Page 158 - How to write effective business English your guide to excellent professional communication by Fiona Talbot

Paper is here to stay 147

These are examples of what I term ‘over-Englishing’: the desire to
outdo native English writers with an exaggerated use of language
that deviates from the original. It is in essence an imaginary lan-
guage – and in the ultimate analysis, it has no meaning! I could
rewrite what I think they mean to say (and this isn’t at all clear,
probably not even in their own minds) as follows:

An accountant: ‘A successful professional with integrity, I will be
pleased to use my expertise in the post advertised.’
A marketing manager: ‘I am looking to take my career to the next
level and have every confidence that my excellent credentials,
expert knowledge and skills base will deliver what you seek in
this post.’

Your checklist for action

● ● Realize that printed material may be scrutinized more and recall
may be higher: this also means that mistakes and flawed logic
may be spotted more easily.

● ● Know what you want your written piece to achieve; enable the
result you need.

● ● Check that the look and feel of your writing aligns with values
shown in other corporate communication. Cohesive writing has
authenticity.

● ● In letters, write your recipient’s personal details correctly; use the
correct salutation and sign-off; build in rapport and politeness
and consider creative sub-headings to engage.
● ● Always remember that it’s a person or people you are writing to –
and use plain English.