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The apostrophe seems like a straightforward form of punctuation, but there are a few tricky situations you’ll have to navigate. For example, when writing informally, you may have occasion to use a double possessive. Example: That idea of Rob’s is brilliant. Unlike a double negative, a double possessive is grammatically fine (though I wouldn’t recommendRead more

When you’ve worked your way through several drafts of a writing project, it’s very easy to want to just be done with that assignment. But before you send the final draft on its way, you need to devote time to copy editing and proofing in order to lower the risk of having overlooked typos thatRead more

The semicolon is a mark of separation that falls somewhere between the comma and the period in impact. Of course, you can’t just use a semicolon as a substitute for either a comma or period whenever you want. I’ll present guidelines for the two main contexts in which the semicolon can be used: 1. ConnectingRead more

Speeches provide excellent opportunities for positioning organizations or their representatives as industry leaders or pillars of a community. A speech can urge an audience to act, persuade them to adopt a particular point of view, provide valuable information and/or generate goodwill. Speech Writing Factors to Keep in Mind When you’re writing a speech, you shouldRead more

Commas are one of the most commonly used forms of punctuation, and they are also one of the most likely to be misplaced. As a recent New York Times op-ed points out, a couple of centuries ago, people placed the comma wherever they felt like placing it. Nowadays, some have been returning to that “funkyRead more

Since many people will decide to read your text after a quick scan through, you need to make your information inviting as possible. Part of that effort involves increasing readability. Here are a few print and online techniques: Use Descriptive Subheads Subheadings help your audience to grasp your topic or message quickly. Also, readers canRead more

Providing background information on an organization, issue, place, service or product can make the difference between journalists or stakeholders deciding to focus on your message or turning their attention elsewhere. When it comes to background document formats, communication professionals have a variety of options; it depends on what you think your readers will need. ForRead more

Being a good writer does not automatically make one a good speller. And since the English language includes exceptions and special cases for practically every spelling principle, you’ll very likely one day find yourself looking at a word that you’ve written thinking,“Is that right?” Don’t resign yourself to simply being at the mercy of yourRead more

As its name implies, a backgrounder is a document that provides the reader with background information on an organization, place, product or issue. You can use it in the following ways: An accompaniment to press releases or pitch letters A component of media kits and online press rooms A source of material for speeches, articlesRead more

Tip sheets are quick and easy publicity tools that many PR practitioners (myself included) neglect. Just to clarify, I’ve seen media advisories called tip sheets, but here I’m talking about  lists that  provide how-to information or key points about an issue/situation. Here are some quick tips for tip sheets: 1. Create an attention-grabbing headline. IRead more