everyone’s time is precious so how will you reward your readers for paying attention to your content? How will you make them feel better? 9. Command attention. You have less than a second to grab someone’s attention. So tickle the right brain and gain interest with power words such as doomed, failure, and lies (or more positive words such as inspiration and breakthrough).
10. Be specific. If your headline is generic, nobody will be interested. Get to specifics and people will react 11. Don’t try to be clever. Clever headlines are difficult to write, and even the good ones often fail.
12. Don’t try to be original for its own sake. Take your cue from professional copywriters, and use strong, proven structures to build your headlines around.
Here are 58 ideas for creating compelling content
13. Keep practicing. Write several headlines for each post. Study headlines of popular blogs, magazines, and newspapers. Practice. Every day.
14. Write with a purpose. Make sure you know what action you want your readers to take. Doing so will help structure your content.
15. Use sound bites. These are easy to remember, easy to quote nuggets of wisdom, just like proverbs. And haven’t generations of people remembered proverbs?
16. Avoid routine common sense. You won’t win reader loyalty with your breathtaking grasp of the obvious.
17. Surprise your readers. An element of the unexpected will make your reader pay attention. And when they pay attention, they’ll remember.
18. Add concrete details. They’ll help your readers picture your story.
19. Use vivid adjectives. Use adjectives and adverbs that are specific, sensory, or emotional. And ditch the bland adjectives that don’t add anything.
20. Use stories. They bring your message alive.
21. Make your readers feel something. Emotion makes people care and remember.
22. Use metaphors. They’ll help people understand what you’re trying to tell by relating it to something they know.
23. Use the rule of three. Our brains are wired to remember three things more easily. Why do you think we have three little pigs, three wise men, and three musketeers?
24. Use the word because. You should always give people a reason why they should take action, and using the word because is the most powerful way to do it.
25. Anticipate objections. No matter whether you are selling a product, a service or an idea, you have to address all objections of your readers.
Here are 58 ideas for creating compelling content 26. Create incentives to read on. Joe Sugarman calls these seeds of curiosity short phrases like Not only that … and But here comes the best part will keep readers moving through your content. 27. Use statistics. These add credibility to your story. 28. Sell with true benefits. True benefits connect with readers’ desires. Beware of fake benefits they’re the antidote to persuasion. 29. Be passionate. It’ll shine through. If you’re not passionate about your ideas or products or services, why should your readers bother to take action? 30. Show your readers the gap in their knowledge. Get them to pose questions that you’ll answer one by one. Each answer should lead them to pose the next question. 31. Beware the curse of knowledge. Don’t assume readers know everything you do about your topic. Try to get back into that beginner’s mind. 32. Write about what you know. Being persuasive is much easier when you know your stuff. 33. Engage the left and the right brain. Follow facts with stories or quotes. Use a blend of logical and emotional approaches. 34. Don’t sell before the prospect is ready. Educate your readers, inform them about your cause, and help solve their problems. Become a trusted source of information and your readers will more readily buy from you. 35. Have an impeccably clear call to action. Tell your readers exactly what you expect them to do next, and remind them why it’s in their best interest to buy, click or subscribe. 36. Understand your readers. Know their fears, dreams, and desires How can you engage with someone you don’t understand? 37. Don’t write for a large audience. Choose one person, picture him, and write to him as if he’s a friend.
Here are 58 ideas for creating compelling content 38. Use a conversational tone of voice. Nobody wants to chat with a company 39. Be engaging. Using the word you is the most powerful way to be more engaging. 40. Be remarkable. So much content is out there, how can you stand out? Disclose your point of view, tell your personal story, and develop your own writing voice. If your readers feel they know you, they will connect with you. 41. Use familiar language. Check Twitter, Facebook or Google’s Keyword Tool — and find the wording your readers use. 42. Avoid jargon. Always choose the simplest possible expression of your idea. Avoid obscure words. 43. Don’t insult your readers. Being clear doesn’t mean you have to tell your readers things they already know. 44. Be likable. Do great things for your readers, help them out, and be generous. It’s obvious, isn’t it? 45. Plan ahead. Give yourself time to let your first draft rest. 46. Read your text backwards. This is the best way to spot typos. 47. Use a spell checker. You do that already, don’t you? 48. Proofread on paper. You’re less likely to skim the text. 49. Read your text aloud. You’ll find where you stumble. 50. Simplify. Remember your purpose? Cut all ideas that are irrelevant. 51. Know the common mistakes that will make you look silly. Check your there’s and theirs, your complements and compliments, and your thens and thans.
Here are 58 ideas for creating compelling content
52. Scrap vapid clichés. David Meerman Scott calls these gobbledygook: Words or phrases without a real meaning, such as synergistic, best-inclass, and too good to be true. Each word should have a meaning that adds to your readers’ understanding.
53. Shorten your first sentence. Short sentences are more likely to draw readers into your content. And don’t forget, the only purpose of the first sentence is to make people read the second sentence.
54. Scrap redundant sentences. If a sentence doesn’t add to your story, it’s unnecessary. Remember, saying the same thing twice in different ways is needless. Don’t repeat the same thing using different words. (See how boring and irritating that is?)
55. Cut excessive words. Read each sentence carefully and delete each word that isn’t necessary. Words you can almost always delete include: ought, perhaps, in my opinion, just, actually, truly, and very.
56. Replace complicated words with simple words. Do you want your content to be difficult to read? Cut long words and replace them with shorter ones.
57. Check your engagement level. Is your content focused on your readers? Count the number of times you’ve used I and me versus you.
58. Now, go back to your headline. Have you delivered on your promise? Will your readers benefit from reading your content?
read more here: UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center. (2021, September 23). Writing Concisely –. The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips and tools/conciseness handout/ How to write an effective email with examples (+tips) - Zoho Mail. (n.d.). Zoho. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www zoho com/mail/how to/write an email html Writing a memorandum | Learning Hub. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.learninghub.ac.nz/writing/writing/writing-amemorandum/ Howard, G. (2020, June 23). How to write internal reports that people will actually want to read. Flaunter - Help Connect Your Images and Products With the Best Journalists, Bloggers, Influencers & Stylists. https://www.flaunter.com/blog/internal reports/ Henneke. (2012, April 16). 58 Ways to Create Persuasive Content Your Audience Will Love. Copyblogger. https://copyblogger.com/persuasive content marketing/
