PPT
Module 7 Positive Emphasis Updated by: Eng. Rana AlQurem
McGraw-Hill/Irwin McGraw-Hill/Irwin
Copyright Š 2011 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Positive Emphasis You can create positive emphasis with: words information organization layout you choose.
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Some Negatives Are Necessary In the situations where negatives are necessary, be tactful in how you present negatives. We use negatives to: 1. build credibility when giving bad news. 2. help people to take a problem seriously. 3. deliver a rebuke with no alternative.
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To Create Positive Emphasis Avoid negative words. Focus on what the reader can do. Justify a negative—give a reason or link it to a reader benefit.
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To Create Positive Emphasis continued
Omit unimportant negatives. Put the negative in the middle and present it compactly.
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Some Common Negative Words Afraid Bad Careless Delay Delinquent Deny Difficulty Error
Fail Fault Loss Misfortune Mistake Neglect Never No
Problem Reject Sorry Terrible Trivial Wrong Unfair Unfortunate
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Positive Emphasis Examples Replace negative words with positive words
Negative: We have failed to take inventory. Better: We will be finished taking inventory Friday. Use specifics to be both positive and accurate
Negative: This exercycle is not guaranteed for life. Better: This exercycle is guaranteed for 10 years.
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Positive Emphasis Examples Omit double negatives
Negative: Do not forget to back up your disks. Better: Always back up your disks. Focus on what the reader can do
Negative: We will not allow you to charge more than $1,500 on your VISA card. Better: You can charge $1,500 on your VISA card.
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Positive Emphasis Examples Beware of hidden negatives
Negative: Now Crispy Crunch tastes better. Better: Now Crispy Crunch tastes even better. Omit unimportant negatives
Negative: If you are not satisfied with Interstate Fidelity Insurance, you do not have to renew your policy. Better: Omit the sentence.
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Using Positive Emphasis Ethically The methods to achieve positive emphasis can be misused, so be careful when using them. Don’t omit necessary details. Focus on what the reader can do rather than on limitations only when the situation is appropriate. Presenting information in type large enough to be read easily. Don’t hide meaning by using less common terms.