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| Year
2002 |
How to Win Buyers and Succeed in Overseas
Markets Part V:
Mind Your Language |
Writing professional English does not
require master degree in literature or special grammatical
skill. Simple short sentences that communicate your
message is what the doctor prescribes. Avoid flowery
words in obsolete cumbersome sentences. Put yourself
in recipient's place and evaluate your letter - does
it make sense ? Read it out to your friend or spouse
- test their comprehension. These are small things
that can really help you improve your writing style
and win customers' confidence.
Here are some examples of obsolete words and phrases
that has no place in a lively professional communication:
- We would like to introduce ourselves....Communications
that use the word "introduce" in the opening
paragraph are in fact screaming "I'm a boring
sales letter!" Avoid use of unnecessary words
like "introduce", "present",
'It is a great pleasure..' etc. in opening paragraph
- it could be an immediate turn off.
- I would like to take this opportunity...
Another example of cumbersome beginning - just start
your sentence with "Thank you for..."
- Would you be so kind to... Instead
of such a long statement - simply write "Please"
- We acknowledge receipt of Very
formal - need not be used with customers you frequently
communicate. Instead write 'Thank you for..'
- I am in receipt of / We are in receipt
of Obsolete use - just say "I have
received"
- advise Avoid this word - instead
use "say", "tell", "let
us know" etc.
- as per Avoid - instead, use
"as", "according to" etc.
- due to the fact that Useless
expression that are absolute pain (you know where)
for readers. Use simple words like "as",
"because", "since" etc.
- enclosed please find Simple
use of "enclosed" or "here is.."
communicates better.
- duly Do not use the word at
all !
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| Happy and Productive
Surfing Dr.
Amit K Chatterjee
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Related Links :
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Author
: Dr.
Amit K. Chatterjee
(Amit worked in blue-chip Indian and MNCs
for 15 years in various capacities like
Research and Information Analysis, Market
Development, MIS, R&D Information Systems
etc. before starting his e-commerce venture
in 1997. The views expressed in this columns
are of his own. |
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