Writing Workshop |
January 20, 2016 |
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On January 20th, SMPS Fort Worth welcomed Janell Broyles, Senior Marketing Coordinator for Freese and Nichols, as she presented techniques to make our writing sharper and more effective as well as basic grammar rules, industry styles/standards and much more. |
Highlights |
Don't overemphasize your words with CAPS, colors, bold, italic and underlines. A little goes a long way. Many people don't know that it's best, unless one hasn't any choice, to avoid too many contractions. When in doubt, spell it out. Our industry LOVES acronymns so always remember A.E.Y.A.T.F.T.Y.U.T.. It is important for the reader to know what you are referring to with acronymns. For example, I'm sure you are wondering what A.E.Y.A.T.F.T.Y.U.T. means and what you should always remember when using acronymns! What no longer! when using acronymns always remember to A.E.Y.A.T.F.T.Y.U.T. (Always Explain Your Acronyms The First Time You Use Them). Alright is considered nonstandard English so do not use it. It's not all right to use alright! Try not to: • overuse • bullet • points because • it can become • distracting |
IT'S VS. ITSLIE VS. LAYSIT VS. SETCHOOSE CLARITYAVOID UNCERTAINTY |
Tips from Fingertips Typing Services, Ltd. |
AFFECT VS. EFFECTACCEPT VS. EXCEPTE.G. VS I.E.ELICIT VS. ILLICITHANGED VS. HUNGFOREWORD VS. FORWARDCOMPLIMENT VS. COMPLEMENT |
Rave Reviews |
With 5 star review from the 25+ attendees, we feel Janell's Writing Workshop was a big success. Thank you to Janell and to our Silver Sponsor, Frees and Nichols for sharing their resources with the chapter. Here is just some of the feedback we received on the surveys: "GREAT program - very useful information. I got the most from the grammar section and tips for better writing." "What did I enjoy most? Handouts! Worksheets! This helps me reference material for the future and show my team." "The 'polish' worksheet was most helpful, combing all the information we learned." "The session on professionalism was what I most enjoyed." "Loved the activities, very hands on!" "The social media part stood out the most for me." "I most enjoyed the interactive sessions and handouts." "The examples of rights and wrongs was the highlight for me" "I learned a lot of things I didn't know." "This was an open discussion that I enjoyed, a nice collaborative opportunity." |
Useful Websites |
Grammar and StyleAP Stylebook: http://www.apstylebook.com/editors/ Subscription required to access content. Does have Facebook and Twitter accounts. The Center for Writing Studies Grammar Handbook: http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/ Scholarly but good for trying to find higherlevel grammar answers. Facebook and Twitter accounts Grammar Girl: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl A great quick resource. Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest accounts. |
ContentBusiness Writing Blog: http://www.businesswritingblog.com/ Facebook and Twitter accounts. Lynda.com: http://www.lynda.com/ Has a wide variety of marketing and business tutorials around writing, graphics and communications. Facebook and Twitter accounts. |
OtherTechnical Editors' Eyrie: http://www.jeanweber.com/ A decent resource though not updated regularly. How to Write a Style Guide: http://www.jeanweber.com/printer/styleguide.htm |
Handouts |
Check out the wonderful handouts that Janell shared with us to help improve our writing skills. |
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