The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition

Amazon.com

Composition teachers throughout the English-speaking world have been pushing this book on their students since it was first published in 1957. Co-author White later revised it, and it remains the most compact and lucid handbook we have for matters of basic principles of composition, grammar, word usage and misusage, and writing style.

Book Description

This is the braille version of the timeless reference book. According to the St. Louis Dispatch, this "excellent book, which should go off to college with every freshman, is recognized as the best book of its kind we have." It should be the ". . . daily companion of anyone who writes for a living and, for that matter, anyone who writes at all" (Greensboro Daily New). "No book in shorter space, with fewer words, will help any writer more than this persistent little volume" (The Boston Globe). Two volumes in braille.

Customer Reviews:

A very good tool.......2007-10-17

This book is an excellent tool for those who want to learn in a practical way the essentials of writing. Whether you write for science, art, or any other area of investigation; this book will help you giving tips and showing with detailed examples the most common situations while you write. I recommend the book to those who want writing as a way of expressing their ideas and to those who are not conformists and like to go further in life.

This book is: Easy to read, practical, and helpful.

The Elements of Style.......2007-09-25

The book was in wonderful condition. It arrived in a timely manner. I would buy from you again.

Great guide for writers of all ages.......2007-09-25

My son's teacher recommended this book when he was in middle school. He still refers to it in college as he pursues his writing career. My daughter needed her own copy for school because her brother wouldn't give his up! You really can't go wrong with this book.

Good book........2007-09-07

It is good book, but you might find some styles are repeating with other books. It is good to learn from this author, but I also suggest learn more from other authors, too.

Read it, Then Read It Again.......2007-09-06

This itsy bitsy tome is an ageless classic. I read it for the first time 20 years ago. Despite having never found grammar interesting before, I became hooked on the sharp little lessons. I read it again, to both delight and edification. And I'll read it once more, to remind myself of the rules that make English what it is and to smile at Prof. Strunk, long gone but very much alive in these pugnacious 80 pages. He's somehow managed to boil down the bones of the language and give you the absolute essentials. If you haven't read it, you're in for a treat and a pleasant surprise, especially if you don't care for grammar. This is truly short and sweet.

Public Relations Writing: Form and Style (with InfoTrac®)

Average customer rating:

Great PR Piece
good book

Public Relations Writing: Form and Style (with InfoTrac®)
Doug Newsom , and Jim Haynes
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

Exercise Workbook for Newsom/Haynes' Public Relations Writing: Form and Style (with InfoTrac), 7th

ASIN: 0534612962

Book Description

Write with understanding and purpose with PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING: FORM AND STYLE! With a practical approach, this communication text uses the principles and theories of public relations to provide you with the tools you need to improve your writing skills. Examples, illustrations, and end-of-chapter exercises give you the opportunity to see public relations in action. The book-specific website saves you time by providing you with exercises, tutorial quizzes, and web activities.

Customer Reviews:

Great PR Piece.......2005-10-05

This is a great PR book. It has all of the essentials for PR writing along with general PR information. I would highly recommend it if you want an in-depth study of the field, or just brush up on genereal info.

good book.......2002-08-12

As a Public Relations student, I found this book to be extremely helpful. It demonstrates the proper way to write so that you can lear effective style and techinque. I have found that this book, along with Guerilla PR Wired by Michael Levine, create the foundation for my studies.

People Styles At Work: Making Bad Relationships Good and Good Relationships Better

Average customer rating:

Clear and Concise Information You Can Use
Must read for every one...
you have to read it !
Could save your sanity, and maybe your job!
A method that really makes a difference in the workplace!

