+Memos; 3-step; Memo.

1. December 13, 1991
To keep your readers’ attention, get to the point

54. January 22, 1993
The three-step memo gets the job done in a pinch

137. October 28, 1994
Write quickly, freely to overcome writer’s block

234. November 15, 1996
Use the 3-step memo to get your message across

320. October 2, 1998
Leave nothing to chance when writing persuasively

436. March 9, 2001
How to avoid mistakes when writing in a hurry

604. September 17, 2004
Memo writing in just three steps

+Concise writing and simple language; wordiness; wordy.; concise.

4. January 3, 1992
Give readers a break – keep it plain and simple

5. January 10, 1992
Use language that your readers know, expect

10. February 14, 1992
How to avoid succumbing to acute prolixity

32. July 17, 1992
So many words, so strong the urge to "redunderize"

33. July 24, 1992
Simple suggestions for simplifying sentences

34. July 31, 1992
How to write ambiguously to cover your amphibology

36. September 11, 1992
Metaphors are fine, but avoid cliches like the plague

58. February 19, 1993
In most cases, one page should do for a report

61. March 12, 1993 (Orson Welbers)
The war of the words – invasion of the bureaucrats

76. June 25, 1993
New SlumberWrite software "revolutionizes" writing

78. July 9, 1993
Send your boss to Language Efficiency School

82. September 3, 1993
Pseudo-sophistication no justification for obfuscation

85. September 24, 1993
"Elegant variation" is an affectation to avoid

103. February 4, 1994
To write with emphasis, trim your endings

105. February 18, 1994
Talking turkey and dressing down your reader

176. September 1, 1995
Windows 95 overlooked SlumberWrite software

240. January 3, 1997
Here are five techniques for writing concisely

313. August 14, 1998
To write with emphasis, make every word count

316. September 4, 1998
Get to the point – don’t waste your readers’ time

326. November 13, 1998
Besse Plain-Talk Dentura offers lesson for writers

390. March 17, 2000
Message is muddled by meaningless modifiers

428. January 12, 2001
For clarity and emphasis, make every word count

455. August 10, 2001
To survive as a writer, don’t trust modifiers

468. November 16, 2001
Get (right) to the point to connect with readers

482. March 1, 2002
A prolix, verbose talk with Perry Phrastic

548. July 18, 2003
Wordiness is a waste of time

557. September 19, 2003
Modifiers are the trickiest part of speech

571. January 16, 2004
When can you trust a modifier?

587. May 7, 2004
Wanton wordiness obscures the point

590. May 28, 2004
Put your verbiage on a diet

+Customer relations or PR./PR letters; customer.; correspondence. (See angry letters, bad-news letters, & complaint letters below)

6. January 17, 1992
Secret ingredients of a customer relations letter

35. September 4, 1992
In customer relations letters, put the reader first

139. November 11, 1994
Customer relations letters are good for business

219. August 2, 1996
A carefully written apology can create goodwill

338. February 12, 1999
How to say no without sounding like a bureaucrat

355. June 11, 1999
What to say, and not to say, in openings and closings

375. December 3, 1999
Letters from a Nut a test of customer service

403. July 14, 2000
Closings can reinforce or detract from your message

465. October 26, 2001
Open and close with words of affirmation

471. December 14, 2001
If you must complain, do it with a cool head

481. February 22, 2002
Attorney General’s office does it right

602. September 3, 2004
Hello, goodbye warrant care

+Parallel structure

7. January 24, 1992
Honoring your contract with the reader

161. April 21, 1995
Use parallel structure for emphasis, power

225. September 13, 1996
The beauty and utility of language are connected

311. July 3, 1998
Parallel structure is simple but powerful technique

458. August 31, 2001
Keep words running on a parallel track

555. September 5, 2003
Learn to edit for common errors

599. August 13, 2004
Two-liners can be unforgettable

+Writer’s block.

11. February 21, 1992
How to make writer’s block less of an obstacle

12. February 28, 1992
"Bulldozing" leaves no time to be critical of writing

13. March 6, 1992
After spontaneous start, you need an outline

54. January 22, 1993
The three-step memo gets the job done in a pinch

70. May 14, 1993
To overcome writer’s block, silence inner critic

137. October 28, 1994
Write quickly, freely to overcome writer’s block

190. December 15, 1995
To overcome writer’s block, write with honesty

236. December 6, 1996
The dread of writing comes from multiple causes

290. February 6, 1998
To overcome writer’s block, compose yourself

327. November 20, 1998
If writing were easy, you wouldn’t be reading this

376. December 10, 1999
To save time, think before you rush to begin writing

424. December 15, 2000
Writing can be a breeze with the "Q&A" format

461. September 28, 2001
Encouraging words to improve attitude

497. June 21, 2002
Don’t create obstacles before you get started

539. May 16, 2003
When drafting, just keep moving forward

561. October 17, 2003
Just forget the words and write

+Telephone motif; Mr. President (Gordon Mac.)

11. February 21, 1992
How to make writer’s block less of an obstacle

12. February 28, 1992
"Bulldozing" leaves no time to be critical of writing

13. March 6, 1992
After spontaneous start, you need an outline

70. May 14, 1993
To overcome writer’s block, silence inner critic

299. April 10, 1998
Principles of composition are not elements of style

321. October 9, 1998
There’s always one more word to say about words

+Communication and management skills; manager., manage., managerial.

14. March 13, 1992
To write or not to write: A question of good management

45. November 13, 1992
How to say "no" without turning friends into enemies

113. April 15, 1994
The seven sins of highly ineffective writers

120. June 3, 1994
The seven habits of highly effective writers

183. October 20, 1995
Communication skills are key to good managers (Munter)

199. February 16, 1996
Good managers know how to tell good stories

225. September 13, 1996
The beauty and utility of language are connected

275. October 3, 1997
Good managers deliver bad news in a nice way

366. September 24, 1999
Good managers and good writing go hand in hand

470. December 7, 2001
Good managers use words to build relationships

475. January 11, 2002
Clear communication is key in tough times

+General principles., approaches, habits (See Writing as Process below)

14. March 13, 1992
To write or not to write: A question of good management

86. October 1, 1993
Some operating principles that apply to writing

100. January 14, 1994
Lessons learned after 100 columns on writing

113. April 15, 1994
The seven sins of highly ineffective writers

120. June 3, 1994
The seven habits of highly effective writers

200. February 23, 1996
Lessons learned from 200 columns on writing

300. April 17, 1998
Lessons learned from 300 columns on writing

334. January 15, 1999
Here are six not-so-easy ways to improve your writing

337. February 5, 1999
How to develop habits for highly effective writing

395. April 21, 2000
To communicate effectively, consider your options

400. June 23, 2000
Lessons learned from 400 columns on writing

485. March 22, 2002
Even busy people can improve their writing

600. August 20, 2004
Bottom line is: Writing matters

+When to write.

