Business Casual Invades Business Communications

Business casual, the workplace’s code for dress, frequently registers on the business communications radar these days.  Once regarded as the letter writing standard, the salutation “dear” has been detonated by the contemporary kill switches of “hi” and “hello.”

While an advocate for relaxed dress at work, I’d stray from allegiance to old school breeding if I were to endorse the casual code that has crept into business communications. For one to convey a serious tone, the ancient writing mores are still applicable in many instances.

Addressing a potential customer with whom I’d never met as “Hi Bob” in a formal letter is beyond imagination. Now, if Bob belongs to Generation Y, the practice may not provoke offense; however, in the event he’s a seasoned professional over the age hill, I’d rather play it safe with “Dear Bob.” What holds true in informal situations doesn’t always pass business communications muster.    

See the WSJ’s timely weigh in: 
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576060044212664436.html

SM Rebirths Trend and Facebook As Verbs

These days, social media reigns and nowhere is this more apparent than how the English language continues to evolve. Words once categorized as nouns have suddenly taken on new life as verbs. For example, shedding its skin as a noun, the word “trend” has been reinvented as the verb, trending, to reflect hot topics popularized via Twitter.

Frequently, I’m asked “do you Facebook?” While Facebook is recognized as the name of a social media site, to many, it corresponds to a participatory act.

What’s acceptable in casual conversation is often unacceptable in formal writing. However, if you insist on utilizing trend and Facebook in the active sense, my recommendation is to keep it flowing from your lips and not from your pen. 

OMG, Texting Acronyms in Professional Documents?

Whether by cell phone or personal computer, IM and text messaging have crowned abbreviations the new communications norm.  While acceptable when conversing with casual acquaintances in this mode and via personal email, texting acronyms such as TTL, LOL, and OMG should never appear in formal writing. Plus, who has time to scour for translations?

Young people, heavily immersed in technology and overly reliant on speed, are often prone to making these mistakes. Formal writing rules are applicable to business correspondence, academic papers, resumes, covers letters and emails utilized in professional settings. Not only is the inclusion of acronyms and emoticons unprofessional, but writing continues to be governed by the audience targeted. Here’s my rule of thumb: Whenever in doubt, don’t.