People Styles At Work: Making Bad Relationships Good and Good Relationships Better
Bolton Robert
Manufacturer: AMERICAN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Messages: The Communication Skills Book
The Portable MBA in Entrepreneurship

ASIN: 0814477232

Customer Reviews:

Clear and Concise Information You Can Use.......2006-10-10

I took a webinar based on this book and found the information presented intriguing enough to buy the book. It's a short read but filled with good, practical information. If there are certain people in your lives who rub you the wrong way, understanding how their style differs from yours could help to improve communication and make the relationship more effective and pleasant for both. This book was definitely worth reading and I've experienced benefits from it at work in a very short time.

Must read for every one..........2005-07-09

Of the several books I have studied on similar topics, this was one of the easiest to read through and apply. Although the title says People Styles at Work, it is equally applicable in personal life as well. The focus on studying behavior and inferring "style" from the same is much easier accomplished than trying to figure out the "temprament style" based on Myers Briggs.

The two dimensions of Assertiveness and Responsiveness, and the concept of above / below the middle for each of these dimensions gives 4 quadrants; one for each of the styles. This makes it convenient to understand the 4 styles, and also the shades within the styles.

I have benefited tremendously - if you are new to this topic it will serve you well to take notes as you read; create a cheat sheet of the characteristics for each style. Then for some time carry the cheat sheet with you, and refer to it often as you observe people's behaviors. Over a period of time, you will pickup the nuances of how to recognize the styles, and succeed in your interactions with others - despite them, and despite yourself... Enjoy!

you have to read it !.......2005-04-26

the book is simple and the ideas are easy to applicate in the every day life , i've tried the method and have good results - Read it if you have problem to communicate with some of your colleagues and you need to work with them

Could save your sanity, and maybe your job!.......2003-11-13

Highly recommended. Several years ago, I had a clash of personal styles between my boss and me. I thought she talked like a kindergarten teacher, and she felt that I came on like a steamroller. She was familiar with the methods discussed in this book, although she learned them during a seminar at a former employer. This book helped turn a bad working relationship into an excellent working relationship, and may have saved my job. I learned to "flex" to my boss's style (and to her credit, she flexed somewhat to mine). I reread the book from time to time and try to practice what I've learned. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is running into "people problems" on the job or elsewhere.

A method that really makes a difference in the workplace!.......2003-01-15

One the best book and method on the subject I have read so far, and I have read quite a few. There are 4 main Communication Styles, and the best thing is that only observable behaviors are used to categorize people in one style or another. No messing around with people's phsyche, and finally a very simple method to effectively relate to other people in the workplace.

I am using Communication Styles with all my direct reports, during meetings, etc. It allows me to convey clearly my messages, and at the same time overcome communication styles differences. This simple method does makes a difference in my daily work not only as a manager but also in communicating with my peers.

This book is a must have in your management library at home.

Business Grammar, Style & Usage: The Most Used Desk Reference for Articulate and Polished Business Writing and Speaking by Executives Worldwide
Average customer rating:

Influential communication

Great Book for Business Professionals

Business Grammar, Style & Usage: The Most Used Desk Reference for Articulate and Polished Business Writing and Speaking by Executives Worldwide
Alicia Abell
Manufacturer: Aspatore Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Elements of Business Writing: A Guide to Writing Clear, Concise Letters, Memos, Reports, Proposals, and Other Business Documents (Elements of Series)

The McGraw-Hill 36-Hour Course in Business Writing and Communication (36 Hour)

Effective Business Writing :(A Guide For Those who Write On the Job) 2nd Edition Revised And Updated

The Business Style Handbook: An A-to-Z Guide for Writing on the Job with Tips from Communications Experts at the Fortune 500

Business Writing: What Works, What Won't

ASIN: 158762026X

Book Description

Based on the actual writing and speaking styles of leading business executives worldwide, this book features easy-to-follow instructions and techniques for preparing polished written documents and writing and speaking in an articulate manner. Focusing on how leading business professionals really communicate, the basics of writing and speaking, including traditional grammar and speaking dos and don'ts, are covered. Examined are the particular styles in which business professionals communicate with each other and how to develop a personal professional style. Featured are special sections on writing memos, offer letters, e-mails, and other business documents that business professionals need to master.

