Category: English

Topic No 3: Ready, Get Set, Go: the Tone of the Written Word

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Life in the work place can, at times, seem like a whirlwind. The same goes with writing: we write fast — too fast. To make things short and to the point, we tend to forget certain forms of civility which demonstrate a respect that is appreciated, and goes a long way. Commands such as “Please govern yourself accordingly”, although containing the word “please”, can provoke the opposite reaction! It would just be better to read “Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated.” Politeness, especially when something or some action is required, can bring surprisingly speedy results.

Your level of education, culture and professionalism will be judged according to the care you take in your written communications, and the words you choose. Many of us speak more than one language and it is easy to use words that are not understood by the majority — such as Gallicisms. Look them up in a dictionary. If you need to make it quick, there are several online versions that are quite adequate and user-friendly. The first impression is the lasting impression, and so it is with the written word.

Marie-Josée and Anick

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. (George Bernard Shaw)

Communication Pitfalls in the Working Place: How to Avoid Them – Part 2

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Topic No 2: Warning: Rocket Launchers: Words and Their Meaning.

Some love to sprinkle their communications with unnecessary and meaningless words. For example: “In the future, you might want to consider a different and more suitable approach to such an unfortunate turn of events and,  thereby, avoid any further misunderstanding.” One wonders what this is all about! Too many words dilute the message and, more importantly, the desired impact. It even seems that many more words will be needed to explain this statement. Furthermore, the whole approach can be viewed as condescending. A more direct construction will do better in achieving the desired outcome. However, direct does not mean offensive. Here is a better way of delivering this message: “Please try to consider a different approach, to help avoid any further misunderstanding”. Words have power, they must be chosen carefully.

In the work place, make sure you have access to good dictionaries, whether in book form or online (for example merriam-webster.com), and do refer to these tools to make sure you are using the right wording before pushing the Send button. Another tip: use a spell checker. The English language may seem easy, but it does have its set of rules to ensure a clear communication. English grammar books may seem be lighter than those of other languages, but they do exist and they do help, for example, with irregular verbs, prepositions.

Next Topic: The Tone in Written Communications

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. (George Bernard Shaw)

Marie-Josée and Anick

Communication Pitfalls in the Working Place: How to Avoid Them – Part 1

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It’s Monday morning,  and you are catching up on your emails, while enjoying a life-saving coffee, when a sip gets stuck in your throat. “What on earth (polite version) does this person mean?” You re-read to make sure: there are no insults, but the meaning is decidedly scathing. Emails can become bombshells in the work place. And, although many warnings have been issued on the subject, we do see such faux-pas, again and again. Today, and in the weeks to follow, we will offer useful tips on effective communications in the work place.

Topic No 1: A Nuclear Bomb: Emotions

This is a true story: An employee from a large American company writes an email about a colleague who he despises, and tells all. He criticizes her clothes, her hyena laughter, the way she slurps her porridge in the morning. Of course, this belligerent complainer makes the mistake of sending the email “To All”. It did not take long, he was quickly fired.

The lesson is clear: emails in the work place are not designed to communicate personal emotions. Your feelings about a client, a colleague, your boss, or events in your personal life, when consigned to an email, cannot be erased. They can, however, turn against you. Human Resources can easily put them in your file. And also, people you confide in, who you consider to be your friends today, may someday become your enemies . You will then regret having sent them such amunition.

Next Topic:  Words and Their Meaning.

Marie-Josée and Anick