Communicating in an abbreviated fashion on mobile devices has changed the dynamic of human interaction. I can accept that. In fact, I’ve often caught myself exchanging messages using short form. I do this mostly to show my kids that I’m up on pop culture (they still don’t buy it.)
We’re all busy these days so using an abbreviated and coded vocabulary does enable us to communicate messages in short bursts from a mobile device. However, the texting vernacular will never override the value of clear, concise, and properly punctuated content. Even the laid-back people of Rio de Janeiro seem to recognize the importance of proper written communication as they have recently implemented a grammar hotline. Forget looking up a word online or in a dictionary, they just go to the phone for editorial help.
When you apply for jobs, most hiring managers are interested in people who have the ability to communicate verbally and in writing. On a resume, you will likely state that you communicate well so you better be able to.
Early in my writing career I had the benefit of learning from some excellent writers. They each might have had their own voice and style, but the common thread among all of them was the importance of communicating to your audience. Who will be reading your messages or content? What is your readers’ level of understanding of the material? Will your readers be able to accurately respond or act on your message based on what you have written?
No matter what you do professionally, you will do some writing (email, business letters, reports, instructions, etc). Consequently, this means that you will need to make an effort to learn and sharpen your writing skills.
One of the best things you can do to improve your writing is to slow down. I know that we’re all in a hurry these days, but rushing through a writing task (even an email) can make you appear as someone who is careless. If the quality and professionalism of your written messages is sloppy, superiors and co-workers will wonder how much attention you give to other aspects of your job.
Take time to proof your message. Spellchecker can only do so much. It won’t catch words that are spelled correctly, but used in the wrong context. You would be surprised at the number of times you use the word “you” instead of “your” or “and” for “an.” These are common errors, but they do make your writing look sloppy and unprofessional. One way to catch these kinds of errors is to read through your message backwards.
Spend some time learning how to use the words affect vs. effect, principal vs. principle, and your vs. you’re to name a few. There are a lot of words that sound the same but have completely different meanings. Yes, it will slow your writing process when you have to look up these words, but that’s better than appearing unprofessional or having someone misread your message. Visit
Nexxt for an extensive resource of job opportunities, career seeking solutions, and career advancement tips.
We’re all busy these days so using an abbreviated and coded vocabulary does enable us to communicate messages in short bursts from a mobile device. However, the texting vernacular will never override the value of clear, concise, and properly punctuated content. Even the laid-back people of Rio de Janeiro seem to recognize the importance of proper written communication as they have recently implemented a grammar hotline. Forget looking up a word online or in a dictionary, they just go to the phone for editorial help.
When you apply for jobs, most hiring managers are interested in people who have the ability to communicate verbally and in writing. On a resume, you will likely state that you communicate well so you better be able to.
Early in my writing career I had the benefit of learning from some excellent writers. They each might have had their own voice and style, but the common thread among all of them was the importance of communicating to your audience. Who will be reading your messages or content? What is your readers’ level of understanding of the material? Will your readers be able to accurately respond or act on your message based on what you have written?
No matter what you do professionally, you will do some writing (email, business letters, reports, instructions, etc). Consequently, this means that you will need to make an effort to learn and sharpen your writing skills.
One of the best things you can do to improve your writing is to slow down. I know that we’re all in a hurry these days, but rushing through a writing task (even an email) can make you appear as someone who is careless. If the quality and professionalism of your written messages is sloppy, superiors and co-workers will wonder how much attention you give to other aspects of your job.
Take time to proof your message. Spellchecker can only do so much. It won’t catch words that are spelled correctly, but used in the wrong context. You would be surprised at the number of times you use the word “you” instead of “your” or “and” for “an.” These are common errors, but they do make your writing look sloppy and unprofessional. One way to catch these kinds of errors is to read through your message backwards.
Spend some time learning how to use the words affect vs. effect, principal vs. principle, and your vs. you’re to name a few. There are a lot of words that sound the same but have completely different meanings. Yes, it will slow your writing process when you have to look up these words, but that’s better than appearing unprofessional or having someone misread your message. Visit
Nexxt for an extensive resource of job opportunities, career seeking solutions, and career advancement tips.
By: David Jensen
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