From the Errors of Others
How to Avoid Embarrassing Mistakes in Writing and Speaking
by
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Different situations call for different communication styles. And successful communication demands good judgment about the style you choose. If you were considering someone for a business promotion, how would you feel if she sent you this email?
“Sorry I was late for the lunch meeting you guys. My bad. I overslept on accident cuz I felt really yucky and had to run to the little girls' room all nite. Then my car wouldn't start cuz I let the battery run down. For realz! I hope you guys didn't wait a long time. Anyways, lunch was really nummy even tho veggies aren't my faves!
Would I give this person serious consideration for a promotion? Nuh-uh. And if you think I'm being too critical, well ... you're not the boss of me!
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About the Book
“From the Errors of Others is a collection of crisp, witty, and slyly informative essays for grownups with a sense of humor. The subject is communication--good, bad, and patently bizarre. The author is Rebecca Lyles, an experienced editor but not a wrist-slapping schoolmarm. Neither giggly nor ponderous, she eagerly tells tales out of school. There are boneheads and blowhards in our midst, she says, but we don’t have to take them seriously. And we certainly don’t have to imitate them.
From the Errors of Others is a refreshing alternative to those heavy handbooks we never opened in school. It’s not only far more entertaining than those dreary tomes, in the end, perhaps surprisingly, it’s also much more enlightening. Imagine that: a smart book about writing and speaking effectively that people will actually enjoy reading.”
-- Richard Nordquist, PhD.
About.com Grammar and Composition Expert
In this comprehensive collection, Lyles teaches how to:
keep a professional tone;
avoid awkward speech habits;
communicate clearly without being pretentious;
detect deception; and
use a writing comfort zone.
A seasoned editor and business manager offers concise essays that humorously explore communication stumbling blocks, reveal common errors, and provide time-tested advice on how to write and speak effectively.
About the Author
Rebecca Lyles worked for thirty years as a technical writer, editor, and manager for companies including AT&T, FileNet, and IBM. She now works as a consultant helping businesses improve communication and training products. Rebecca lives in southern California where she lectures, writes song parodies for community theatre, and hosts workshops on writing. Visit her at textcpr.com.