Finding the Exact Words

• speak for their company but not for themselves
• fear the consequences of giving bad news
• are afraid to disagree with company policy
• make a recommendation some readers will resent
• worry about making a bad impression
• worry about being wrong
• pretend to know more than they do
• avoid admitting a mistake, or ignorance

Inflated and unfamiliar words, borrowed expressions, and needlessly technical terms camouflage meaning. Poor word choices produce inefficient and often unethical writing that resists interpretation and frustrates the audience.

Following are strategies for finding words that are convincing, precise, and informative.

1. Use simple and familiar wording.
2. Avoid useless jargon.
3. Use acronyms selectively.
4. Avoid triteness.
5. Avoid misleading euphemisms.
6. Avoid overstatement.
7. Avoid imprecise wording.
8. Be specific and concrete.
9. Use analogies to sharpen the image.

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