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Below:
1. Exterminating errors
2. Classic blunders
3. Public writing workshops

Exterminating errors

Nothing says “I’m careless” more than errors in your document. But no matter how hard you stare at the page, sometimes you just can’t spot you’re mistakes (see?). So how to find them?

These proven proofreading tips will save your skin:

  1. Fresh eyes: The Golden Rule is to put your writing aside and look at it with fresh eyes later – preferably after a sleep, during which your brain “resets” itself.
  2. Buddy up: The freshest eyes of all are someone else’s! Why not become someone’s “copy buddy,” and shoot important copy (writing) to each other to check?
  3. Several passes: Go through your document several times looking for one thing at a time. E.g. in one pass, just check content; then in another, check for typos; then in another, check your grammar, and so on.
  4. Read aloud: Reading your copy aloud helps stop your brain skipping over mistakes.
  5. Print it: Reading on screen is slower and harder. You’ll find more errors on a printout (use recycled paper).
  6. Change font: Surprisingly, temporarily changing your font can help you see errors.

Classic blunders

  • Report cover for UK's “Public Guardian”:
    “The Pubic Guardian”
  • Newspaper headline: “Iraqi Head Seeks Arms”
  • Sign in foreign hotel: “The manager has personally passed all the water served here”
  • In a resume: “I have good attention too detail ...”

Have a great month!

Paul and Petrina

   
 

Links to help you think

Tone up your flabby phrases

Writing in your underpants

Procrastinator Terminator

Apostrophe catastrophe

Make it rare to
get “Well done!”

Writing for sheep

Keep it short, sport

Fat-free writing tips

ALL back issues

   
Paul sig  

 

BRAIN GYM: Next time you have to write something important, commit to starting a little earlier. That'll give you time to put it aside so you can proofread it with fresh eyes later.

Call the Error Exterminator: 02 9427 3127

  

Public writing workshops

Learn more >> EARN more

Did you know 50% of employers check writing skills when hiring? Your writing ability can block you or boost you!

Professional business writing: “Get it Write”
15 October 2008 (earlybird expires 19 Sept.: Save $160)
See course outline.

Persuasive writing: “Write More Business”
29 October 2008 (earlybird expires 3 Oct.: Save $160)
See course outline.

“Magneto’s high energy style of training was fun and informative. Our group responded well to your interactive approach.”
ING Real Estate Investment Management Australia

Prefer an in-house course?

Does your writing need a workout?

Magneto Communications Pty Ltd

Phone/fax 1300 658 580

www.magneto.net.au
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