Archive: Managing
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...
Researchers: Reading Bite-Size Bits of Information Hinders Our Thinking
The way many people read today — tapping, skimming, swiping – is affecting how well we process and remember information, says a neuroscientist who studies digital reading. Maryanne Wolf, author of Reader Come Home: the Reading Brain in a Digital World, says...
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...
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...
Be Persuasive: Present Your Request as a Future Commitment
If you want to persuade someone to do you a favor, you’re more likely to succeed if you present it as something that is a few weeks or months away. People usually don’t think clearly about future obligations. The issue is psychological distance. People have a...By Ken O’Quinn
Focus on Them
Perfect Phrases for Business Letters (McGraw-Hill)
TD at Work — Business Writing for Managers
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
Writing to Persuade: Where You Should Position Your Best Option
Positioning information can be an important factor when you are trying to persuade