The Power of Style Guides

Before starting with a translation or editing, I always ask the customer if they have a style guide or any kind of guideline that they would like me to adhere to. Very often, the answer is “No” or “There might be something we have used in the past. Let me have look.” Usually, this means that the style guide that has been sitting there was not frequently and consistently used. However, to ensure consistent, high-quality communication, style guides are essential.

What exactely is a style guide?

Style guides are reference documents that establish specific guidelines and rules for writing style. They are living documents that need to be adapted from time to time (and thus, should not sit somewhere on the shelf without being looked at). They are invaluable tools for ensuring consistency and professionalism in various forms of written communication, be it business emails, presentations, blog posts, or any other content.

Do I need a style guide?

The short answer is: yes! Just image employees in various divisions starting to publish their documents without streamlining tone, wording (especially when using their own translations), or punctuation (just have look at the million different ways to refer to different genders in German). It‘s just tedious to correct everything after the fact and nobody wants to do it. So why not start off right from the start?

Just let me give you a few examples:

• Brand Communication: Style guides help organizations maintain their brand identity by providing clear guidelines on language usage, tone, and style. Imagine reading a blog post from a company where the same terms are inconsistently spelled or the tone varies greatly. It would raise doubts about the company’s professionalism and credibility.

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• Readability and Clarity: Uniform rules for spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure significantly enhance the readability of texts. When we craft clear and well-structured content, we make it easier for readers to understand. Especially in business communication where complex information is conveyed, a clear and consistent writing style is of utmost importance.

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• Effective Internal Communication: Style guides are not only crucial for external communication but also for internal collaboration. By establishing consistent guidelines for writing style, we minimize misunderstandings and facilitate the exchange of information between different teams and departments. Clear and uniform language promotes efficiency and productivity in teamwork.

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• Adapting to Various Platforms: In today’s digital world, we need to tailor our content to different platforms, such as websites, social media, or other digital channels. Style guides provide clear instructions for content creation that meet the specific requirements and expectations of each platform. This ensures that our message remains consistent and engaging, regardless of where it is presented.

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• International Consistency: For companies operating internationally or dealing with multiple languages, style guides are particularly valuable. They assist in creating translated content that maintains brand messaging and style consistency across different languages. This contributes to maintaining a strong brand presence and a clear corporate identity.

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By recognizing the importance of style guides and integrating them into our communication processes, we can ensure consistent and professional language communication. They can help improve your written expression and promote a professional appearance both externally and internally. That‘s why I am a strong supporter of style guides at an early stage.

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