Some contractions can be harder to read
Do you use contractions (like “it’s” and “don’t”) in your writing? I do! But some kinds of contractions may make it harder for readers to follow. Do you use contractions? …
Category: Writing tips for professionals & scholars
Here are my guides on how you can improve your professional and scholarly writing, from an editor’s perspective. I hope they are useful regardless of how comfortable or confident you are in your English writing :)
Writing clear English for diverse audiences
We’re advised to tailor our writing to our audiences. But what if our intended audience is very diverse? What can we do to write as clearly as possible? In today’s …
Different documents need different structures
To write effectively, you need to pick the right structure that matches the purpose of your document. Not all documents should be structured the same. What do I mean by …
Imprecise writing wastes time and money
How does not using plain language cost firms and workers money? I had a first-hand experience with a global firm. A few weeks ago, I did a one-time (non-editing) job …
PODCAST: How to write effectively & inclusively, on Tandem Nomads
Yikes, I was interviewed on the Tandem Nomads podcast! Like, right here –> Tandem Nomads! Tandem Nomads was founded and is run by Amel Derragui, a business and marketing coach …
Presenting in clear English with diverse audiences (highlights from a mini-webinar)
I had a great response to a 12-minute talk on how to use clear English to communicate with diverse audiences! Here’s what I talked about. Families in Global Transition will …
Key to clearer writing: Know what you want to say
If you want to write clearly, you must know what you want to say. This may seem obvious but it’s surprising how many writers forget this point. As the writer, …
RESOURCES: Plain language for academics
Here are links to articles from experts who argue how using plain language will help improve academic writing too. It’s not about “dumbing down” your message but making sure that …
Attempts of a non-designer to visually present information so it’s clear
I used to think that tinkering with figures and tables was an indulgence—I did it for fun if I had time. But now I know that visual presentation matters and …
Plain language is a civil right
Access to information is essential for us to participate in society and lead healthy lives. Plain language helps us access that information, understand it, and use it to exercise our …