It happens so often that I have trouble believing it. People inadvertently reveal a little more than they want us to know about them. They post a confession and an apology: “Sorry for the incontinence.” Sure, we know (or at least we hope) that they’re really not apologizing for bladder problems. We’re hoping they really … Read more
Have a job where you find yourself saying the same things 150 times a day? Don’t lose sight of the fact that each time you do, it may be the first time your audience is hearing it. I think about that every time a cashier or an employee on a store’s PA mumbles “thank you … Read more
If you’re looking for a way to catch the attention of your audience and focus their full attention on your message, ask them a question that matters to them. Some people think that asking questions in headlines and opening statements is a bad idea. I once had a boss who became furious anytime anyone presented … Read more
Although the ampersand (that little “&” mark) can be handy now and then, it’s one of the most-misused tools in the punctuation toolbox. The ampersand serves as a graphic replacement for the word “and.” When used in graphic design, it can even be a thing of beauty — much prettier than those three letters it … Read more
People frequently send me questions about specific rules of grammar, syntax, and usage. Sometimes, clients will respond to something I’ve written by asking me if I know about a specific rule of language. Both groups are often surprised by my replies. There really aren’t any rules about writing — just personal preferences that the people … Read more
Many people confuse the plural and possessive forms of words, and I usually cut individuals some slack when they make the wrong choice. But when the world’s largest chain of ice cream shops does it in its advertising, I can’t let it go. This promotional piece for Baskin-Robbins suggests that we “Celebrate…The Holiday’s” with a … Read more
A good portion of my business comes from helping companies develop websites, so you won’t be surprised to learn that I believe creating a new site or redoing an existing one is a worthwhile investment. But I’m less enthusiastic about companies that see rolling out a new website as an exciting event for their customers. … Read more
We’d have a tough time surviving without quotation marks. As a famous writer once described, “Quotation marks allow us to identify what someone actually says, as opposed to simple statements being made by the writer.” Okay, I just made that quote up, but it illustrates one of the main reasons people use quotation marks. The … Read more
A quarter-century ago, when I started my business (in the days when nearly all websites were blue), I spent time in online groups that catered to the small-business crowd. I was looking for sound advice, but found little. One conundrum really seemed to vex visitors to those sites. “When writing about my business, should I … Read more
If you’ve ever lived in an apartment or a college dorm, you’re probably aware that toothpaste offers a fast and cheap way to hide nail holes and other small damage to the walls. Anyone who has ever tried to sell a house has probably heard that slapping a quick coat of paint on the walls … Read more