Common Errors in Writing Goals: Conciseness, Correctness, Coherence & Concreteness 2001/11/9.
Conciseness and SAE
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Transcript of Conciseness and SAE
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Conciseness and SAE
Natasha Luepke
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Agenda
Conciseness Standard American English
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Conciseness
What does it mean to be concise?
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Conciseness
Why is being concise important in a business situation?
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Concise Tips
Remove unnecessary or redundant words.
Take out empty words Replace phrases with a single word Reconsider sentences with “it is” and
“there is/are.”
Adapted from Lunsford, A. (2005) The Everyday Writer (3rd ed). Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s
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Removing Words
Consider what the audience already knows
Consider the obvious
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Example
Wordy: Imagine a mental picture of someone engaged in the intellectual activity of trying to learn what the rules are for how to play the game of chess. (27 words)
From Writing Lab, OWL at Purdue, Purdue University. (2006) The OWL at Perdue. < owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/572/01 > [10 Mar 09]
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Wordy: Imagine a mental picture of someone engaged in the intellectual activity of trying to learn what the rules are for how to play the game of chess. (27 words)
Concise: Imagine someone trying to learn the rules of chess. (9 words)
From Writing Lab, OWL at Purdue, Purdue University. (2006) The OWL at Perdue. < owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/572/01 > [10 Mar 09]
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Redundancy
Avoid saying the same thing twice in a row.
I mean, avoid saying the same thing twice!
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Redundant Examples
Redundant 12 noon Close proximity Each and every End result Exactly the same Free gift Period of four days Repeat again Small in size True facts
Concise Noon Proximity Each [or every] Result The same Gift Four days Repeat Small Facts
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Empty Words
Empty words are filler, and do not add anything to your overall message
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Empty Examples
kind of sort of type of really basically for all intents and purposes definitely actually generally individual specific particular
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Meaningless Modifiers
Absolutely Awesome Awfully Central Definitely Fine Interesting Great Literally Major Really Very
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Phrases
You can often replace a long, wordy phrase with just one word
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Phrase Examples
Wordy At all times At the present time At that point in time Due to the fact that For the purpose of In order to In spite of the fact that In the event that
Concise Always Now/today/presently Then Because For To Although If
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It is/There are
These phrases are called “expletives.” Can be useful for emphasis Overuse = wordy
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It is/There are Examples
Wordy: It is the governor who signs or vetoes bills. (9 words)
Concise: The governor signs or vetoes bills. (6 words)
Wordy: There are four rules that should be observed: ... (8 words)
Concise: Four rules should be observed:... (5 words)
From Writing Lab, OWL at Purdue, Purdue University. (2006) The OWL at Perdue. < owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/572/01 > [10 Mar 09]
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Standard American English
“Standard American English is the communal language of educated professionals. It is easily understood by persons from all geographical regions, different educational backgrounds, and different ethnic and racial associations.
Persons who deal with the public and who want to present themselves as educated professionals need to understand the importance of having professional quality communication skills.”
-- James L. Fitch, Ph.D. Auburn University
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What is it?
It can be easier to think of examples of non-standard American English:
Y’all, howdy, dere [there], tree [three], pin [pen], pop, cah [car], ain’t, don’t for doesn’t, be for are/am
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How do I learn SAE?
If those around you do not speak SAE, it can be difficult to learn.
Read as much as you can, and watch/listen to as much as you can
Practice Take quizzes Ask questions Know your audience
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Questions?