Quick Tip: Read Aloud!   

 

 

Try reading aloud what you've just written. It's one sure-fire way to edit your own writing and make it clearer and more readable.

 

When you read aloud, here's what you find:

 

        -        Phrases that don't make sense

        -        Typos that spell-check won't catch

        -        Words you've accidentally omitted

 

"As of today, our test metrics will not be posted online."

 

Oops. The writer meant the metrics will now be posted online.

 

"Your insurance benefits will become on November 1, 2012."

 

Oops. The writer meant will become effective on November 1, 2012.

 

Here's something else you'll find: sentences that are too long. If you run out of breath before you get to the end of a sentence, consider breaking it into two sentences.

 

Reading aloud is a simple thing to do, and it will make your business writing more readable, guaranteed.

 

If you're wondering how to do that at work--"Now what do you think I'm going to do? Sit here in my cubicle and read aloud? Everyone will think I'm talking to myself!"--find a conference room, a closet or a quiet moment when everyone who sits near you has gone off to meetings or to lunch. Or try whispering, instead of reading at full volume.

 

Your cubicle neighbors probably have headphones on anyway. They're not listening to you.