Wisdom of the Word Spa
You may find these therapeutic guidelines helpful in your own writing.
No sentence should have more than three words of three syllables.
Who's the first person mentioned in your first paragraph?
(Hint: Is it you? Or is it your reader?)
"I am writing to tell you that your account..."
...should be...
"You may have noticed that your account..."
(Even better: "Your account...")
Grandfather said, "Don't hide the pork chops back where the broccoli should be."
If you have juicy facts, serve them first.
Wrong first line: "In these difficult economic conditions, it's important to identify new customers and new ways of approaching them to grow your business."
Right first line: "Spanish speakers will account for 13% of all online spending in the United States by 2011."
The word "make" is a sign that your sentence could be shorter.
"Make a list of the items" => "List the items"
"Make an adjustment to" => "Adjust"
If you can't start your sentence with the topic, then end with the topic, like the Monopoly racecar landing emphatically on Boardwalk.
"Reach as many voters as you can possibly find"
...should be...
"Reach every possible voter"
When selling, point out benefits first. Then explain details.
"I wanted to offer you the chance..."
...should always be...
"I want to offer you the chance..."
The past tense is the shy man's way of asking for a date: "I wanted to know if you'd go to dinner with me."
Better: "I want to know if you'll have dinner with me."
Better still: "Will you have dinner with me?"
The phrase "in nature" can always be cut.
"This guide is technical in nature" => "This is a technical guide"
Every long sentence needs a short sentence as its pal.
Why should a very long sentence like this one, with detailed agenda points and vital arguments, quite possibly using big words and three or four commas, be followed by a short and easy sentence? Because it works.
(See the inspiration)
The business buzzword "leverage" may be used no more than once per year. Budget wisely.
Alternatives: use, apply, manage
See Word Spa wisdom in action >>
