The idea that workplace writing needs to be more formal to be "professional" or "impressive" is a 19th-century zombie that just won't die.

When you get any kind of written communication from any business (including this very post from me), you're interested in one thing: THE CONTENT!

Either it's USEFUL to you or it's not (and you can hit DELETE).

If it's USEFUL, then either it’s CLEAR or not.

All you, as a reader, ask of workplace writing is that it be USEFUL and CLEAR. I doubt you’re giving bonus points for being adequately FORMAL…lol.

The key to workplace writing couldn't be any more simple:

  • Give readers USEFUL content and write CLEARLY.

Learn to trust writing in plain English—using the words you use when you talk to people at work—co-workers/clients/customers/other interested parties…all day long.

You can save the tuxedo for weddings.

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