14. March 13, 1992
To write or not to write: A question of good management

389. March 10, 2000
Effective communication requires time to think

395. April 21, 2000
To communicate effectively, consider your options

507. September 13, 2002
Know how, what, and when to write

+Anger., angry., & angry letters (See customer relations & PR letters above, bad-news letters below)

15. March 20, 1992
How to make enemies and start wars with your writing

40. October 9, 1992
Venting your anger and psyching out your enemy

212. May 17, 1996
Angry letters are risky but sometimes necessary

365. September 17, 1999
Write with "respectful exasperation" to get your way

471. December 14, 2001
If you must complain, do it with a cool head

560. October 10, 2003
Angry letters by the bagful

+Proofreading.

17. April 3, 1992
How to proofread and never miss a single errror

18. April 10, 1992
How did you do on last week’s proofreading quiz?

21. May 1, 1992
"Porn and Beans" and other proofreading classics

106. February 25, 1994
Proofread to eliminate those embarassing errrors

107. March 4, 1994
How would you grade your proofreading prowess?

157. March 24, 1995
Create a personalized proofreading checklist

205. March 29, 1996
Proofreading checklist eliminates common errrors

246. February 14, 1997
Proofreading errrors under mine your credibility

291. February 13, 1998
Techniques for proofreading word-processed text

335. January 22, 1999
Watch for "eeking snout hogwash" when proofreading

368. October 8, 1999
Proofreading horror stories need not be repeated

371. October 29, 1999
Here’s the best of the worst proofreading lapses

450. July 6, 2001
Revising is not the same as proofreading

513. October 25, 2002
Proofread to avoid embarrassing errors

607. October 8, 2004
Find 12 proofreading errrors in this text

+Promoting good writing, editing relationships, and working with an editor; promote; critic.

(See Editing & revising text [techniques, not editing relationship])

19. April 17, 1992
How to be a good critic to those who write for you

29. June 26, 1992
Giving writing assignments without bruising egos

30. July 3, 1992
How to promote good writing in the work place

60. March 5, 1993
Wanted: Top-level managers to edit staff writing

95. December 10, 1993
Successful dictation depends on collaboration

123. June 24, 1994
So you want to criticize your boss’s writing?

131. September 16, 1994
Judging a company by the quality of its writing

147. January 13, 1995
How to cope with an overly zealous editor

187. November 17, 1995
Instructors and editors can make you hate writing

270. August 29, 1997
Let’s clear up misconceptions about writers and editors

373. November 12, 1999
Communicating across racial lines requires trust

443. April 27, 2001
Improving the writing of your employees

+Inclusive/sexist language

22. May 8, 1992
Use precise language that is fair to both sexes

23. May 15, 1992
How to avoid the "generic he" but not be awkward

24. May 22, 1992
Having fun with The Dictionary of Bias-Free Usage

25. May 29, 1992
How to word salutation when recipient is unknown

26. June 5, 1992
Priorities: Good grammar or bias-free language?

27. June 12, 1992
Every writer wishes they could solve this issue

203. March 15, 1996
Avoid using exclusive language that can offend

237. December 13, 1996
Follow the rules for forms of address and salutations

309. June 19, 1998
Eliminating unintentional bias from your writing

343. March 19, 1999
Gender differences may muddy communications

466. November 2, 2001
Every writer wishes they could be inclusive

+Salutations., salutation.

25. May 29, 1992
How to word salutation when recipient is unknown

112. April 8, 1994
"Yo, Reader!" and other salutations of the ’90s

237. December 13, 1996
Follow the rules for forms of address and salutations

274. September 26, 1997
Unnecessary comma collection is overflowing

477. January 25, 2002
Don’t be intimidated by salutation rules

519. December 13, 2002
Addressing the issue of invitation titles

523. January 10, 2003
Courtesy titles start letters, and debate

524. January 17, 2003
It’s easy to miss with Mrs. and Ms.

+Rules. (real vs. optional; changing) (also see correctness and usage)

28. June 19, 1992
RULES, Rules, and rules: how to tell them apart

142. December 9, 1994
To write correctly, you gotta learn the rules

203. March 15, 1996
Avoid using exclusive language that can offend

249. March 7, 1997
A short list of common business writing errors

525. January 24, 2003
Arbitrary grammar rules are annoying

605. September 24, 2004
Take the grammar challenge

+Elements of effective writing, principles of effective writing; elements.

31. July 10, 1992
How do you define effective business writing?

65. April 9, 1993
Five easy lessons in clear and effective writing

447. May 25, 2001
Review basics to be an effective writer

525. January 24, 2003
Arbitrary grammar rules are annoying

547. July 11, 2003
In editing, follow rules of writing

+Metaphor and analogy; meta.; metaphor.; figurative.

36. September 11, 1992
Metaphors are fine, but avoid cliches like the plague

211. May 10, 1996
Show restraint in using metaphor and analogy

310. June 26, 1998
Writing with style requires playfulness, imagination

342. March 12, 1999
Metaphor is an incomparable way to make a point

357. June 25, 1999
Use analogies to clarify or reinforce your meaning

431. February 2, 2001
Clichés: Should we avoid them like the plague?

504. August 16, 2002
Imaginative writing is the most memorable

535. April 18, 2003
Technical subjects needn’t be dry as toast

+Thank-you letters; thanks. (see goodwill)

37. September 18, 1992
A simple recipe for terrific instant thank-you letters

55. January 29, 1993
Touching letter offers good reason to say thanks

301. April 24, 1998
Writing effective thank-you letters can be difficult

378. December 24, 1999
Say thanks to the people who made a difference

406. August 4 , 2000
Put your best face forward when saying thanks

414. September 29, 2000
Smart writers know value of working with editors

489. April 19, 2002
The do’s and don’ts of saying thank you

529. February 28, 2003
Timeliness, sincerity make thank-you notes meaningful

559. October 3, 2003
That simple magic word: Thanks

565. November 14, 2003
Putting a face on your words

+Fund-raising

39. October 2, 1992
How to write fund-raising letters that never fail

141. December 2, 1994
Effective fund-raising letters in 10 easy steps

228. October 4, 1996
Getting the most out of your fund-raising letters

385. February 11, 2000
Open Book newsletter: effective writing spelled out

+Persuasive. writing; persuade.

