Here is what you should do: 1. print a copy of this wordy email 2. read it 3. go back and begin crossing out all of the unnecessary words and eliminate the BIZ-SPEAK 4. when you are done, go back and

H ere are words and phrases to AVOID when writing: - I thin k – I know you “think” this because you are writing about it - I believ e – if you don’t believe it – don’t write it - I feel – in writing, this phrase means “I think” or “I believe” and we kno w better, right? - It has come to my attention , - a wordy phrase writers use when they have difficulty starting a paper - As you already know , - if the reader already KNOWS what you are about to write – why would he waste his time reading your memo, lette r, etc.? - In my opinion , - your name is on the paper – so obviously, the ideas are your opinion - right? -Last but not least , = wordy / a phrase used to increase word count! - First and foremost , = wordy / a phrase used by people who also use “Last but no t least” - Being that = confusing/wordy = use “because” - Reason why = redundant – The reason why -- use “the reason” OR use “why” NOT both - that – I want you to know that I hate wordiness. - I want you to know I hate wordiness. - I hate wordiness! - Got = vague/slang – got sick, got good grades, got in trouble, got in the car, got down, got milk? America’s Got Talent! What does GOT mean? Use specific words instead. - honestly – are you planning on lying? - absolutely – wordy - very – It was very, very, very, very hot. - It was a blistering 112 degrees yesterday. Which is better? - really - do not use this to mean “very” = use it to mean the opposite of fake or false – Class is cancel ed on Monday. Really? No, not really. - amazing – vague - is thi s word positive? or negative? Amazing has lost its meaning and impact – Amazing , huh? - always – nothing can always happen - never – never say never – ugh - literally – wordy and often misused because people have forgotten what l iteral means - just – wordy - maybe – say yes or no – maybe? Or may be? Know the difference. - stuff – the ultimate VAGUE word – there is lots of stuff on this page -things – not much better than stuff! - have to – wordy – use must (my own issue!) - Take it to the next level – so we are moving to the third floor? huh? Wordy cliché - Go above and beyond – so before you were below and behind??? – wordy cliché What other words/phrase s can we add to this list? - - - -