Boxoftreats

If you are looking for an alternative to the box of chocs or the bunch of flowers for a job well done...go to my new favourite company website.

www.boxoftreats.com.au offers the complete solution.

Its just brilliant.

Weasel Words and more

I’m currently reading Don Watson’s book Death Sentence. It’s not, as those of you who know me may think, one of the murder mysteries I delight in. It’s subtitled “The Decay of Public Language”, and if you’ve ever pondered over an incomprehensible sentence in a letter from a service provider or in a speech by a politician, then I recommend you pick up this book and indulge yourself.

There are lessons here for all of us who communicate for our businesses, no matter how big or small they are. Back in the dark ages when I was studying communications we were taught to write in an active voice, and use simple words to get our messages across. I find myself, in odd idle moments, taking a red pen to letters from my bank and other correspondence, which is why Don’s book (and his previous book “Watson’s Dictionary of Weasel Words”) is such a delight.

It’s easy to fill your customer communications with platitudes and phrases which are commonly bandied about - people seem to expect them. You might think convoluted sentences can make you or your company sound important - but is your customer or client scratching his or her head in bemusement?

I’d highly recommend Death Sentence (and Weasel Words) to all CEOs, Directors, marketing and communication professioals.

For more information on Don and his books visit http://www.weaselwords.com.au/