40. October 9, 1992
Venting your anger and psyching out your enemy

165. May 19, 1995
Combine rhetorical styles for most persuasive writing

167. June 2, 1995
Follow five-part formula for persuasive writing

170. June 23, 1995
Rules of evidence are key to persuasive writing

185. November 3, 1995
Broad vocabulary complements analytical writing

195. January 19, 1996
Use Rogerian persuasion with a hostile audience

214. May 31, 1996
Now for five easy lessons in persuasive writing

216. June 14, 1996
Persuasive strategy needed in baseball, business

233. November 8, 1996
Hedges and intensifiers are important in persuasion

351. May 14, 1999
Recognize your reader’s view as a persuasive strategy

385. February 11, 2000
Open Book newsletter: effective writing spelled out

486. March 29, 2002
Just one sentence can make an argument

515. November 8, 2002
MBA 101: Strategies in persuasive writing

528. February 21, 2003
Key element of writing is knowing your reader

534. April 11, 2003
A persona can help in persuasive advantage

593. July 2, 2004
Persuasive writing explains why

+Grant proposals; grants.

41. October 16, 1992
Grant proposals: Writing is just part of the process

160. April 14, 1995
How to write a successful grant proposal

277. October 17, 1997
Writing with heart improves odds of getting grant

328. December 4, 1998
Use the Internet for help with writing grant proposals

438. March 23, 2001
Resources available for writing grant proposals

+Bad-news letters; bad news.; how to say no; sayno; get tough (See customer relations letters & angry letters above, complaint letters below)

43. October 30, 1992
How to write a bad-news letter without being brutal

88. October 15, 1993 (auditing)
In performance reviews, "adequate" not adequate

96. December 17, 1993
How to say, "You’re wrong," yet keep business

178. September 15, 1995
Bad-news letters are often short on diplomacy

275. October 3, 1997
Good managers deliver bad news in a nice way

338. February 12, 1999
How to say no without sounding like a bureaucrat

365. September 17, 1999
Write with "respectful exasperation" to get your way

404. July 21, 2000
To say no without disrespect, acknowledge your reader

+"A day in the life"; columns using narrative. (See CommaMobile, Doc below)

46. November 20, 1992
Parts of speech lost on unsuspecting write

47. December 4, 1992
Curing twin diseases: misplaced & dangling modifiers

61. March 12, 1993 (Orson Welbers)
The war of the words – invasion of the bureaucrats

73. June 4, 1993
Writing with the word processor – a personal history

95. December 10, 1993
Successful dictation depends on collaboration

128. July 29, 1994
Caring about language in the future electronic age

129. September 2, 1994 (Laura Ingalls Wilber)
A little business writing lesson on the prairie

151. February 10, 1995
"Limiting modifiers" can limit your meaning

152. February 17, 1995
Writing (and responding to) collection letters

186. November 10, 1995
Life’s little lessons teach us about communication

197. February 2, 1996
Unique Caribbean cruise caters to business writer

198. February 9, 1996
You can’t beat Strunk & White on a cruise ship

216. June 14, 1996
Persuasive strategy needed in baseball, business

218. June 28, 1996
A running account of how to improve your writing

221. August 16, 1996
Steam-room philosophizing on English language

223. August 30, 1996
Just another day in the life of a writing consultant

243. January 24, 1997
How to interview a Minnesotan in midwinter

244. January 31, 1997
The three secrets to becoming a better writer

245. February 7, 1997
Writing assessment is sweetheart of a valentine gift

247. February 21, 1997
Questions to ask yourself before and about writing

250. March 14, 1997
Spring is good time to toss out unneeded commas

252. March 28, 1997
Use the right words to communicate precisely

261. May 30, 1997
It’s a crime the way some people use language

282. November 21, 1997

Writing internationally demands extra precision

294. March 6, 1998
Effective communication depends on correct usage

307. June 5, 1998
Grammar fixer unable to keep up with all the work

317. September 11, 1998
Reading this story, dangling modifiers can be found

333. January 8, 1999
Rhetorical devices will help you write with style

372. November 5, 1999
Use variety in sentence structure to add energy

381. January 14, 2000
Let your readers know what is, not what is not

402. July 7, 2000
To write coherently, let one thought lead to the next

408 August 18, 2000
Go ahead: Split infinitive; end with prepositions

442. April 20, 2001
Keep your modifiers near the things they modify

444. May 4, 2001
Bargaining for some punctuation marks

455. August 10, 2001
To survive as a writer, don’t trust modifiers

468. November 16, 2001
Get (right) to the point to connect with readers

+Dialogue with "Doc." (See Narrative above & CommaMobile & George below)

46. November 20, 1992
Parts of speech lost on unsuspecting writer

47. December 4, 1992
Curing twin diseases: misplaced & dangling modifiers

151. February 10, 1995
"Limiting modifiers" can limit your meaning

317. September 11, 1998
Reading this story, dangling modifiers can be found

324. October 30, 1998
Unstack those noun stacks to improve your writing

336. January 29, 1999
Evaluate your writing according to five key elements

381. January 14, 2000
Let your readers know what is, not what is not

402. July 7, 2000
To write coherently, let one thought lead to the next

408. August 18, 2000
Go ahead: Split infinitive; end with prepositions

442. April 20, 2001
Keep your modifiers near the things they modify

452. July 20, 2001
Don’t make your sentences sound monotonous

462. October 5, 2001
When spelling, don’t compound the error

496. June 14, 2002
Try reeling in those dangling modifiers

505. August 23, 2002
Good editors should understand their role

546. July 4, 2003
Navigating gerunds and participles

567. December 5, 2003
If you’ve got it, don’t flout it

568. December 12, 2003
Writers often flout usage rules

598. August 6, 2004
Don’t let modifiers leave you dangling

+Dangling modifiers.; dangling., misplaced modifiers., misplaced.

