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For Emphasis, Save Strong Words for the End
Simple and direct is the reliable go-to sentence structure of English, but if you edit closely and notice that certain words in a sentence create important emphasis, rearrange the order to position those words at the end. Positioning words for emphasis, so that you...
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Researchers: Reading Bite-Size Bits of Information Hinders Our Thinking
Historically, humans have developed the brain capacity for “deep reading,” that is, processing information, relating it to our existing knowledge, and asking questions about the material. But digital readers, jumping from one snippet to another, are losing the ability to think carefully and remember, according to researchers.
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“C” Words are an Effective Way to Judge Writing
Ask people for words starting with "c" that describe good writing, and they will quickly toss out clear and concise, which are the backbone of good writing. But other important qualities also begin with "c." Cohesive -- When you breeze through a message without...
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Is it More Persuasive to Give Both Sides of the Argument?
When you want to convince someone that your point of view stronger than someone else's, you might avoid mentioning any opposing opinions. After all, that would give people an opportunity to consider those views. But research shows that mentioning an opposing argument...
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Writing in Style for Business
People sometimes try to justify they way they write by saying, "that's my style," but in business communication, clarity and economy of language take precedence. Style refers to how writers present themselves on the page: the words they choose, the length and...
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Accomplishments or Potential to Achieve: Which is More Persuasive?
If you want to persuade your superior to promote you over someone else, you could emphasize what you have accomplished, or perhaps something else might be more convincing. It's seems intuitive: By highlighting achievements, you assume you will reduce an audience's...
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Using “and” and “but”: Connecting Words Make a Difference
Conjunctions, such as and, but, or, and so, can make a difference in the meaning of your sentence. Be sure to choose the right one. Conjunctions are connecting words that express a relationship between two elements (words, clauses, or phrases). You tend to pay little...
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Persuasion: Make Your Expertise Known
If you are trying to persuade someone on a topic that you are knowledgeable about, convey your expertise up front. People who try to make a decision while listening to expert advice often stop analyzing and simply accept the recommendation. People often seek expertise...
read moreBy Ken O’Quinn
As a contributing author in this book on leadership, Ken offers insights and tips for managing difficult conversations, providing effective feedback, and being authentic. Order here.
Perfect Phrases for Business Letters (McGraw-Hill)
Provides the right words and phrases for any situation - quickly. The book was reprinted in Japanese because of high-volume sales there.
TD at Work — Business Writing for Managers
The Association for Talent Development invited Ken to write this 22-page booklet for the TD at Work series.
Current Blog Post
For Emphasis, Save Strong Words for the End
Simple and direct is the reliable go-to sentence structure of English, but if you edit closely and notice that certain …