How Is Your Form?
by Geoff M. Pope, Guest Writer
Have you noticed an increase or a decrease in civility related to personal and professional emails as well as entries and comments on blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc.? If your answer is “an increase,” you’re privileged to be observing an endangered species known as the Considerate Communicators. If, however, you responded with “a decrease,” this article will not only confirm your concern—and mounting frustration, perhaps—but it will also include a few tips on how to set a respectable example in any kind of written communication.
More than the Content
What do you think is more important when it comes to writing: the content (meaning your message) or the form (including grammar, spelling, formatting, and so forth)? “Content, of course,” you might say—or be thinking, “It all depends on the purpose of the writing.” Those are appropriate responses, but in our age of increasing pressure to write—often quickly—consider how content has become shorter and form poorer.
Is “the devil is in the details” or is “God is in the details”? Well, when you think about it, both statements are true. Consider how your grammar and punctuation can work both for you—and against you. If, for example, you use subject-verb agreement and commas effectively, your readers will appreciate your valuing the basic rules of writing. Each of us, of course, will make mistakes in our written work; nevertheless, if we attempt to communicate not only solid content but also proper form, we’ll show others our thoughtful efforts. Good form in writing is like dressing, grooming, and carrying yourself well.
Start Small
Understandably, rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics intimidate many of us—so, if need be, start small:
1. Use standard font sizes and colors.
2. Change paragraphs when you change ideas.
3. Use a spell-checker.
4. Review/proofread your content.
Maintain a Balance
As with most things in life, to be respected, you need to maintain a balance of what you communicate with how you communicate it. In writing, compelling content combined with a suitable form is memorable and attractive—similar to an excellent public speaker with appealing nonverbal communication skills.
National Punctuation Day
For seven years now, September 24 has been designated as National Punctuation Day. So, in celebration of a minor but essential part of any paragraph, let’s spend some time on 9/24—or maybe the following weekend, if your Friday is packed—to learn or review a few punctuation rules. One of the best websites is the Purdue University Online Writing Lab, better known as the Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu.
Having been a copyeditor and an English instructor for more than 20 years, I’ve come to agree with John R. Trimble, who states in his slim conversational book, Writing with Style, “Few people realize that [punctuation] is the most important single device for making things easier to read.”
Let’s be more considerate of our readers by paying closer attention to details of form in our writing; as a result, we’ll gain their respect and be better understood.
To learn more about this week’s guest writer, visit www.geoffpope.com.
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: civility National Punctuation Day social media writing communication image
We can each do better - and improvement begins with oneself. Good on Geoff to encourage civility in writing.
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Great article! I am a stickler on punctuation manners.
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While reading this article, several memories popped into my head of poorly written emails that I have received.
One in particular, hurt my feelings for no other reason than it was written so poorly. I questioned the level of respect the writer had for me. I thought that if the writer had a higher level of respect, he would have put more effort into his writing. I equated his sloppiness with lack of respect.
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I really enjoyed this article. Thanks!
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What punctuation mistake bugs you the most? I am so tired of "from: Cheryl" or "by: John". Everyone seems to do it. Please remember that prepositions don't need colons!
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Often times it simply takes a moment, a big breath, and a reread to get it right.
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Thanks Geoff, for reminding us that form does matter! Happy Punctuation Day!
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Your comparison of good writing form being similar to dressing, grooming, and carrying oneself well is excellent. I will share this simple analogy with my students!
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Thanks for a great article Geoff.
I fear the written word is becoming more informal. I do not know if it is laziness, or ignorance. I receive resumes from potential employees and their general lack of basic grammar skills amazes me. Needless to say, it does make an impression.
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To maintain a professional image, one cannot afford to write with poor grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Right on, Geoff!
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Thank you for supporting civil communications! We desperately need kind, supportive instruction for how to communicate more effectively. Great teachers inspire others to be better. You are a great teacher, Geoff!
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me and my wife we was so bleesed about the thing whicch you have wrote!
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You have given an encouraging message – why should we use a good pen.
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Good article, Geoff. Ir seems good writing is becoming a lost art. So much of what we try to communicate is so brief that it seems worthless. Paying attention to details makes things seem more personal. Paying attention to grammar may take a little more time, but if we don't grammatical mistakes can distract from the message.
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Mr. Pope,
First; I would like to say great job, you really do make a good point.
-Jeremy
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Great article, Geoff!
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Geoff, great article. Thank you for the info. and the links.
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This article is so helpful. I try to stay as correct as possible whenever I'm constructing my words even when it's on Facebook! A lot of my friends just omit everything they've learned in school pertaining to being grammatically correct and using the right punctuation. I like the "start small" tips. I think anyone can benefit from those. Just starting out small and then taking it from there. I also have to agree that good form in writing is like carrying yourself well. I couldn't agree more. Great article!
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I just absolutely love your article Geoff. It is so true, the form of writing is so powerful when used correctly, it is amazing to hear tips and words of encouragement for when form in writing is used properly and correctly. Yeah! Spreading the wealth of knowlege!
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Great points in this article, Geoff. It is very discouraging to see the many grammar and punctuation errors in newspapers and magazines that millions read every day!
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Thank you for the interesting article, Geoff. I am hoping to see a follow-up article on punctuation, using the "small steps" guide.
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Thank you, Patricia -- and everyone else who generously took the time to read this piece and even leave a comment. I'm a little overwhelmed and deeply encouraged; and thanks in part to all of you, I'll be a featured writer again on this blog.
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Thank you Prof Geoff for providing some basics. Starting small is great instruction for everyone. Each of these is so important. Seeing proofreading on your list reinforces one area I personally need to concentrate on. Nice work!
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Great article, Geoff. I'd love to know where you stand on commas. I find that I'm omitting them in my writing and I've noticed that other people do too. I think the following statement from your article is right on! "If...you use subject-verb agreement and commas effectively, your readers will appreciate your valuing the basic rules of writing."
Could you give me a few clues about how to climb back on the comma train? I'd be so appreciative!
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I replied to Luanne via email with the following links (for others who may be interested):
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/comma-splice.aspx
http://www.nationalpunctuationday.com/comma.html
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm
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I couldn't agree more! Proper use of commas, paragraphs, etc. make reading easier and more enjoyable. Thanks for reminding us all of the basics of communication.
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It's really good tips for maintanence forum.
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Very convenient to include a link letting me share this story on Facebook
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Its import to keep improving. thanks!
Best Regards
Mike
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