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Susan B. Kline ~ Business Communications

Susan B. KlineSending professional messages that are clear, concise and correct

You may have a unique product and great service, and you’re likely passionate about what you do. To be taken seriously in today’s market, however, you also need to deliver a consistent, direct and focused message to your target audience. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Do a self-assessment of your company's written and oral communications.
  • Distribute Survival Guides to your front-line staff. There's one for 'writers' and one for 'presenters'.
  • Sponsor a series of workshops as part of your organization's professional development efforts.
  • Take advantage of the Grammar Hotline.
  • Consider the advantages of Individual Coaching.
  • Get an objective analysis of your communication efforts.
  • Learn more about how to enhance your effectiveness with varied audiences from Susan B. Kline.
  • Review Recent Tips articles and Frequently Asked Questions from other motivated individuals.
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    Question of the Day

    M.G. Framingham, MA
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    Q: We're wondering what is the proper way to write town-wide?  Our organization is called "Town Wide PTO,” but, of course, we have a conundrum about the correct way to indicate that it is a group that includes representatives from all of the schools in our town (as opposed to describing a very expansive hamlet). We're stumped and would greatly appreciate your advice!

    A: When two words function as a single adjective, it is usually best to hyphenate    : Town-wide PTO. Interestingly, a number of “-wide” combinations are now written as a single word -- among them worldwide, nationwide, countrywide, countywide, citywide, communitywide, industrywide, statewide, and storewide (although some of these look odd). So even though I could not locate the example of townwide, I believe you have the option of writing it the single word: Townwide PTO.
    Do not write two capitalized unhyphenated words: Town Wide PTO; and, if you hyphenate, do not capitalize “wide” as it does not have the same weight as “Town.”. Whatever you choose, be consistent. That's the key in many fuzzy punctuation situations. I myself prefer Town-wide PTO.







    Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 January 2012 08:12
     

    Clients of Ms. Kline

    Below are a few of Ms. Kline's notable clients.  Contact us for specific references, additional client names and testimonials.

     

    Grammar Hotline

     

     

     

    No more need to wonder about using a semicolon or comma, who or whom, affect or effect, or the many other problems that plague writers of business documents.   Simply click on Contact Us; submit your question about punctuation, grammar, word choice, or general English usage; and receive a prompt, clear, helpful response.

    This is a complimentary service of Susan Kline Business Communications. It's just ONE of the many 'extras' that makes Susan Kline a valuable resource.

     

    Testimonials

    Workshop evaluation question on Perfect Presentations: How will you apply the information at work?
    Answer: WOW!  In SO many ways.  The information on writing and presenting was priceless for the number of workshops I need to put together and deliver.
    P.W. Smith College Alumnae Relations

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    Sue, we asked our standard question about whether participants in your June class have suggestions to improve the class, and among other glowing statements, we got this:

    "No, not really. I thought the class was wonderful and it built on some skills I already had and strengthened many that I lacked. I wish there was a higher rating than "strongly agree" and "very satisfied." Susan gets top marks from me!"

    "No suggestions about improving the class. I would suggest; however, that this class be mandatory for everyone. The material was extremely relevant because we all communicate in a written fashion on a daily basis. This is by far the best and most relevant development class I have taken at JH."

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    Unless otherwise attributed, all material is written and edited by Susan B. Kline. Copyright © Susan B. Kline 2011. All rights reserved. I invite you to reprint material from this website for educational purposes, provided this copyright notice ("Written and edited by Susan B. Kline, copyright Susan B. Kline, [year]. All rights reserved.") and a link to http://www.sbkline.com is included in the credits.