Your Writing Is Your Image
You get up in the morning and select your clothes for the day. You brush your teeth and do your hair. When you speak with clients, you stand up straight and speak articulately. You are creating an image that says, "I am a professional, and I know what I am doing."
You also create an image of yourself when you write. When people read what you have written, they judge your professionalism, just as they do when they meet you in person. The way you write determines the image you present. It also determines how well you communicate. In today's world, many people who read what you write will never meet you in person, so your writing must be professional.
- Spelling: People expect you to spell correctly. With all the tools available to correct spelling mistakes, such as spell check programs and online dictionaries, you have no excuse for misspelling words. Sure, it's hard to catch every misspelling, but if you have more than a few, you demonstrate a lack of attention to detail.
- Punctuation: The rules to punctuation are fairly simple--really. Correct punctuation will help you communicate clearly and will help your reader understand your ideas accurately. Faulty punctuation, on the other hand, leads to confusion and creates the impression that you don't know how to do what you are supposed to do.
- Grammar: Ok, so grammar can be a little tricky at times, but, like punctuation, grammar has specific rules. Using good grammar does two things. First, good grammar improves communication. In many cases, using incorrect grammar changes the meaning of what you write. Second, using good grammar indicates that you paid attention in school. After all, most of us spent a lot of time in English classes. If you paid attention in school, therefore, you likely also learned what you need to do your job.
Most people won't notice if you use good spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The "default" image, or expectation, is a good one. However, if you don't, then that image will slip pretty quickly. What does your writing say about you?
Many of our clients at Precise Edit need this basic kind of help, and nothing is wrong with that. If you need help, get it. Your image is too important to sacrifice when help is so readily available.
David Bowman is the Owner and Chief Editor of Precise Edit, a comprehensive editing, proofreading, and document analysis service for authors, students, and businesses. Precise Edit also offers a variety of other services, such as translation, transcription, and website development. Click here for more information about Precise Edit's services.
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