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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

    B.P. Edwardsville, IL
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    Q: I’m not sure if there is an understood “an” and “the” in the following sentences:
    The boxes were blocking a fire extinguisher and electric panel.
    Or is it: The boxes were blocking a fire extinguisher and an electrical panel.
    A similar problem occurs with the word “the”:
    The boxes were blocking the fire extinguisher and electrical panel.
    Or is it: The boxes were blocking the fire extinguisher and the electrical panel.
    Can you get away without using the second “the” or “an”?

    A: You must write “a fire extinguisher and an electric panel because there is a required word change from “a.”  to “an,” due to the fact that the word electric begins with a vowel. You can get away with one “the” as long as it is clear that you are talking about two separate items (fire extinguisher and electric panel). For clarity’s sake, it might be wiser to repeat: the fire extinguisher and the electric panel.

    Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 May 2012 06:09
     

    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

    Susan Kline the trainer, writing coach and consultant, did a wonderful job in her presentation to our class this morning. In the business world of emails as an important form of communication, Susan taught us was to present our business messages so that they are clear, professional and productive. We acquired tips on: 10 keys to quality writing, writing clear sentences, writing effective emails, punctuation and grammar, and avoiding common errors.  I am glad to have the opportunity to take this class.  N.P. Baystatehealth.org

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    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.