How to write better than wot u could b4

If what you write is unclear or inprecise, people reading it could well be confused.

Confusion leads to mistakes and besides, bad writing gives the wrong impression.

When you send a proposal to a client, or a letter of appointment to a prospective employer or employee if the words are unclear then so too are your intentions. This also applies to emails.

Bad writing is also bad for business as it will create less of the right impact and leave a bad impression.

Bad writing is also bad for business as it will impact create poor impact.

If customers or suppliers read something written badly they might wonder whether they should be doing business with that company. And they can be forgiven for thinking this.

In 2006 the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons published Skills for Life revealing that 12 million employees have abilities of literacy no better than 11 year olds. Edward Leigh, MP, PACs chairman said "The low level of literacy and numeracy in the adult population is bad for national productivity and bad for those individuals who may struggle to cope with work and daily living."

Cambridge University reported that the numbers of spelling mistakes in exam papers made by pupils gaining A to E grades at GCSE doubled between 1980 and 2004. Youngsters today, or tomorrow's employees, are spelling 1 word in every 50 incorrectly.

There's no easy way of improving standards of writing. But here's 6 points that may help.

1. Ask 4 simple questions about what you are about to write. Why do I need to write this? What's the most appropriate form for it to take? Who am I writing for? And what information will be expected?
2. You'll find it much easier to write if you have gathered all the information you need before you begin writing.
3. Spend a moment planning what you intend to write. Even if it's only a short email you'll benefit by taking a moment to plan it before committing your fingers to the keys. With a longer document, planning first will allow you to map out the structure of the overall piece.
4. Use plain English instead of jargon. No one likes a clever dick! Keep your sentences short, though do vary their length as it improves readability.
5. Make sure you read through what you've written to make sure you've supplied all the information you need to give. Read from the recipient's point of view - will they understand it or be confused by it?
6. Take time to revise the document for any way of improving its readability.

Writing well will create the right impression and make you look good, and you'll feel good knowing that you've submitted something free of spelling and grammar mistakes.