Customer Reviews:

Influential communication .......2007-01-15

The contents of this book will assist all who use it to eliminate the common errors associated with daily communication. Great advice on e-mail brevity, selecting the proper word etc. Well worth reading.

Great Book for Business Professionals.......2004-06-18

This is the one book every business professional should have on (or near) their desk. It's concise nature lends itself to a perfect reference for writing and speaking in a very polished manner. Also especially helpful are the "do's and don'ts" of business grammar.

Franklin Covey Style Guide for Business and Technical Communication

Average customer rating:

Incredible style guide with CDROM
Franklin-Covey Style Guide Review
Franklin Covey Style Guide for Business and Technical Communication
Unfortunate
This Style Guide Has Everything!

Franklin Covey Style Guide for Business and Technical Communication
Frankin Covey Company , and Frankin Covey Company Staff
Manufacturer: Franklin Covey Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Management Mistakes and Successes

ASIN: 1883219825

Customer Reviews:

Incredible style guide with CDROM.......2007-05-07

I'm an instructor / developer with a large midwest insurance company. In that role, I teach writing skills to our employees. While I have many other style guides, this book by FranklinCovey is a delightful surprise. It has 440 magazine quality pages with vivid color illustrations, side bars, explanations, definitions, descriptions, and examples. If you're looking for a comprehensive style guide that you'll be happy with on your first purchase, make this book your first choice.

Franklin-Covey Style Guide Review.......2007-01-04

Since purchase in September, I have used my style guide almost daily and find it extremely useful in job as a technical/proposal editor.

Franklin Covey Style Guide for Business and Technical Communication.......2005-09-29

This was great just what I expected.

Unfortunate.......2005-07-21

This is a wonderful reference book. Unfortunately, it embodies a politically correct communication philosophy that makes it worthless. Don't waste your money. There are better reference books out there and they don't promote a polical/social philosoply.

This Style Guide Has Everything!.......2003-01-07

This book tells you how to do everything! It can be used by both students and professionals. This book has everything from how to properly use a comma to writing bibliographies; from how to use photographs in presentations and documents to writing resumes. This guide gives you hints on how to manage meetings effectively. I use this book at both work and home. People come to me to borrow this fantasic book constantly. I have the CD installed on my computer and love using the program - it is very user-friendly. I don't think any student or office should be without this wonderful tool.

Learning and Motivation Strategies: Your Guide to Success

Average customer rating:

Learning and Motivation Strategies: Your Guide to Success
Bruce W. Tuckman , Dennis Abry , and Dennis R. Smith
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0130330639

Write Right!: A Desktop Digest of Punctuation, Grammar, and Style, 4th Edition

Average customer rating:

You don't need it.
Good reference
Something Most All of Us Could Use
A Good Review for Good Writing
Relief for Beginners

Write Right!: A Desktop Digest of Punctuation, Grammar, and Style, 4th Edition
Jan Venolia
Manufacturer: TEN SPEED PRESS
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Binding: Paperback

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Kids Write Right?: What You Need to Be a Writing Powerhouse

ASIN: 1580083285

Book Description

In this age of electronic correspondence and self-produced documents, we need a useful and reliable writing guide more than ever. WRITE RIGHT! covers the essentials of good writing in a concise and easy-to-follow format. The new edition of this classic handbook takes you through the entire writing process, from understanding the parts of speech to constructing a correct sentence to fine-tuning the mechanics. And with clever drawings and amusing quotations to illustrate its points, WRITE RIGHT! shows that language can be fun as well as an effective communication tool. Whether it's used to find a quick answer to a nagging question or to develop stronger writing skills, this handy reference is the ideal resource for writers of all levels.

Customer Reviews:

You don't need it........2007-06-21

Limited. Almost useless. Didn't even answer the question of "Who/Whom usage" very clearly. The author wants you to follow her preferences in order to write better. Hey...thanks, but no thanks. I'll write my own way. And you should too. Forget the book.

