I love english grammar. I admit it. Which is a good thing cuz I use it alot for my job. GS offers writing, editing and proofing to their clients and thats most of what I do here. Job security for myself given the amount of projects and content that come thru our doors. But I guess when you really think about it its not just my job. Its everyones’ job. As part of our daily responsiblties we all send written electronic communication and cuz were all professionals its expected that also is reflected in our emails both to clients and interoffice.
After all “perception is realty”. What does your written communication skills say about you and your level of attention to detail giving those who need to rely on you an impression of confidence or not so much?
Well, right about now you’re probably scratching your head wondering why Marc and Jeff would have kept me on the payroll for 21 years … thinking, I’d fire her in a heartbeat. What an idiot! Who would write something like that and send it without reviewing it first? Totally unprofessional, and she’s proofing all the clients’ jobs? I wouldn’t trust her.
Not to worry. I’m just messing with you. First, let’s see how many mistakes you caught (test yourself and be honest). Here’s the correct version:
I love English grammar. I admit it. Which is a good thing because I use it a lot in my job. GS offers writing, editing, and proofing to its clients, and that’s mostly what I do here. This provides job security for me, given the number of projects and content that comes through our doors. But I guess when you really think about it, it’s not just my job. It’s everyone’s job. As part of our daily responsibilities, we all send written electronic communications, and because we’re all professionals it is expected that we use proper English in our e-mails to clients and colleagues alike.
After all, “Perception is reality.” What do your written communication skills say about you and your level of attention to detail? Do they leave an impression of confidence or irresponsibility with those who rely on you?
How did you do?
The sad fact is that our English grammar skills have gotten sloppier over the years due to e-mailing and texting – and the speed of business isn’t helping. We barely have time to compose our thoughts and get them entered, much less review and proof what we wrote.
But proofing is a critical step, especially when your written communication is a reflection of you. Does your message have typos or incorrect word usage, improper punctuation or run-on sentences? Or does it make you look smart? Confident? Capable? Efficient? All good traits in a business professional, and something your clients and colleagues make note of, subconsciously or not.
So please take my advice (but not my job) and PRFRD your messages before you hit SND. Perception is reality: U WL B GR8.
I play a lot of online games. There you will find the greatest examples of butchering the English language.
“ne 1 no where u get…”
The word “no” traded for “know” makes my blood pressure rise.
English is really my second language that I had to learn in high school and through waitresses in a Japanese restaurant. It kills me to see the natives murder it more efficiently than any foreigner.