The title of this post refers to one of the biggest on-going issues I have with my online business.
I was in the work force off and on for approximately 40 years. The last 20+ of that was in positions where I needed to write, file reports, document activities… and as I advanced in my chosen field I wrote Policies & Procedures, articles, training information…
I had always enjoyed writing, but I definitely refined my business “tone” and the appearance of my documents.
With my online business and this blog, I now need to write in a more conversational tone and keep my information sharing and educational pieces more casual and friendly. The last thing I want to do is sound like I’m talking at you!
Getting on top of that professional tone has been a struggle. Learning to say “I’m” instead of “I am” and “can’t” instead of “can not”… “it’s” and “you’re”…
My mentor scolds me that I am not an English teacher, I am not writing formal documents for the powers that be… and see, there you go! I did it again – “I am, I am” is allowed to be “I’m” and “I’m”.
I talk that way. When I’m talking it’s usually with a friend or a colleague, a family member… and I talk casually. But put me on a keyboard with a document open, and I’m back in Professional mode as though I’m writing Policy and Procedure for Head Office!!
I find it so frustrating!
But I shall persevere! and one day the contractions will flow off my fingers like the casual conversation I just had with my good friend and colleague who’s visiting this week!
In the meantime, I will con…. I’ll continue to proof read my writing and correct what I catch and laugh at myself that, after three proof-reads, I still missed one or two!!
oh, and I’ll hope you’ll excuse me if I sound like an English teacher from time to time!!