Back to Back Issues Page |
150 jargon fixes: Editor's Notes #204 February 15, 2016 |
Hello, instead of language, we have jargon: instead of principles, slogans: and, instead of genuine ideas, bright ideas. --Eric Bentley In this issue: 1. 150 jaron fixes 2. Tickled my funnybone 3. Interesting Web site 4. Writing prompt 1. 150 jargon fixes Copywriters write to sell. You might not be a copywriter, but you will be writing to sell yourself, even if it's only to a publisher. Copywriting is specialized work, and it's easy to slide into jargon when doing it as a neophyte. Some people who read this newsletter are copywriters, either full- or part-time. These people can also unwittingly use jargon that works against their better interest. All good writers avoid jargon in any genre because jargon puts people to sleep. Plain speech conveys meaning clearly. Creative language nudges or jolts the mind awake. Readers are grateful for plain speech and pay attention to creativity. Copywriters who splatter all forms of media with jargon-laden text are largely ignored. Those who connect with and motivate readers are valuable and can look forward to a long and prosperous career working any way they want to go - in-house, with an agency, or as a freelancer. And other writers who write their own sales copy, including query letters, also need to make connections and motivate readers. Learn what you can about copywriting. You may decide to write your own copy, become a copywriter, or pay someone else to write your sales copy for you. In all cases, the more you know, the more likely you are to make the most of your resources. =========== 2.Tickled my funnybone Atheism is a non-prophet organization =========== 3. Interesting Web site 150 Business Jargon Fixes lists 150 of the most overused words and phrases, along with suggested replacements comprehensible to the ordinary reader. Although I would consider some of the fixes to be clichés, the list itself is a good reminder of how easy it is to write hackneyed phrases. https://www.straightnorth.com/company/marketing-resources/150-business-jargon-fixes/ =========== 4. Writing prompt Choose a few of the items in the list of 150 Business Jargon Fixes or simply look for jargon in any print ads you find at home and reword them to make the same point with fresh language. =========== Join Writer's Helper Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WritersHelperEditor Follow me on Twitter @AudreytheEditor Link on LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/audreyowen (Email me first so I know how you know me.) =========== If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue. If someone has passed this on to you, you can get your own free subscription by signing up at https://www.writershelper.com/newsletter.html |
Back to Back Issues Page |