BizWritingTip reader: “When I am writing about a report, should I put quotation marks around the title?” BizWritingTip response: When referring to completed reports, books, magazines, newspapers, or pamphlets, you should bold or italicize the title. Never use more than one design technique. Examples I need to replace my copy of the Paperback Oxford Canadian Dictionary. […]
Writing Style – Noon and Midnight
in StyleBizWritingTip reader: “How do you record the time between 11:59 a.m. and 12:01 p.m.? Is there a standard other than 12 noon or should it be avoided by altering the time either way by a minute or two?” BizWritingTip response: This is a question many writers struggle with. But it is actually quite simple. When […]
Grammar Tip – Possessive With Names
in GrammarBizWritingTip reader: “Can you explain the use of apostrophes with words ending in ‘s’? I often forget, e.g., Louis Braille’s system of writing or Louis’ system.” BizWritingTip response: This is a grammar issue that has many writers baffled. But you are correct with your suggestions. To make singular or plural nouns that do not already […]
Time Management — Getting Back Control of Your Life
in Resources, Time ManagementTime management is essential. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night wondering how you are going to fit the 10 hours of job duties into the 8 hours for which you are being compensated? And then knowing that you will get still more work as the day progresses. The 10 hours […]
Proposal Writing: Essential Skill for All Organizations
in Business Writing Tips, ResourcesIn the spring of 2010, Immigration Canada put out a call for proposals to agencies across Canada that provide immigration services. It received over 600 applications. These proposals were particularly important this year as the amount of money to be distributed across the country was considerably less. In other words, the pie was a lot […]
10 Ways to Implement a Successful Companywide Business Writing Training Program
in Articles, Business Writing Tips, ResourcesMany companies over the past few years have introduced business writing training programs to improve the quality of the letters, reports and emails of their staff. Some programs have been enormously successful; others have fizzled. The reason: employees will change only if senior management is thoroughly sold on the need for change and announces that […]
12 Ways to Increase the Readability of Your Business Documents
in Business Writing Tips, ResourcesThe first step in creating a reader-friendly document is not writing style as many people would expect. It is the layout of the page or screen. If a document appears difficult to read because of the font, print density and lack of organization, you will immediately reduce its readability. Based on research, reading tests and […]
Information/Fun – UP – The Most Versatile Word in The Dictionary
in -Latest, Feature Article, Word ChoiceAs this is the last BizWritingTip for 2011, I wanted to leave you with a smile. Debbie sent me this entertaining message on the word UP. Hope you enjoy it. UP – The Most Versatile Word in The Dictionary This two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is UP. It is listed in […]
Word Choice – May/Might and Can/Could
in Word ChoiceBizWritingTip reader: “Do you have anything on ‘may’ and ‘might’? I think there are some parallels with ‘can’ and ‘could.’ ” BizWritingTip response: “May” and “might” imply permission or possibility. “Might” is also the past tense of “may.” Examples The report may be accurate. (Possibility) You may call me tomorrow to set up an appointment. (Permission) He said he might have […]
Writing Style – Titles and Punctuation
in StyleBizWritingTip reader: “When I am writing about a report, should I put quotation marks around the title?” BizWritingTip response: When referring to completed reports, books, magazines, newspapers, or pamphlets, you should bold or italicize the title. Never use more than one design technique. Examples I need to replace my copy of the Paperback Oxford Canadian Dictionary. […]
Grammar Tip – a.m. and p.m.
in GrammarBizWritingTip reader: “I noticed in your last tip that you used a.m. instead of AM. Was there a reason for this?” BizWritingTip response: According to both the Oxford Canadian Dictionary and The Canadian Press Stylebook, the designations for morning and afternoon are written in the lowercase with periods between each letter. Examples 10 a.m. 3:15 p.m. Note: There […]