Bottom-Line Thinking moves clients forward
Better Communications proudly announces its newest workshop for superior writers and thinkers, Bottom-Line Thinking (BLT). Learners in this workshop—ranging from business consultants and strategists to marketing analysts, senior sales professionals, and change leaders—develop logic and writing skills for creating persuasive, complex reports and proposals. The emphasis is on crafting winning solutions based on sound logic to sell ideas effectively. Contact us for more information.
Tips for success with voice mail
Write to the Top techniques can make voice mail work for you, too! Making sense of a rambling voice message can be even more annoying than wading through a dense, confusing e-mail message. To make your voice mail easier to create and easier to receive, use these simple but effective hints:
- Plan before you dial—know your key point, action request, and the best time/method for your listener to reach you.
- Give ‘em what they need first—give your name, a number where you can be reached, and then state your point, action requested, and deadline (if applicable).
- Stick to one topic—this makes it easier for recipients to deal with your message and to answer.
- Speak clearly—remember, your recipient doesn’t get your gestures or lip movements to help define your words. Repeat important phone numbers slowly so your listener can record them.
- Smile!—your voice will actually sound more energized and upbeat.
Did you know...
...we come to you, in person via e-learning webinars? Better Communications can help you save on travel expenditures by conducting workshops remotely or live at your site, anywhere across the U.S. and in locations worldwide.
Quote of Note
“We write frankly and fearlessly but then we ‘modify’ before we print.”
—Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi
Grammar goofs
Using “affect” vs. “effect”
When you are unsure which to use, try replacing the word with “result.” If it works, use “effect”; if not, use “affect.” A tip: remember that both “result” and “effect” have an “e” in the first syllable.
Example: “We’re still measuring the effects [results] of this campaign.”
Of course, there are some exceptions. As with most English grammar rules, this case is not as clear-cut as it first looks.
Occasionally, “effect” can be used as a verb, meaning “to accomplish.”
Example: “The new policy will effect change in the way we deal with customers.”
Technically, “affect” can also be used as a noun. It then means something like “feeling,” “emotion,” or even “tendency.” The word is rarely used this way.
Example: “The actress took on a very sad affect to play the role of the grieving widow.”
The difference between "me" & "I"
"Me" is an object—action is done to it. "I" is a subject—it acts. Here are some examples of correct usage:
“Between you and me...”
"The project was assigned to Louise, Allan, and me."
"Marcus and I went to the meeting."
Use "myself" to intensify meaning only when you already have referred to yourself in the sentence. If you are unsure whether to use “myself,” it’s best to leave it out.
Example: “I designed that program myself.”
Is there a grammar issue that constantly gives you trouble? E-mail info@bettercom.com and we could explain it in a future e-newsletter!
What’s new at BC—a revised book and new clients
Better Communications is proud to announce that the Instant-Answer Guide to Business Writing (iUniverse), an updated version of the Vest-Pocket Guide to Business Writing, will be available on Amazon.com by May 2003. All the sections on electronic communications are updated, including a new section on writing for the Web.
We’re delighted to welcome these new BC clients:
- AON Worldwide Consulting
- Basin Electric Power Cooperative
- BearingPoint (formerly KPMG Consulting)
- Bowne & Co., Inc.
- Mirant Mid-Atlantic, LLC
Until next time, keep writing!
Help us help you…what issues or challenges would you like to see covered in our newsletters? Tell us!
For more information on our in-house workshops, Open Seminars, or products and services, e-mail info@bettercom.com or visit our Web site: www.writetothetop.com.
