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Quote of the month: "The greatest mistake a man can make is to
be afraid of making one" Elbert Hubbard
How to Edit Diplomatically
Source: Communication
Briefings ideas that work
Here are some ideas that can help you diplomatically alter someone’s
writing:
- Confirm what the writer wants you to do. Examples: "Should
I just polish the lead?" "Do you want me to tell you how well you’ve
organized the piece?" "Should I determine if you’ve supported your argument?"
- Use green ink, not red, to suggest changes. Reason:
Red is seen as a stop symbol, so it can make writers resist your advice.
But do use red to praise something, such as a well-crafted sentence
or paragraph.
- Consider making your advice look even more like a suggestion,
not an edict, by using pencil. Another plus: You can more easily
change comments.
- Be a teacher as well as an editor, always explain why you’re
changing something. It’s the only way to create better writers.
- Sit next to writers, not across from them, if you meet to discuss
their work. Reason: This nonverbal signal says you’re there to
help, not order.
- Stop often and ask questions such as: "Do you see what I mean?"
"Can you agree with that?" "What do you think we should do to fix that
problem?"
Source: Susan Perloff writing in Philadelphia Business Journal,
400 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
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