The document provides 10 common pitfalls to avoid in business writing such as using jargon, having an unclear writing style, improper use of active and passive voice, complexity over simplicity, misuse of capitalization and apostrophes, lack of consistency in style, improper use of homophones, not thoroughly proofreading emails, and failure to follow company brand guidelines. It encourages using everyday language, visuals, white space, and active voice for clarity and conciseness as well as properly applying punctuation, capitalization, style rules, and spell checking emails. The document concludes by noting there are more writing tips but these are some frequently observed issues in the

1. BUSINESS WRITING
10 common pitfalls

2. Avoid the jargon jackpot
Replace jargon and clichés with everyday words.
Explain abbreviations, acronyms and industry terms.
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3. Keep it easy on the eye
For easy reading, include bullet points, visuals and white space.
Use bold to highlight instead of underline.
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4. Write in the active voice
The active voice makes it easier to understand and more concise.
Start with who will do it, then what they will do.
Example: I will reply tomorrow instead of You will receive a reply tomorrow
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5. Apply simplicity over complexity
Say things once.
Avoid unnecessary and complicated words.
Examples: Use not utilise, even though instead of notwithstanding,
consider not give consideration to
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6. Cap the capitals
Overuse of capitals makes it hard to read.
Capitalise the first letter of headings only.
Exception is proper nouns, of course!
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7. Honour thy apostrophe
The apostrophe is overused, under-used and generally abused!
Become pedantic about all punctuation.
Do not use apostrophes for plurals but do use them for contracted words.
Examples: It’s is short for it is, not for its when you mean ownership
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8. Style consistency is king
Apply style consistency in capitalisation, fonts, bullet points.
Example: For numbers 1-9 use words – one, two, three, then use numbers
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9. Hone in on the homophones8
Homophones sound the same, are spelt differently and have a
different meaning.
Example: stationery/stationary, formally/formerly, prey/pray, they’re/their/there

10. Examine your emails
Set up automatic spell check.
Apply the ‘five sentence’ rule.
http://lifehacker.com/280193/limit-your-email-messages-to-5-sentences
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11. Check your company’s brand guidelines
Your company is likely to have guidelines for
overall communications including colour, font, style.
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12. Now I know there are plenty more tips…
These are the common pitfalls I’ve observed in my workplace

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Lena Ross
@LenaEmelyRoss
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