46. November 20, 1992
Parts of speech lost on unsuspecting writer

47. December 4, 1992
Curing twin diseases: misplaced & dangling modifiers

317. September 11, 1998
Reading this story, dangling modifiers can be found

398. May 12, 2000
Good writers don’t leave their readers dangling

402. July 7, 2000
To write coherently, let one thought lead to the next

442. April 20, 2001
Keep your modifiers near the things they modify

496. June 14, 2002
Try reeling in those dangling modifiers

505. August 23, 2002
Good editors should understand their role

546. July 4, 2003
Navigating gerunds and participles

598. August 6, 2004
Don’t let modifiers leave you dangling

+Lawyers & legal writing; legal.

48. December 11, 1992
Does anybody know why lawyers write the way they do?

108. March 11, 1994
The gentle art of writing to stupefy your reader

177. September 8, 1995
William Kunstler’s last will and testament

287. January 16, 1998
Lawyers are experts on persuasive writing

384. February 4, 2000
With book’s help, even lawyers can use plain English

427. January 5, 2001
Legal style can include wit, but not "legalese"

474. January 4, 2002
Double negatives obscure your meaning

490. April 26, 2002
Legal writers are unbuttoning their collars

580. March 19, 2004
Judge puts poor writing on trial

+Creating goodwill.; Christmas column; holiday

49. December 18, 1992
The power of positive thinking makes for good writing

50. December 25, 1992
Goodwill letters create good feelings in any season

55. January 29, 1993
Touching letter offers good reason to say thanks

97. December 24, 1993
Handwritten notes of appreciation create goodwill

144. December 23, 1994
Friends will appreciate goodwill letters

191. December 22, 1995
’Tis the season to put tidings of goodwill in writing

285. December 19, 1997
Offer some good cheer when writing to associates

331. December 25, 1998
Writing can bring out the best in you and in others

378. December 24, 1999
Say thanks to the people who made a difference

425. December 22, 2000
Positive writing can help spread holiday goodwill

472. December 21, 2001
Let your writing show generosity of spirit

520. December 20, 2002
A good time to show your appreciation

569. December 19, 2003
This year, give the gift of language (Ober)

+New Year’s Resolutions

51. January 1, 1993
New Year’s resolutions for improving your writing

98. December 31, 1993
This year, resolve to improve your writing skills

145. December 30, 1994
For New Year’s resolutions, take a tip from Ben

192. December 29, 1995
Forget New Year’s resolutions and pursue passions

239. December 27, 1996
Want to write better? Set goals, then get to work

286. January 9, 1998
Make New Year’s resolutions to improve your writing

332. January 1, 1999
Use your writing skills to improve the lives of others

379. December 31, 1999
Resolve to improve writing skills in new millennium

426. December 29, 2000
New Year’s resolution: Look it up; don’t guess

473. December 28, 2001
Be more interesting as a writer in 2002

521. December 27, 2002
Resolve to write; stop procrastinating

569a. December 29, 2003 (Fort Worth & Orange County only)
Don’t worry; be persistent – if not happy

+Writing as process. (See "General writing principles, approaches")

51. January 1, 1993
New Year’s resolutions for improving your writing

86. October 1, 1993
Some operating principles that apply to writing

98. December 31, 1993
This year, resolve to improve your writing skills

100. January 14, 1994
Lessons learned after 100 columns on writing

104. February 11, 1994
Everything you need to know about editing

120. June 3, 1994
The seven habits of highly effective writers

322. October 16, 1998
"Seat time" is what counts with long writing projects

420. November 10, 2000
Tips on how to make writing more enjoyable

461. September 28, 2001
Encouraging words to improve attitude

516. November 15, 2002
Stephen King’s advice for on-the-job writers

521. December 27, 2002
Resolve to write; stop procrastinating

537. May 2, 2003
Approach writing one step at a time

539. May 16, 2003
When drafting, just keep moving forward

+Common errors.; correctness.; correct.; assessment.; assess.; goals (Includes usage, but see separate usage grouping; also see Rules.)

52. January 8, 1993
Are common errors undermining your credibility?

113. April 15, 1994
The seven sins of highly ineffective writers

117. May 13, 1994
The six most annoying errors in business writing

122. June 17, 1994
See if you can find the misused/missused words

142. December 9, 1994
To write correctly, you gotta learn the rules

155. March 10, 1995
How many miss spelled words can you find?

157. March 24, 1995
Create a personalized proofreading checklist

180. September 29, 1995
Some errors damage credibility more than others

196. January 26, 1996
How well does your business writing measure up?

229. October 11, 1996
What goals do you have for yourself as a writer?

245. February 7, 1997
Writing assessment is sweetheart of a valentine gift

249. March 7, 1997
A short list of common business writing errors

252. March 28, 1997
Use the right words to communicate precisely

260. May 23, 1997
Use a writing assessment to help hire the right person

263. June 13, 1997
Can you avoid 30 common word-choice errors?

293. February 27, 1998
Are you making any of these 15 common errors?

294. March 6, 1998
Effective communication depends on correct usage

339. February 19, 1999
Watch out for these commonly confused word pairs

350. May 7, 1999
Punctuation errors can make you appear dumb

361. August 20, 1999
Don’t distract your reader with errors, big or small

374. November 19, 1999
Optional punctuation may spur semicolon addicts

391. March 24, 2000
Choose your words carefully to enhance credibility

394. April 14, 2000
Are you hiring people who know how to write?

398. May 12, 2000
Good writers don’t leave their readers dangling

462. October 5, 2001
When spelling, don’t compound the error

467. November 9, 2001
Little errors add up to big distractions

476. January 18, 2002
Weekly exercises can get writing into shape

484. March 15, 2002
Writing errors come in three varieties

506. September 6, 2002
Avoiding common errors is a matter of pride

522. January 3, 2003
Put your copyediting expertise to the test

533. April 4, 2003
Assess your ability to find common errors

555. September 5, 2003
Learn to edit for common errors

567. December 5, 2003
If you’ve got it, don’t flout it

568. December 12, 2003
Writers often flout usage rules

583. April 9, 2004
Know when to bend the rules

585. April 23, 2004
Put your editing skills to the test

603. September 10, 2004
Take the punctuation challenge

+Humor

59. February 26, 1993
Humor can establish common ground with your reader

91. November 5, 1993
Humor can take you far – sometimes too far

265. June 27, 1997
Humor can be a powerful tool of communication

281. November 14, 1997
Humor appeals to your audience’s intelligence

344. March 26, 1999
To convey personality, use energy, surprise, humor

517. November 22, 2002
Spoonful of humor helps you connect

+Bureaucrat.; bureaucratic writing

61. March 12, 1993 (Orson Welbers)
The war of the words – invasion of the bureaucrats

338. February 12, 1999
How to say no without sounding like a bureaucrat

415. October 6, 2000
Writing like a bureaucrat takes study, practice

418. October 27, 2000
Public servants deserve our respect, not our ridicule

419. November 3, 2000
Columnist uses secret weapon on bureaucrats

+Word processing, computer., computers., e-mail, Net., Internet. (Also see E-mail)

