Attention to Detail Articles

Article Overview:
This article consists of a rather unusual quiz that measures exactly what you mean when you say "I am 90% sure that . . . "

Opening Words:
There's an old saying: "It isn't what you don't know that hurts you - it's what you think you know but's wrong!"

It may also give you some idea of what your doctor, lawyer, accountant or other professional adviser means when they tell you that they are 90% sure of something directly effecting your health and wellbeing.

Useful Reading For:
This is a simple quiz suitable for all but especially useful for people who have to make decisions.

Article Overview:
This handy article from Bryan Edwards provides a simple list of tips and recommendations for sending and reading emails.

Opening Words:
When sending:
1) In character, email is somewhere between an informal telephone call and a formal letter, but an email can be easily kept as a permanent record – a phone call is more difficult. Avoid slang, careless writing, thoughtless comments, too many dots or exclamation marks.
2) Consider the recipient – who really needs to know? Is it ‘nice to know’ or ‘essential to their job to know’?
3) Talk to your boss about the types of information he/she needs to be copied in on.

Useful Reading For:
Anyone that sends or receives email - that's everyone then! :-)

Article Overview:
In this article, Justin Collinge looks at why it can be difficult to focus on that task you really need to complete.

Opening Words:
Jim is aware he needs to get on with that piece of work. He’s been putting it off because he knows it’s going to be tough – but time has now run out. So, girding up his loins, he settles down and is ready to go…

First, he puts on some music because he knows it helps him concentrate.

He’s also worried about another piece of work but leaves that to one side because the deadline for this is nearer.

He’s quite hungry - but isn’t going to stop now. He’s decided he’ll reward himself with a snack once he’s worked for an hour...

Useful Reading For:
Inclusion in any course on time management, or anyone interested in making more effective use of their time at work.

Article Overview:
In this article, Rod Webb considers the importance of writing skills in today's business world. The article goes on to explain why business writing skills are so important, and what trainers need to consider when developing their colleagues' writing skills.

Opening Words:
Many of us brought up in the UK in the seventies and eighties received little formal training in the use of English language. In those ‘enlightened’ days the emphasis was placed less on the differences between nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs, and more on individuals’ abilities to get their ideas down on paper. Content became more important than the quality of the writing. Ironically, the first time many were seriously exposed to grammar, was when they tried to learn a foreign language.

As someone who spends much of his time training individuals to release their creative potential, and bemoaning the fact that creativity is not properly developed as a skill, you might think I’d be an advocate of a relaxed attitude towards English grammar, and writing skills in general. Experience has taught me however, that a basic understanding of grammar, and an ability to write effectively, are essential business skills.

Useful Reading For:
Everyone.

Article Overview:
In this short, and highly practical article, Clare Forrest provides ten tips for effective communication by email, phone and fax.

Opening Words:
1. In the first line of a first-time e-mail or fax, say who you are before you tell them what you want.

2. Jargon and abbreviations don't travel well, virtually. For example, do you know how many interpretations there are of SME? Try http://www.acronymfinder.com to find out.

3. Rather than trying to impress with long words - and maybe using them wrongly - read widely and build up your vocabulary and your knowledge of punctuation. Remember that if you communicate internationally the receiver may well have a very clear grasp of the English language - and they will not be impressed by your errors. You only get one chance to make a first impression with your writing

Useful Reading For:
Anyone who has to communicate via email, phone and fax.