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Survey reveals alarm over writing standards

Business leaders are becoming increasingly intolerant of poor written English in documents, according to a survey by business-writing consultants Emphasis.

According to the survey, managers from across the public and private sector have expressed dismay at the number of written mistakes in business communications. Middle and senior management in particular commented that a 'back-to-basics' approach to grammar and punctuation was needed.

Respondents reported that spelling mistakes, the use of 'text-speak' and the misuse of apostrophes in written work were common irritants.

The research suggests that the success of recent publications such as Eats, Shoots & Leaves..., which advocates a zero-tolerance approach to poor punctuation, may be part of a new conservatism when it comes to writing skills. That book spent weeks at the top of the best seller lists, hinting that people may no longer be prepared to put up with poor standards.

"Changes in education policy over several decades have meant that many employees in the workplace have forgotten or have simply never been taught the rudiments of written English," said Rob Ashton, a director at Emphasis.

"This can cause serious problems in business writing, as incorrect grammar and punctuation in copy can deter prospective clients. The ideas and true potential of some employees can also remain untapped because they find it difficult to express themselves properly in written work."

External link

Emphasis Training have produced several free guides on spelling, punctuation and grammar to help businesses prepare written documents. The guides can be downloaded from their website at www.writing-skills.com

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