Writing That Works: How to Communicate Effectively in Business

by Kenneth Roman

“I did with my ears what I do with my eyes when I stare.”

4. Avoid vague adjectives and adverbs

Choose adjectives and adverbs that make your meaning more precise. Do not use them as mere exclamation points.

Take the time to boil down what you want to say, and express it confidently in simple, declarative sentences. Remember the man who apologized for writing such a long letter,

“Perfectionism is spelled p-a-r-a-l-y-s-i-s,”

Make the subject heading clear — and compelling

“It’s best not to E-mail anything you don’t want to read on the front page of The New York Times.”

“Think much, speak little, write less.”

That’s the correct order for letters of inquiry; first, what you want; second, who you are and why you want it; third, an expression of appreciation for favors to come.

As I think back over the years, I have been guided by four principles for decision making. First, the only certainty is that there is no certainty. Second, every decision, as a consequence, is a matter of weighing probabilities. Third, despite uncertainty we must decide and must act. And lastly, we need to judge decisions not only on results, but on how they are made.

“…I believe in courtesy, the ritual by which we avoid hurting other people’s feelings by satisfying our egos.”