Writing Tips Archives

Rules from Grade School

In a meeting yesterday, a potential new client said, "It drives me nuts when I see a sentence that ends with a preposition." It was another case of anxiety brought on by a misunderstood grammar rule, with the damage no doubt done by an excellent,… continue reading

Making Beautiful Music–A Lesson

My 11-year-old daughter attended the Japan-Seattle Suzuki International Institute this week, and I tagged along as her companion. Attending a class for parents, I picked up advice on how to help her practice and play her violin better. The session was led by a virtuoso… continue reading

How to Frustrate Readers

In our office and home, we just changed Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Going through the grueling process of understanding the new screen and procedures, I am reminded of three ways to frustrate readers: Avoid telling readers how to do the essential tasks of their lives.… continue reading

High-Risk Language

Nine days ago I went to pick up a batch of newly printed business cards. Unfortunately, the cards had been incorrectly printed and had to be redone. When the printer asked when I needed them, I responded, "No rush. I still have some." Because of… continue reading

Define Your Terms, Please

Here’s what happened to me yesterday. I was enjoying an excellent book on giving PowerPoint presentations when I came upon a term I wasn’t familiar with: wipes. I checked the book for a glossary—none existed. So I checked the index for wipes and found the… continue reading

Delete the Throat Clearing

When I started yesterday’s post, I dithered around for a while, typing in a few pompous sentences about the importance of ground rules. After a couple of minutes, I found my subject and got comfortably into it. Once there, I cut those first dull comments.… continue reading