66. April 16, 1993
How word processors help and hurt our writing

67. April 23, 1993
It’s writer vs. machine in a fight over language

73. June 4, 1993
Writing with the word processor – a personal history

74. June 11, 1993
Use the computer to help you think and write

76. June 25, 1993
New SlumberWrite software "revolutionizes" writing

128. July 29, 1994
Caring about language in the future electronic age

133. September 30, 1994
Writing with e-mail requires new skills and habits

140. November 18, 1994
Are you :-) or :-( about e-mail’s impact on style?

169. June 16, 1995
E-mail guidelines help avoid workplace problems

172. August 4, 1995
If computers are so smart, why can’t they think?

266. August 1, 1997
The Net can be a dream for teachers and students

271. September 5, 1997
Can new technology help us improve our writing?

291. February 13, 1998
Techniques for proofreading word-processed text

297. March 27, 1998
How computers help – and harm – communication

302. May 1, 1998
Digital age writing style captures spirit of our time

308. June 12, 1998
Three ways to use the passive voice effectively

363. September 3, 1999
Be careful of the drawbacks in hasty use of e-mail

411. September 8, 2000
Keep scanners in mind when designing Web text

417. October 20, 2000
Follow e-mail etiquette to avoid being annoying

464. October 19, 2001
Don’t let e-mail inbox control your time

511. October 11, 2002
Instant messaging can improve writing skills

530. March 7, 2003
Tell your computer, passive voice can be used to good effect

531. March 14, 2003
The do’s and don’ts for using e-mail effectively

596. July 23, 2004
Don’t go digital with a first draft

+Public speaking, oral presentation skills

69. May 7, 1993
How writing can help you prepare a terrific speech

273. September 19, 1997
Public speaking and writing require different skills

364. September 10, 1999
What works in speaking may not work in writing

+Sales. letters/proposals

71. May 21, 1993
Sales letters succeed by linking product to need

92. November 12, 1993
Openings are key to successful sales letters

134. October 7, 1994
Personal pitches, not tricks, are what sell

175. August 25, 1995
How to make sales letters work like a charm

230. October 18, 1996
Successful sales letters focus on reader’s interests

279. October 31, 1997
Attention-getting openings appeal to busy readers

289. January 30, 1998
Effective sales proposals focus on solving problems

392. March 31, 2000
Sales letters should put interests of readers first

+Elements of style; elegance and style; writing with style., personality. (Also see Sentence variety & Word choice)

72. May 28, 1993
One MBA executive’s writing style: a critique

80. July 23, 1993
"How can I learn to write with style?"

81. July 30, 1993
Adapt your style to fit the audience, occasion

140. November 18, 1994
Are you :-) or :-( about e-mail’s impact on style?

171. June 30, 1995
Elegance adds power to business writing

182. October 13, 1995
For a lively writing style, use strong verbs

217. June 21, 1996
How to write long sentences that don’t sprawl

225. September 13, 1996
The beauty and utility of language are connected

226. September 20, 1996
Take a cue from Fitzgerald and his action verbs

227. September 27, 1996
Action verbs and detail will enliven your style

235. November 22, 1996
Five elements of writing with style and personality

257. May 2, 1997
Long sentences, well managed, create special effects

299. April 10, 1998
Principles of composition are not elements of style

303. May 8, 1998
Adapt your style and your approach to the occasion

310. June 26, 1998
Writing with style requires playfulness, imagination

312. August 7, 1998
Use your imagination to give writing personality

319. September 25, 1998
Word choice not everything, but it’s pretty important

321. October 9, 1998
There’s always one more word to say about words

325. November 6, 1998
Variety in sentence structure adds life to writing

344. March 26, 1999
To convey personality, use energy, surprise, humor

345. April 2, 1999
Imagination improves writing in surprising ways

369. October 15, 1999
Punctuation allows the reader to hear your voice

370. October 22, 1999
Use punctuation to convey the music of your words

372. November 5, 1999
Use variety in sentence structure to add energy

382. January 21, 2000
Key to interesting writing is to keep it moving

383. January 28, 2000
Use your sentence endings to create emphasis

429. January 19, 2001
To write memorably, listen to your language

452. July 20, 2001
Don’t make your sentences sound monotonous

512. October 18, 2002
Gehrig, like Lincoln, used repetition for effect

514. November 1, 2002
Teach writing style? Perish the thought

535. April 18, 2003
Technical subjects needn’t be dry as toast

551. August 8, 2003
Real style begins with substance (Bob Hope)

586. April 30, 2004
What you don’t say counts too

601. August 27, 2004
Count your commas for variety

+Writing internationally, cross-cultural communication, English as a second language (ESL)

75. June 18, 1993
Avoid common errors when writing internationally

206. April 5, 1996
English as a second language can be confusing

282. November 21, 1997
Writing internationally demands extra precision

+Literacy/education/writing instruction in the schools and colleges

84. September 17, 1993
Who gets the blame for illiteracy in America?

215. June 7, 1996
Why Johnny and Janie can’t write so good

269. August 22, 1997
Debunking some popular myths about writing

+Book recommendations/books./bibliography/bib.

83. September 10, 1993
The book no business writer should be without

168. June 9, 1995
Here are three perfect gifts for June graduates

213. May 24, 1996
Books about writing are good gifts for graduates

231. October 25, 1996
Select the writing handbook that’s right for you

258. May 9, 1997
Good writing skills needed for college and beyond

261. May 30, 1997
It’s a crime the way some people use language

304. May 15, 1998
Books make good gifts for high school graduates

352. May 21, 1999
Undergrads need these tools for academic success

396. April 28, 2000
Language skills among the keys to success

564. November 7, 2003
Successful writers take time to look it up

+Verbs., nominalizations.