Good reference.......2007-03-26

I keep this book on my desk for easy reference. Many times people have questions that can be found here in a jiffy. The basics are usually what trip people up. The book contains proper usage of often times miss-used words. Like "further and farther", "lie and lay" as well as verb tense and agreement. I recommend it for anyone who wants to use good grammer.

Something Most All of Us Could Use.......2007-02-15

I have both, Write Right! and Rewrite Right! in my essential writer's bookshelf, and use both often.

I love Jan Venolia's approach, info and style, and Lord knows we can nearly all use some help now and then with those pesky sentence fragments, spellings, and all the other horrors we confront daily in our quest to be not only read, but understood and enjoyed.

I've used Jan's sane advice in crafting both my books.

A Good Review for Good Writing.......2005-08-05

This is a simple, direct, concise review of basic grammar, indispensible for anyone with a short memory and a strong desire to write right. I purchased several copies so that I could give each member on my staff a copy for their desk with the instructions to read it and use it. It will be helpful to improve anyone's writing abilities. The contents are well organized and the examples are very helpful. This book is so good I sometimes use it for bedtime reading when I am preparing to write a special article so that I can do better.

Relief for Beginners.......2002-10-07

I'm just beginning to teach a freshman writing course at a local college for the first time. Although I have a master's degree in English, I should confess that I've used grammar by "feel." That is to say, I didn't know the rules, but I have read a lot, and I just wrote by instinct. I'm not defending this approach, just explaining!

So now I'm faced with the necessity of teaching grammar to my freshmen students. Alas! After a couple of embarrassing and week lectures, I went to the bookstore to get help. I spent about four hours looking for grammar books I could stand to read myself, and that would help me learn enough to teach my students. Most of the books were very technical and overly-detailed for me, and surely for my students as well. However, I found this book, along with a couple of others that were truly a relief in their clarity, fun approach, and pared down lessons.

So, for anyone else who's just starting out studying grammar, I highly recommend this book. It's simple, relevant, understandable, and whimsical. It's not scary, too technical, and too much information. I don't think you'll be disappointed, unless you really WANT to learn every detail.

Also, the other books I found that were helpful were Grammar for Smart People by Barry Tarshis, and The Everything Grammar and Style Book by Susan Thurman. There's another one called Woe is I that I didn't buy but am thinking about doing so. All of these even look fun, so I brought them in to show my students. I thought perhaps if they saw that grammar books don't have to be boring, boring, and more boring, they might someday possibly maybe consider thinking about buying one of them.

The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint: Pitching Out Corrupts Within, Second Edition
Average customer rating:

Tufte Should Stick to What He Knows

Tufte rails against PowerPoint (templates that is)

Funny and eye-opening, but very short

Force feed this to your "management team"

Tufte has it right when it comes to the drawbacks of PowerPoint.

The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint: Pitching Out Corrupts Within, Second Edition
Edward R. Tufte
Manufacturer: Graphics Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, 2nd edition

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Envisioning Information

Beautiful Evidence

ASIN: 0961392169

Customer Reviews:

Tufte Should Stick to What He Knows.......2007-08-22

I was first introduced to Tufte in Beautiful Evidence, which I stumbled upon in a B&N in Seattle on a business trip. I'm a software architect and developer; hence, I'm very familiar with the software world, particularly Microsoft technologies, which is where most of my development experience lies.

(I should say that I read this as part of the Beautiful Evidence book, which was good, but this part irritated me, so I'm glad it's separate here so I can review it separately.)

Certainly, Tufte has some good points about showing how PowerPoint can be limiting, and certainly PowerPoint has been abused. But that's no grounds to indict it as a useful tool, and in particular, 2007 gets a lot better in terms of empowering presenters to have more effective and visually interesting slides.

