Embracing Imperfections on National Grammar Day

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Whether you are talking to your children or negotiating with a supplier effective communication is the key to success, but what makes communication effective?

Does it matter if we can’t spell? Is grammar outdated? Should I be using more emojis and less words?

If you had asked me that question a few years ago you would have probably received a slightly different answer. I don’t claim to be an expert in language and grammar, I just know what I was taught at school and from a lifetime of writing for a living.

I have to admit to being shocked over the years at the way my children’s spelling was not corrected in school and even that at university the emphasis was on what they were saying, not how they were writing it down!

The introduction of mobile phones, texting, social media, and now AI, have altered how we use language and grammar. We are altogether more casual now with how we use language. For many, including many of my clients who are dyslexic, this relaxation is a bonus. On the whole, we are more forgiving of spelling mistakes and typos, and perhaps, we have made it easier for people to say when they find language and grammar challenging.

I still believe that good grammar helps us to express ourselves more clearly, but I have come to accept that it shouldn’t be a barrier to writing or stifle creativity. I may not have completely embraced textspeak but I have accepted that the way we speak and write has relaxed over the years and that I shouldn’t be too judgmental if things aren’t quite as they should be! (But woe betide you if you use apostrophes incorrectly!)

?Embrace Imperfections, but Strive for Clarity

As a business owner, your ability to convey your thoughts, ideas, and brand messages can make or break your business. Clear communication not only establishes credibility but also fosters stronger connections with your audience, clients, and partners. It's the glue that binds successful collaborations and ensures that your vision is understood and appreciated.

While impeccable grammar may help, there is also a fine line between adhering to language rules and maintaining authenticity. People of my generation were brought up not to start sentences with words such as ‘and’ and ‘but’. But that went out of the window the second I got a job as a copywriter in an advertising agency.

Rather than worrying about being grammatically correct, our communication needs to be appropriate - for our audience and the medium of communication. A blog can be less formal than a letter and a text to your children will be chattier than one to a supplier.

However, even when writing authentically, it pays to be careful. Emails are notoriously difficult.

What you write in a couple of lines can be taken out of context and lead to misunderstandings. It is always best to stop and think about what you have written before pressing send.

Are your words clear? Can the reader infer your mood/ tone from what you have written? Does it sound friendly or passive-aggressive? If in doubt, change it.

?Tools to Assist Your Communication Journey

Fortunately, there is an array of tools available to help enhance our communication skills without becoming grammar gurus. Grammar-checking tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid can be invaluable in identifying and correcting grammatical errors, ensuring your written content is polished and professional.

?The Human Touch: Working with Professional Copywriters

While automated tools can be helpful, there's no substitute for the human touch. AI is a revolution for many and I agree that it can be extremely helpful. However, much of what it gives you will be impersonal and not in your brand voice. By all means, use AI-generated text as a starting point but make sure you tweak it so that it sounds like you. I offer an Express Evaluation service to help with this.

Alternatively, you could work with a professional copywriter. Whilst we strive to create grammatically correct text, we also come with the ability to take your rough thoughts and ideas and translate them into a range of compelling narratives to attract, inform, inspire, and educate your target audience. Years of experience means I can bring your personality to the text, as well as turn your musings into effective communication.

On #NationalGrammarDay, let's celebrate the beauty of language and its power to connect us. While good grammar is an essential element of effective communication, it should never hinder our ability to express ourselves authentically. Embrace the tools available, but don't forget the value of the human touch. Together, let's weave words that resonate, captivate, and drive success in our lives and businesses.