89. October 22, 1993
Verbing your nouns and nouning your verbs

182. October 13, 1995
For a lively writing style, use strong verbs

226. September 20, 1996
Take a cue from Fitzgerald and his action verbs

227. September 27, 1996
Action verbs and detail will enliven your style

253. April 4, 1997
Use active voice and verbs for emphasis

377. December 17, 1999
Use action verbs to write with emphasis and style

407. August11, 2000
Use nominalizations to inflict pain on your reader

+Cross-racial communication; racial., race.

94. December 3, 1993
Trust is key to cross-racial writing criticism

373. November 12, 1999
Communicating across racial lines requires trust

383. January 28, 2000
Use your sentence endings to create emphasis

+CommaMobile.; comma.

95. December 10, 1993
Successful dictation depends on collaboration

223. August 30, 1996
Just another day in the life of a writing consultant

250. March 14, 1997
Spring is good time to toss out unneeded commas

261. May 30, 1997
It’s a crime the way some people use language

270. August 29, 1997
Let’s clear up misconceptions about writers and editors

282. November 21, 1997
Writing internationally demands extra precision

307. June 5, 1998
Grammar fixer unable to keep up with all the work

358. July 30, 1999
Columnist comes to the rescue in comma dispute

377. December 17, 1999
Use action verbs to write with emphasis and style

419. November 3, 2000
Columnist uses secret weapon on bureaucrats

492. May 10, 2002
Comma errors survive shredding

609. October 22, 2004
Bringing common errors to a full stop

+Punctuation.; punctuate.; punct.

99. January 7, 1994
Using "that" or "which" with that stupid comma

121. June 10, 1994
"SIPBI Method" helps keep vertical lists in order

124. July 1, 1994
Suffering from apostrophobia? Here’s some help

149. January 27, 1995
Punctuation enables readers to hear your voice

153. February 24, 1995
An ode to the semicolon; use it for emphasis

174. August 18, 1995
Semicolon advice elicits passionate response

204. March 22, 1996
A well-placed hyphen can lend writing c-l-a-r-i-t-y

232. November 1, 1996
To mark or not to mark introductory elements

250. March 14, 1997
Spring is good time to toss out unneeded commas

255. April 18, 1997
Apostrophobia and apostrophilia have genetic link

274. September 26, 1997
Unnecessary comma collection is overflowing

276. October 10, 1997
Compound words cause considerable confusion

280. November 7, 1997
Quotation marks make reading easy, writing hard

298. April 3, 1998
Punctuation, writing are hot topics on the ski slope

350. May 7, 1999
Punctuation errors can make you appear dumb

358. July 30, 1999
Columnist comes to the rescue in comma dispute

369. October 15, 1999
Punctuation allows the reader to hear your voice

370. October 22, 1999
Use punctuation to convey the music of your words

374. November 19, 1999
Optional punctuation may spur semicolon addicts

433. February 16, 2001
A midwinter day’s dream for semicolon lovers

434. February 23, 2001
Punctuation can create special effects – try it

435. March 2, 2001
Using punctuation . . . for full range of effects

444. May 4, 2001
Bargaining for some punctuation marks

449. June 29, 2001
Apostrophes can be a conversation starter

454. August 3, 2001
Punctuation can give your writing style

503. August 9, 2002
There are just two rules for writers

526. January 31, 2003
Watch out for that that that confuses writers

527. February 14, 2003
Looking for clarity in a brew of whiches

532. March 28, 2003
Know your dashes from your hyphens

536. April 25, 2003
Avoid catastrophe with an apostrophe

538. May 9, 2003
Apostromania possesses readers

570. January 9, 2004
Commas can be risky business

581. March 26, 2004
Avoid "stupid" comma errors (Lynne Truss)

582. April 2, 2004
British can’t end comma confusion (Lynne Truss)

584. April 16, 2004
No cheer in using commas incorrectly

603. September 10, 2004
Take the punctuation challenge

608. October 15, 2004
Don’t let parentheses get you down

609. October 22, 2004
Bringing common errors to a full stop

+Pronouns.

44. November 6, 1992
Between you and I, us writers should know better

56. February 5, 1993
Faithful readers at midpoint in 10-week exercise

99. January 7, 1994
Using "that" or "which" with that stupid comma

135. October 14, 1994
To "who" or to "whom" and other tough questions

314. August 21, 1998
Avoid indirect negatives and unnecessary thats

483. March 8, 2002
A beautiful mind saves "whom" from extinction

487. April 5, 2002
Readers wonder whom they can turn to

526. January 31, 2003
Watch out for that that that confuses writers

527. February 14, 2003
Looking for clarity in a brew of whiches

+100 columns; lessons learned

100. January 14, 1994
Lessons learned after 100 columns on writing

200. February 23, 1996
Lessons learned from 200 columns on writing

300. April 17, 1998
Lessons learned from 300 columns on writing

400. June 23, 2000
Lessons learned from 400 columns on writing

500. July 19, 2002
For 500^th column, a pause to reflect

+Closing emphasis., "VIP" emphasis

103. February 4, 1994
To write with emphasis, trim your endings

383. January 28, 2000
Use your sentence endings to create emphasis

430. January 26, 2001
Tight sentence endings can set your words free

+Editing. & revising text; edit.; revise., revising. (techniques, not editing relationship; see "Promoting good writing")

104. February 11, 1994
Everything you need to know about editing

240. January 3, 1997
Here are five techniques for writing concisely

450. July 6, 2001
Revising is not the same as proofreading

537. May 2, 2003
Approach writing one step at a time

+Nasty letters

110. March 25, 1994
Enter your first Annual Nasty Letter Contest

115. April 29, 1994
And the winner of the Nasty Letter Contest is . . .

158. March 31, 1995
Enter the Second Annual Nasty Letter Contest

162. April 28, 1995
The winner of the 1995 Nasty Letter Contest is . . .

556. September 12, 2003
Naturally nasty: Try this contest

560. October 10, 2003
Angry letters by the bagful

+Correct usage.; abusage; word choice.

122. June 17, 1994
See if you can find the misused/missused words

155. March 10, 1995
How many miss spelled words can you find?

252. March 28, 1997
Use the right words to communicate precisely

263. June 13, 1997
Can you avoid 30 common word-choice errors?

294. March 6, 1998
Effective communication depends on correct usage

305. May 22, 1998
Some word-choice errors hurt more than others

339. February 19, 1999
Watch out for these commonly confused word pairs

391. March 24, 2000
Choose your words carefully to enhance credibility

448. June 1, 2001
A word’s appearance can be deceptive

+Apostrophes.; possessive.; possessive form; possessives.

