1. Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Adapting Your Words to Your Readers
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2. Adapt According to Your Readers
Visualize your readers/listeners. Consider
how they think.
what they know.
their education level.
Then compose for them.
Simpler sentence structures for those who understand less
More complex structures for those who understand more

3. Choose Your Words Avoid surplus of words
It will be noted that the records of the past years show a steady increase in special services.
In spite of the fact they received help, the marketing department failed to meet their quota.
Do not unnecessarily repeat words
You should know the basic fundamentals of writing

4. Use Familiar, Short Words
These words communicate readily and deliver the same meaning as an unfamiliar and relatively longer word would.
Unfamiliar Words
Familiar Words
Endeavour
Initiate
Discontinue
Ascertain
Demonstrate
Try
Begin
Stop
Find out
Show
Difficult words can definitely be used, but use it where your audience understands it .

5. Avoid Jargons and Slangs
Jargons- common vocabulary used by specific professions or groups of people within those professions. 
The Bullish market ended the Bearish trend.
Our company experienced positive changes after adopting Six Sigma.
Slangs- TTYL, OMG, LOL, Gotta, Gal, Nigga, Shawty, What up?
Avoid these. Use of these tend to create cross-cultural communication problems

6. Use Technical Language Carefully
Every field of business has technical language.
Working/studying in these areas makes you familiar with the language.
However, your audience will not always understand it.
Technical Language
Improved Version
1.Small sample size
2. Cash Cow
3. Annuity
4. Aged workers
Where the sample is less than 30
A company that generates steady returns
A fixed some of annual payment
Workers past the age of 65

7. Prefer the Concrete to the Abstract
Concrete words are specific words, as opposed to abstract words which are vague. Concrete words are more exact and help the reader understand better.
Abstract
Concrete
Your department will hire some new employees.
We will ship your order soon.
Each of the branch managers will receive a substantial pay raise.
This procedure requires a constant low temperature.
.Your department will hire three new clerks.
We will ship your order on October 15.
Each of the branch managers will receive a 15 percent pay raise.
This process requires a constant temperature of 10 degrees centigrade.

8. Prefer the Active to the Passive
In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. In passive voice the subject receives the action.
At the heart of every good sentence is a strong, precise verb, which is an active verb.
Active
Passive
The man was bitten by the dog
Your report was read by the president.
The profit and loss statement is prepared by the treasurer each month. .
The dog bit the man.
The president read your report.
The treasurer prepares the profit and loss statement each month.

9. Avoid Overuse of Camouflaged Verbs
Verbs that have been unnecessarily changed to nouns and thus need an extra verb to complete the phrase. 
make a computation
provide information
engage in negotiation
make an observation
provide representation
Camouflaged Verb
Strong Verb
compute
inform
negotiate
observe
represent

10. Avoid Discriminatory Wording
Use gender-neutral words (Salesperson vs. Salesman)
Avoid words that stereotype by
race
nationality
sexual orientation
age
Avoid words that typecast those with disabilities.

11. Avoid Stereotyping Language
Crinkly old man (elderly/veteran)
Disability
deaf and dumb (person with special needs)
crippled
(person with special needs)
Race
a hard-working Negro (person)
Sexual Orientation
A lesbian athlete
(athlete)
A gay artist (artist)

12. Avoid Discriminatory Wording
Non-Discriminatory
Discriminatory
Dear Sir
businessman
policeman
fireman
cameraman
waiter/waitress
Dear Sir/Madam
business executive, businessperson
police officer
firefighter
camera person
server

13. Eliminate Masculine Pronouns
Sexist
Nonsexist
We will reimburse any employee who paid his travel expenses.
If a customer pays promptly, he is placed on our preferred list.
A physician should treat his patients with respect.
We will reimburse any employee for travel expenses.
A customer who pays promptly is placed on our preferred list.
A physician should treat patients with respect.

14. Assignment 1
Correct/ Improve the following sentences using the rules we discussed and learned in class.
We purchased gloves that are made of wool.
The requirements for the job require a minimum of three years experience.
We are in anticipation of a good result.
My company made tremendous profit this quarter.
Dear Sir, please find attached the job details for the waitress position.