Remember...You're Only Talking to Me!

by Michael Scott
(St. Catharines, ON)

Have you ever noticed when some people write a memo, an email, a letter, an article or even a book which they know will be read by many people, they address the readers as though they are all sitting in a room together....reading the email/letter/whatever...simultaneously.

It's quite humorous, when you think about it. You'll read sentences that go sort of like this:
"I know that some of you may not like what I'm about to say, but...." Or "Many of you, I'm sure, would like to attend the meeting next Tuesday."

Remember, even though you're writing to an audience of MANY.....they're reading your message one by one. So, when addressing readers, keep it singular. (e.g. "I know you may not like what I'm about to say..") It not only makes more sense, it makes it more personal! (Don't you all agree with me?? :-) Just kidding!)