124. July 1, 1994
Suffering from apostrophobia? Here’s some help

255. April 18, 1997
Apostrophobia and apostrophilia have genetic link

284. December 12, 1997
Four simple rules for forming possessives with names

449. June 29, 2001
Apostrophes can be a conversation starter

536. April 25, 2003
Avoid catastrophe with an apostrophe

538. May 9, 2003
Apostromania possesses readers

+Family references: Debbie, Eddy, Kate, Dad

128. July 29, 1994
Caring about language in the future electronic age

258. May 9, 1997
Good writing skills needed for college and beyond

298. April 3, 1998
Punctuation, writing are hot topics on the ski slope

329. December 11, 1998
To engage your reader, open with your best sentence

+Letters of application; college admissions essays, college.

132. September 23, 1994
Well-written application letter can open door to interview

224. September 6, 1996
How do you make your life a persuasive argument?

283. December 5, 1997
Personal essay is tough part of college application

329. December 11, 1998
To engage your reader, open with your best sentence

421. November 17, 2000
Some tips for handling college applications

498. June 28, 2002
Use detail to make your writing come alive

578. March 5, 2004
Jobless? Write a better letter

+E-mail. (Also see Computers above.)

133. September 30, 1994
Writing with e-mail requires new skills and habits

140. November 18, 1994
Are you :-) or :-( about e-mail’s impact on style?

169. June 16, 1995
E-mail guidelines help avoid workplace problems

302. May 1, 1998
Digital age writing style captures spirit of our time

363. September 3, 1999
Be careful of the drawbacks in hasty use of e-mail

417. October 20, 2000
Follow e-mail etiquette to avoid being annoying

464. October 19, 2001
Don’t let e-mail inbox control your time

491. May 3, 2002
Your e-mail style reveals the real you

531. March 14, 2003
The do’s and don’ts for using e-mail effectively

+Responding to readers’ questions & comments; mailbag; readers.

135. October 14, 1994
To "who" or to "whom" and other tough questions

194. January 12, 1996
Readers weigh in with witty comments and questions

248. February 28, 1997
It’s time for a peek at what’s in the old mailbag

274. September 26, 1997
Unnecessary comma collection is overflowing

278. October 24, 1997
The old mailbag is bursting with wit and miscellany

295. March 13, 1998
Between you and myself, many panic over I and me

330. December 18, 1998
Readers ask baffling questions about what’s right

340. February 26, 1999
Trying to clear up what’s right and what’s wrong

354. June 4, 1999
Reader recommends Illustrated Oxford Dictionary

386. February 18, 2000
Quips and queries about the English language

401. June 30, 2000
If you want to be a millionaire, watch your modifiers

409. August 25, 2000
Columnist delays canoe trip to respond to readers

416. October 13, 2000
Holes in one, hole in ones: Keeping par with plurals

423. December 8, 2000
Readers feel tense about proper modifier use

432. February 9, 2001
Is it Bluto or Brutus; just deserts or desserts?

446. May 18, 2001
In matters of the mind, thinking beats believing

463. October 12, 2001
Readers raise some grammatical points

475. January 11, 2002
Clear communication is key in tough times

487. April 5, 2002
Readers wonder whom they can turn to

502. August 2, 2002
We have answers to readers’ questions

518. December 6, 2002
"Woe is I" for breaking grammar rule

523. January 10, 2003
Courtesy titles start letters, and debate

538. May 9, 2003
Apostromania possesses readers

543. June 13, 2003
Readers weigh in on following the rules

553. August 22, 2003
Readers display uncommon wit and civility

566. November 21, 2003
Personal details can make a gem

574. February 6, 2004
Readers tell of English misuse

579. March 12, 2004
Readers’ questions can be so fun

+GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

138. November 4, 1994
Attention future execs: writing competence counts

150. February 3, 1995
MBA hopefuls show uninspired writing skills

185. November 3, 1995
Broad vocabulary complements analytical writing

+Semicolons; semicolon.

153. February 24, 1995
An ode to the semicolon; use it for emphasis

174. August 18, 1995
Semicolon advice elicits passionate response

374. November 19, 1999
Optional punctuation may spur semicolon addicts

433. February 16, 2001
A midwinter day’s dream for semicolon lovers

503. August 9, 2002
There are just two rules for writers

+Clever reader awards; Golden Pen Awards

154. March 3, 1995
First annual Clever Writer Recognition Awards

288. January 23, 1998
Lingo of Generation X captures spirit of the times

315. August 28, 1998
Poor wording in a law lets scofflaws off the hook

354. June 4, 1999
Reader recommends Illustrated Oxford Dictionary

414. September 29, 2000
Smart writers know value of working with editors

478. February 1, 2002
Getting to the heart of delicate situations (Urban)

538. May 9, 2003
Apostromania possesses readers

+Writing in delicate. situations; (Also see bad news letters)

166. May 26, 1995
What is your most delicate writing situation?

275. October 3, 1997
Good managers deliver bad news in a nice way

478. February 1, 2002
Getting to the heart of delicate situations (Urban)

+Academic writing; academic.

179. September 22, 1995
Anyone know why academics write the way they do?

352. May 21, 1999
Undergrads need these tools for academic success

562. October 24, 2003
Writing big projects requires discipline

+Newsletters.

181. October 6, 1995
How you can produce a meaningful, vital newsletter

189. December 8, 1995
Newsletter-writing checklist could make your day

241. January 10, 1997
An engaging lead captures the reader’s attention

480. February 15, 2002
Quote wisely and well to add color to your writing

488. April 12, 2002
Make your newsletter worth readers’ while

+Active voice vs. passive voice; passive.

184. October 27, 1995
Sometimes the passive voice is better than the active

253. April 4, 1997
Use active voice and verbs for emphasis

268. August 15, 1997
Good sentences maintain little and large links

308. June 12, 1998
Three ways to use the passive voice effectively

530. March 7, 2003
Tell your computer, passive voice can be used to good effect

+Coherence, connections

184. October 27, 1995
Sometimes the passive voice is better than the active

238. December 20, 1996
Give your reader "Something old, something new"

262. June 6, 1997
Level of anticipation is key to coherent writing

268. August 15, 1997
Good sentences maintain little and large links

402. July 7, 2000
To write coherently, let one thought lead to the next

422. December 1, 2000
End with the thought you intend to develop next

+Vocabulary, techniques for building, vocab.

