Reference no: EM133500020
Problem
Word Choice Practice: Dump the Clutter
When we note a Important Document, the process seems to trigger our most traditional and even old-fashioned instincts toward the formal and pretentious. Here are some phrases that are wordy, interfering with the reader's ability to absorb the big picture or even get through the document.
A. How would you replace the following? And what phrases can you add? Notice where your own wordiness comes from and consciously replace those phrases with more straightforward language every time you write. At this point in time In consideration of In a position to Reach a conclusion In view of the fact that It is important to note that Notwithstanding the fact that The manner in which Following the conclusion of In the event that Contrary to the assumption that In mitigation of The purpose of this document In a very real sense As a matter of fact At an early date In the use of
B. Write an Email to a Friend Who Writes Bad Emails
C. Explain to your friend why she should take more care with e-mail, and share the most important points you learned from this chapter about how to write them well.
D. Write a Complaint to a Person/Organization That Disappointed You.
E. Choose a business rather than personal situation. Write it strategically, using everything you've learned. Then wait a few days and reread it. Have you changed your perspective? Does the problem look different now? What effect did writing it out have on you?
F. Dumping the clutter in this list is easy, but don't underestimate the importance of word choice. We all make this, and most of us are oblivious to our own cliches. Do any of these sound familiar?
G. Since we have not discussed professional letters yet, I'd like you to concentrate on making your emails as persuasive as possible; show me that you understand what the textbook says about using the elements of persuasion. Your email will be graded on whether it convinces me that you mean what you are saying, and that I should see things your way.
You don't have to actually email anything; just upload the text as you would enter it in the body of your message.