Metaphors add colour to language. Mixed metaphors are a mismatch of images that often create a bizarre effect.
Continue reading “Mixed Metaphors And Improbable Imagery”Mixed Metaphors And Improbable Imagery
The Art Of Argument: Convince Them!
The art of argument is a set of skills you need to be able to master. Whether you’re a writer or a speaker, in a business or personal context, you’ll find it to be invaluable.
Continue reading “The Art Of Argument: Convince Them!”The ‘Elevate’ Buzzword: Get Off The Elevator
The ‘elevate’ buzzword addiction is yet another example of corporate copycatting. It might have been original, once, as an extension of ‘take it to the next level’ (and aren’t we all tired of that one?) Now, at best, it’s overused; at worst, its use is often meaningless and just plain silly.
Continue reading “The ‘Elevate’ Buzzword: Get Off The Elevator”The Use Of Why: But Why On Earth?
What’s happening with the use of why? There’s a lot written about ‘why’ we do (or fail to do) things. Specialists in motivation, therapy, training and coaching and many others often write well about it. But why on earth is ‘why’ a buzzword noun?
Continue reading “The Use Of Why: But Why On Earth?”When Figurative Language Fails
We love to use figurative language. It adds colour, interest and extra emphasis to points we want to make. When it’s wrongly applied, though, it ruins the image completely.
Unfortunately, speakers and writers like to copy phrases that have impressed them without thinking about what they really mean.
Continue reading “When Figurative Language Fails”If and Whether Or Not
The words ‘if’ and ‘whether’ are often used interchangeably. In most cases, it isn’t a problem. Sometimes, though, it can lead to awkwardness or misunderstanding.
Continue reading “If and Whether Or Not”Texts For Effects
10 Questions For Better Communication
Writers construct texts to shape the response of their readers; readers react and respond to what they read.
This writer-reader interaction is fundamental. Therefore, you should focus on making it a positive and effective one.
Are you ticking all the boxes?
Here are 10 questions to ask (and to answer)
Continue reading “Texts For Effects”Wavering Over ‘Waiver’
Waive and waiver, wave and waver…. It can be confusing.
Give yourself a little test. In each of the sentences, below, fill in the correct word:
Continue reading “Wavering Over ‘Waiver’”A Quick KISS: 5 Things To Check
The KISS treatment. You might not need to give it to every piece of text but it’s always important that your writing is concise.
KISS = Keep It Short and Simple
Why? Three reasons:
- Your writing will be clearer and cleaner
- Your readers will stay engaged with your message
- You’ll save everyone’s time.
Imply Or Infer?
‘Imply’ or ‘infer’? Many people confuse these words. They are both verbs that deal with the communication of a message but they have different meanings.
Whether you use ‘imply’ or ‘infer’ also depends on whether you are the sender or the receiver of the message.
Continue reading “Imply Or Infer?”