Business communications
Most key business functions are assigned to specialists, that is, professionals with specific training, talent, and experience in their field.
When it comes to writing, however, many companies often choose to write their own literature. Often, the rationale is that 'no one knows this material like I do' or 'there isn't time to bring someone new up to speed.'
Yet, the perception that 'no one else understands this like you,' should give you reason to pause. Most likely, your goal is precisely that more people should understand your message, product, or service.
I have two decades of experience and can provide a variety of technical and marketing communications services including:
- writing
- editing
- Web content development
- Website quality assurance/testing
- and corporate presentation services.
I have worked with a wide range of clients including:
- entrepreneurs
- start-up companies
- high technology companies
- Fortune 500 companies.
Written projects always involve a degree of collaboration. If you are considering working with us, it is helpful for you to understand how we work and think.
Guiding Principles of Writing (ABCs of Communication)
Accuracy
Our first obligation is to the truth. What I write is true and accurate to the best of my ability to determine it. Why should the reader believe what I write? What are good sources of credibility?Writing requires credibility. Good sources when making the case for credibility are:
- names
- titles
- products
- statistics
- surveys
- pictures
- graphs
- charts
I look to minimize overstatements, generalizations and cliches. For example, words such as 'very,' and 'unique,' must be used carefully. Use of this kind of word requires proof. (If something is 'taller,' then it must be taller than something. What? If something is the 'tallest,' then, how tall is it?)
It is a good thing to have readers identify inaccuracies in your writing. To identfy inaccuracies (i.e., to learn something you didn't know before) is not simply a good reason to read, it is a good reason to write.
Brevity
Once the writing is as accurate as I can make it, the next step is to make it as brief as possible. Reading for work-related projects isn't supposed to be fun. (That's why they call it, 'work.') I try to do readers a favor by making it as easy to read as possible.If you think writing business reports and memos is difficult, tiring work, imagine what it is like to read them.
If something doesn't add, it subtracts.
Clarity
Once the writing is as accurate and as brief as I can make it, the next step is to see if it can be made clearer. I try to put myself in the place of the readers. The readers do not know where the writer is taking them. The approach and the progression must be organized and logical. I minimize jargon. It rarely adds anything to writing. I ask myself, "What does this mean?"Detail
Detail is related to accuracy (i.e., proof) and clarity (i.e., explanation) and is traded for brevity, when necessary.Emphasis
I want to help the reader understand what is important.Form
Form is related to clarity and emphasis. Ideas should be in a form that makes it easier for the reader to follow my thoughts (e.g., lists, tables or diagrams).Grammar
I try to be consistent. I have a couple of good refence books on style and grammar—and I'm not afraid to use them.
Back to top of page.Web testing and quality assurance
Testing projects involve planning, careful documentation and attention to detail. If you are considering working with us, it is important that you understand how we approach testing projects.Our key sources are:
- Carnegie-Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Web site, in particular, their human-computer interface (HCI) guidelines
- Designing Interfaces by Jennifer Tidwell
- years of experience