1. M O L L Y A M E L L
Proofreading, Editing, and
Office Communication Skills

2. Focus on Clarity
 Conciseness
 Multiple interpretations
 Word choice
 Jargon
 Audience

3. Professional/Official Documents
 Letters of Recommendation
 CVs

4. Curriculum Vitae
 Consistency
 Alignment
 Readability
 Italicized vs. underlined

5. Letters of Recommendation
 Margins
 Date
 Salutation
 Font size

6. Example 1:
 Word repetition
 Transitions
 Verb tenses
 Clarity and
specificity

7. Example 2:
 Consistency
 Comma use

8. Inter-Office Documents
 Tidbit
 Binder
 Emails

9. Tips
When looking for errors…..
 Read out loud!
 Look closely at commas.
 Be as clear as you can.
 Be precise with word choice.
 When possible, peer review.
 Focus on the audience at all times!

10. Design Principles

12. Infographics!

13. J E S S I C A B A U E R A N D D E N N I S G . J E R Z
Top 10 Strategies for Writing
Effective Email

14. 1. Write a meaningful subject line.

15. 2. Keep the Message Focused.
 Number your points if you have many
 Proofread
 Write in short paragraphs, separated by lines

16. 3. Avoid attachments (when possible).

17. 4. Identify yourself clearly.

18. 5. Be kind. Don’t flame.

19. 6. Proofread.
 Reread what you have typed.
 Remember we are in a professional setting.
 Whenever possible, read out loud.

20. 7. Don’t assume privacy.
 Praise in public, criticize in private.
 Remember that email is not fully secure.
 “If [the Dean/Crystal/your mother] saw this, what
would he/she think?”
 Maintain professionalism AND politeness.

21. 8. Formal vs. informal situations.
 Think about who you are talking to.
 Someone in-house vs. external?
 Someone you know well vs. an acquaintance?
 Read the situation.
 When are , haha, thx, etc. appropriate?
 When are they not?

22. 9. Respond promptly.
 Don’t leave your correspondent waiting too long!

23. 10. Show respect and restraint.
 Think VERY carefully before hitting “Reply all.”
 Be courteous when forwarding messages.
 Email can be “too fast” [see below].