The point of PPT slides is simply to supplement a presentation by providing visual reinforcement of what is being said audibly. They shouldn't be used as a substitute for other means of communicating, which would include the possibility of a handout (interestingly enough, you can print out slides w/ space for notes to use as a handout, so it isn't an either-or option) or using some other software or even your hands to draw up and scan in visualizations that can't be done with PPT.

I think what bothered me more than anything was the ignorant indictment of the software industry as a whole. Tufte goes way out on a limb trying to extrapolate how we software creators must think based on the capabilities of PPT. There are plenty of other tools that provide other ways of visualizing information, and every year (or more often) we see advancements in tooling to help folks more effectively express data and ideas in digital format.

His rambling about the "hierarchical" structure of the corporate software world driving the development of software is simply ludicrous. More than any other industry, I'd say that software dev tends to be more open and more fluid in terms of both organization and methodology. We're a bunch of brainiacs, inventors, and artisans, and it comes naturally for us to try out new ideas and ways of doing even the most mundane of things.

So to sum up, as long as Tufte stays within his realm of expertise (which seems to be visualization of information/graphic design), he has a lot of quality ideas to offer. However, when he strays from that as he's done with his essay on PowerPoint, the value of his thoughts diminish exponentially. Stick with reading his other books that are in his area of expertise.

Tufte rails against PowerPoint (templates that is).......2007-06-26

This pdf is now part of the book Beautiful Evidence. Tufte goes after the bullet text methodology and templates that starve the audience for information. There is a lot that you may do with PowerPoint that can be effective forms of communication. Tufte shows what to avoid.

Funny and eye-opening, but very short.......2007-06-04

Very informative reading, and quite entertaining. For me, it's preaching to the converted, but it makes the point quite powerfully. The only downside is that it's a very thin pamphlet, not a real book. Get The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, 2nd edition for a larger and more satisfying dose.

Force feed this to your "management team".......2007-01-14

I have a friend whose ten-year-old daughter is required to give Powerpoint "reports" in class. Even before I read this pamphlet, the idea of the public schools positioning rhetoric as a Microsoft product struck me as revolting. After reading Tufte's brilliant and accurate dissection of how Powerpoint forces us into a kind of imitation of thinking, I am horrified.

I work on the fringe of the tech world, and I've had more than one boss demand that I reduce a coherent argument to bulletpoints "so it can be understood." Well, Powerpoint is to persuasion as comic books are to fiction -- the audience that demands it is simply entrenched in its own illiteracy. Tufte demonstrates persuasively that the Challenger disaster may have been caused -- yes, caused -- by the fact that the engineers discussed the project in the diction of "presentations." It's a large claim, and Tufte has the posthumous support of Richard Feynmann to back him up. Feynmann pointed to the facts that created the disaster; Tufte finds the core of bad thinking that let those facts control events.

If you use Powerpoint, you should read this pamphlet, also available as a chapter of Tufte's book, Beautiful Evidence. No tool should be allowed to control the nature of discourse the way Powerpoint does, and certainly no tool concieved, created, and used, with such willful lack of imagination and ignorance of the nature of communication.

Tufte has it right when it comes to the drawbacks of PowerPoint........2007-01-13

Edward Tufte gives a brief, excellent examination of how using Microsoft PowerPoint can easily lead to miscommunication and lazy thinking. The example of the infamous "Review of Test Data Indicates Conservatism for Tile Penetration" (Space Shuttle Columbia) slide alone makes this monograph worth purchasing.

When Words Collide w/ Infotrac: A Media Writer's Guide to Grammar and Style (Wadsworth Series in Mass Communication and Journalism)

Average customer rating:

The Answer to Beginner Grammarians' Nightmares
Great Grammar Guide for Everyone
A great, clear, easy guide to grammar rules,tricks and info.

