Sounding like yourself.
WHAT STYLE IS
Consistent choices about vocabulary, length and tone.
WHAT IT IS NOT
Decoration.
WHAT GOOD BUSINESS STYLE SOUNDS LIKE
A capable person explaining something clearly.
WHAT TO AVOID
Imitating formality you do not feel Corporate vocabulary Excessive informality in serious contexts
WHAT TO READ TO IMPROVE
Writing you find clear.
WHAT TO NOTICE IN IT
Sentence length How paragraphs open What is left out
WHAT TO PRACTISE
Writing the same thing shorter.
WHY
It forces choices about what matters.
WHAT TO DEVELOP
A consistent voice across your communications.
WHY CONSISTENCY
It builds recognition and trust.
WHAT TO ADJUST BY CONTEXT
Formality Detail Length
WHAT NOT TO ADJUST
Clarity.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FOR AN ORGANISATION
A short style guide.
WHAT IT SHOULD COVER
Terminology to use and avoid Formality expected How to refer to products and the company Formats for dates and numbers
WHY SHORT
Long guides are not read.
WHAT TO REVIEW
Your own writing from a year ago.
WHAT THAT REVEALS
Habits you did not notice.