185. November 3, 1995
Broad vocabulary complements analytical writing

319. September 25, 1998
Word choice not everything, but it’s pretty important

321. October 9, 1998
There’s always one more word to say about words

341. March 5, 1999
A good vocabulary will make you a better writer

412. September 15, 2000
Learn one word a week to write more effectively

437. March 16, 2001
One new word a day keeps the boss away

+Organization, organize, organ., paragraph., para.

193. January 5, 1996
Well-constructed paragraphs help organize writing

210. May 3, 1996
Three lessons on punctuation, purpose, paragraphs

267. August 8, 1997
Choose method of development for your writing

348. April 23, 1999
Good writing depends on coherent paragraphs

376. December 10. 1999
To save time, think before you rush to begin writing

+Technical writing, writers; technical.

201. March 1, 1996
Technical types underestimate their ability to write

225. September 13, 1996
The beauty and utility of language are connected

256. April 25, 1997
Technical writers face common problems and challenges

272. September 12, 1997
To succeed you need more than technical expertise

315. August 28, 1998
Poor wording in a law lets scofflaws off the hook

325. November 6, 1998
Variety in sentence structure adds life to writing

357. June 25, 1999
Use analogies to clarify or reinforce your meaning

372. November 5, 1999
Use variety in sentence structure to add energy

525. January 24, 2003
Arbitrary grammar rules are annoying

535. April 18, 2003
Technical subjects needn’t be dry as toast

+Sentence structure.; variety. (Also see Elegance and style; writing style)

217. June 21, 1996
How to write long sentences that don’t sprawl

257. May 2, 1997
Long sentences, well managed, create special effects

325. November 6, 1998
Variety in sentence structure adds life to writing

372. November 5, 1999
Use variety in sentence structure to add energy

452. July 20, 2001
Don’t make your sentences sound monotonous

601. August 27, 2004
Count your commas for variety

+Detail.; support.

227. September 27, 1996
Action verbs and detail will enliven your style

349. April 30, 1999
Illustrate your points with examples and detail

498. June 28, 2002
Use detail to make your writing come alive

517. November 22, 2002
Know how much detail is enough?

+Spelling.; English absurdity

242. January 17, 1997
A modest proposal for simplifying English spelling

462. October 5, 2001
When spelling, don’t compound the error

509. September 27, 2002
Language lacks logic in some respects

510. October 4, 2002
Rules and principles you can count on

+"A day in the life"; dialogue between Hal. & narrator (See Narrative & CommaMobile.)

252. March 28, 1997
Use the right words to communicate precisely

294. March 6, 1998
Effective communication depends on correct usage

339. February 19, 1999
Watch out for these commonly confused word pairs

+Collaborative, group writing, collab.

254. April 11, 1997
Tips for successful collaborative writing

264. June 20, 1997
Establish style guidelines when writing in a group

469. November 30, 2001
Writing as a team requires good planning

+Style guide; style sheet; style guidelines

264. June 20, 1997
Establish style guidelines when writing in a group

439. March 30, 2001
Company style sheet can stop comma wars

+Compound words.

276. October 10, 1997
Compound words cause considerable confusion

462. October 5, 2001
When spelling, don’t compound the error

+Quotation marks.; quotation.

280. November 7, 1997
Quotation marks make reading easy, writing hard

494. May 31, 2002
Complicated rules can produce clarity

+Jargon.

288. January 23, 1998
Lingo of Generation X captures spirit of the times

+Word choice.; words (as style).

319. September 25, 1998
Word choice not everything, but it’s pretty important

321. October 9, 1998
There’s always one more word to say about words

429. January 19, 2001
To write memorably, listen to your language

441. April 13, 2001
To make a vivid impression, appeal to the senses

+Ventura, Keillor.

326. November 13, 1998
Besse Plain-Talk Dentura offers lesson for writers

342. March 12, 1999
Metaphor is an incomparable way to make a point

344. March 26, 1999
To convey personality, use energy, surprise, humor

364. September 10, 1999
What works in speaking may not work in writing

+Store., shopkeeper motif

372. November 5, 1999
Use variety in sentence structure to add energy

444. May 4, 2001
Bargaining for some punctuation marks

454. August 3, 2001
Punctuation can give your writing style

+George.; Ralph.; dialogue with

458. August 31, 2001
Keep words running on a parallel track

459. September 7, 2001
Some word choice errors are predictable

548. July 18, 2003
Wordiness is a waste of time

587. May 7, 2004
Wanton wordiness obscures the point

+Complaint letters (See customer relations or PR letters, angry letters, & bad-news letters above)

471. December 14, 2001
If you must complain, do it with a cool head

+Doc. as psychiatrist; psycho.

505. August 23, 2002
Good editors should understand their role

*Columns by date and title

0. December 12, 1991
Competence often measured by the ability to reach others

1. December 13, 1991
To keep your readers’ attention, get to the point

2. December 20, 1991
You can take those important words and park ’em

3. December 27, 1991
When sentences ramble, just cut the engine

4. January 3, 1992
Give readers a break – keep it plain and simple

5. January 10, 1992
Use language that your readers know, expect

6. January 17, 1992
Secret ingredients of a customer relations letter

7. January 24, 1992
Honoring your contract with the reader

8. January 31, 1992
Character, action essential to livening up prose

9. February 7, 1992
Mix it around for vigorous writing

10. February 14, 1992
How to avoid succumbing to acute prolixity

11. February 21, 1992
How to make writer’s block less of an obstacle

12. February 28, 1992
"Bulldozing" leaves no time to be critical of writing

13. March 6, 1992
After spontaneous start, you need an outline

14. March 13, 1992
To write or not to write: A question of good management

15. March 20, 1992
How to make enemies and start wars with your writing

16. March 27, 1992
Writing to threaten and to intimidate will cost you

17. April 3, 1992
How to proofread and never miss a single errror

18. April 10, 1992
How did you do on last week’s proofreading quiz?

19. April 17, 1992
How to be a good critic to those who write for you

20. April 24, 1992
Even "business writing" can deal with feelings