When Words Collide w/ Infotrac: A Media Writer's Guide to Grammar and Style (Wadsworth Series in Mass Communication and Journalism)
Lauren Kessler , and Duncan McDonald
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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Writing for the Mass Media (6th Edition)
Public Relations Writing: Form & Style

ASIN: 053456206X

Book Description

WHEN WORDS COLLIDE is the most versatile grammar and usage handbook for beginning and continuing media writers. As a main text, the book is praised by students and professors for its straightforward, clear treatment of grammar, offered in a lighthearted, almost conversational tone. As a handbook, the text serves as a reference tool for students throughout their writing careers. It provides concise and clear explanations and examples, or a quick and accurate answer to a grammar or usage question. The unique 'from writer to writer' perspective engages students and guides them firsthand through the writing process.

Customer Reviews:

The Answer to Beginner Grammarians' Nightmares.......2004-04-09

This guide wittily walks its readers through the rules of English grammar, breaks down every principle, identifies the most common mistakes among writers and gives excellent insight on how to fix these errors. The last 37 pages (the Topical Guide to Grammar and Word Use) simply list every misconception or fallacy regarding word and punctuation misuse and give quick explanations on how to correct these frequent blunders. This book is an absolutely must for any undergraduate student and I recommend it to even the most professional grammarians. It should be considered beginner grammarians' Bible.

Great Grammar Guide for Everyone.......2001-03-30

This a great guide for all journalists or anyone who wants to use proper grammar and punctuation. This textbook is owned by every student in the journalism school where the two authors teach, which is where I first picked up this book. I've been working in PR for the last four years and have it sitting on my desk for reference whenever I want to know the proper use of underway vs. under way or bad vs. badly or some other frequently misused words and punctuation.

A great, clear, easy guide to grammar rules,tricks and info........1998-10-17

This book changed my life! I took a class in college from tbe author and this was the textbook. I have been in advertising and marketing for the past 12 years and I use this book all the time. It's so easy to use and the info is really clear.

The best part is a guide at tbe back that explains the distinctions between commonly misused words. For Example: farther/further (farther--physical distance-throw the ball farther and further --degree,time or quanity - discuss the issue further); since/because (since -- denotes a period of time -it's been many years since we've been together and because gives a reason or cause); irregardless(isn't a word) etc. I recommend this book to everyone--it's great.

Professional Writing Skills
Average customer rating:

Value-Add Resource

Writing Skills Matter

A Trained Thought

A Trained Thought

great tool

Professional Writing Skills
Janis Fisher Chan
Manufacturer: Advanced Communication Designs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Writing | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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The Classic Guide to Better Writing: Step-by-Step Techniques and Exercises to Write Simply, Clearly and Correctly

ASIN: 0963745549

Book Description

This book is essential for anyone who needs to write clear, concise letters, memos, reports, proposals or other business documents. A complete self-study program in a handy workbook format, it provides the same practical techniques and strategies Advanced Communication Designs instructors have taught to business and professional people since 1980. PROFESSIONAL WRITING SKILLS includes techniques for getting started, conveying the main point clearly, selecting and organizing information, using the right tone, using active, jargon-free language, and eliminating unnecessary words. Filled with practice exercises with immediate feedback, the book can be used for self-study or as the text for a class.

Customer Reviews:

Value-Add Resource.......2004-11-10

I manage a training and development "University" for a large corporation and have, over the years, purchased many different types of training resources including on-line classes, workshops, tutorials, and self-paced training manuals. I think that self-paced manuals work best because they save money, time, and get the best results. Instead of flying a trainer (or my employees) all over the country to meet together, they can work on the manual at their own desks. Also, instead of pulling our employees away from their clients or potential clients,they can work on a self-paced manual when they have some down time. In terms of results, I have found that when people complete a manual like this, they are more invested in their own learning and tend to retain more of what they have learned for longer. I have seen many other self-paced training manuals but have recommended this one because I think that the format is very user-friendly.

