Is Your Writing Experiencing Technical Difficulties?
By Jane Watson

From a business writing perspective, personal computers are definitely a mixed blessing.

On the plus side, personal computers allow you to record your words faster than you can with a pencil, and the immediate visual display certainly beats the vacuum associated with dictating. In addition, it is easier and faster to revise copy than having to wait for someone to retype it. In many offices, the copy typing duties of the secretary are now deleted. Staff type their own correspondence and send it out themselves or hand it to the administrator to "pretty up." A saving in staff, time and money.

The downside is the amount of unprofessional material crossing managers', clients' and customer's desks. Because computers/printers turn what was once considered a "first draft" into a good-looking document, writers assume the content must be okay also and send it out-to the detriment of themselves and their organizations.

An excuse I hear constantly is: "I'm too busy to spend time trying to write clearly." However, poor writing-scattering information on a page, throwing in a few commas and running a spell check-creates misunderstandings, poor customer relations and lowers the professional image of both writers and their organizations.

A bad first impression takes a lot of time to undo-if you are even given the chance. So take the time to do it right. And do it well!

©2006, Jane Watson is dedicated to advancing business communications.
She is a consultant, author, keynoter and trainer and can be reached at jane@jwatsonassociates.com or (905) 820-9909.