Writing Skills Matter.......2004-11-10

I am a scientific consultant and most of my work involves precise medical writing. It is essential that I display outstanding professional writing skills at all times. I focus on organizing and presenting information in a clear and consice manner. I am delighted with this professional writing skills book because it is an outstanding guide to improving written (and verbal) communication skills. Since I am continually trying to improve my written presentations, this book serves as an important learning and resource guide.

A Trained Thought.......2003-07-14

Professional Writing Skills is a step-by-step self-paced training program to improve business and professional writing skills. It trains you to organize your unclear thoughts and to arrange information in logical units. It guides you to develop your thoughts into a writing plan, and to compose a clear and effective writing plan. The book has numerous exercises. Let that not scare you! Only when you solve the exercises will you realize the common errors that you commit in business and professional writing.

Janis Fisher Chan and Diane Lutovich have trained people in business and professional writing skills. They are an integral part of Advanced Communication Designs, Inc., a training company that specializes in customized training courses in business and technical writing. They have also authored, "Grammar for Grownups", "Writing Performance Documentation", and "How to Write Reports and Proposals".

Business writing is unique by its content, style and purpose. It may include letters and reports to the clients, memos to the employees, request for information, product descriptions and so on. The authors warn, "Errors in grammar, or spelling conveys negative image of the company." Imagine the devastating effects of an incomplete report, misunderstood memo, or confusing information?

The book is neatly divided into six lessons. Each lesson begins with an introduction, an objective and what you need section. The core of each lesson discusses errors in professional writing by quoting a few examples. The authors provide easy to understand and implement guidelines to improve quality of professional writing. At the end of each lesson, extensive practice exercises and writing assignments are furnished.

The first training lesson educates you about effects of unclear communication caused due to ignoring the needs and interests of the audience. You need to decide whether you want to influence or inform the audience. The authors advise, "One of the most important steps you can take to increase the chances of readers getting your message is to look at what you're writing from the reader's point of view." A key sentence that expresses your most important message should be incorporated.

The next lesson teaches you to select the information and to organize them logically. Prepare a list of facts and ideas to accomplish the purpose for writing, and group them into key points. A summary sentence for each key point should be written effectively. The lesson also includes guidelines for composing clear and effective email messages.

In the third lesson, the authors guide you to write the first draft. Reviewing and revising your writing plan to overcome inconsistencies, and eliminating unnecessary information are discussed. An effective opening, simple and direct language always attracts the audience. Above all, writing becomes more readable when thoughts are connected.

The fourth lesson emphasizes on using language that communicates clearly and accurately. Pompous words and phrases, and jargons do not impress the audience. Hence, there is a need to use plain English. The authors opine, "The more precise and specific your language, the more information you give to readers and the easier it is for them to understand your message."

Further, the fifth lesson discusses the need to eliminate unnecessary words that slows down reading, and makes writing tedious and boring. The last lesson speaks about the importance of using correct sentence structures, punctuations and grammar. The authors suggest, "As a general rule, keep the average length of your sentences to 17-24 words, with only one or two thoughts per sentence. If you are using technical or unusual terms, drop the count to 15-18 words." Usually, a long sentence is difficult to comprehend.

Communication is a two-way channel. The receiver should receive and understand the message conveyed. It is important to write to suit needs and interests of the audience. The language for communication should be direct, jargon-free, plain and simple. It is also necessary to be able to organize tangled thoughts into clear logical units. On completing the book, I realized that I had improved my professional writing skills.

I recommend you work out the practice exercises and writing assignments at the end of each lesson. It reflects your weaknesses and highlights your strengths in business or professional writing. It increases your confidence in developing and writing any document - business or casual, formal or informal. Remember the saying, "Practice makes you perfect."

In all, this self-paced training program was fun!

A Trained Thought.......2003-07-14

In all, this self-paced training program was fun!

great tool.......2002-08-13

I found this book to be extremely helpful to me when I started my career in public relations. Reading Guerrilla PR Wired in conjunction to this book really gave me all the tools I needed. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in an industry where writing is a key component.

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