You are here:
Business & Technical Writing/Writing Style
Advertisement
Question
I'm 60 yrs young and have written technical documents for over 40 yrs. Nevertheless, one of my supervisors recently took issue with the use of the phrase, "The reader is asked to review..."
I've used it habitually to highlight a key thought, key graph, key appendix or reference that was deemed to be important enough at the time of the writing, within the context of whatever I was writing and wanted to emphasize.
Please let me know if you feel this is a bad habit or if it is acceptable.
Thanks.
Hi, Walter--
Thank you for your question, and thank you for using AllExperts.com. I can help you, but I need a little help from you first, if you don't mind.
1. Would you please supply me with the full sentence that contains the phrase "The reader, etc."?
2. Would you please tell me what in that phrase flipped your supervisor's switch?
Many thanks--
Warren
P.S. I'm 65. I'd kill to be your age and know what I know now! :-)
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Warren D. Miller
Expertise
I believe I can answer nearly any question about business writing. That goes in spades if the target audience is a lay readership. I make my living writing and speaking. N.B.: I DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS MARKED 'PRIVATE' because I believe that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. I also believe such questions are likely to be submitted by people trying to cheat. In addition, don't waste your time asking me to write something for you. You don't learn anything if I do that. I'm happy to critique something that YOU write, of course. That's the best way for you to learn how to write well.
Experience
My profession is business valuation, which means appraising businesses whose shares are not publicly traded. This requires in-depth knowledge about a number of disciplines, including economics, finance, strategic management, accounting, anthropology, statistics, and psychology. The left-brain part of me must conduct rigorous research and financial analysis. The right-brain side must then separate what matters from what doesn't and then explain it all in writing (and in everyday English) to people (usually business owners, but sometimes judges and juries) who do not have the expertise that I have been lucky enough to acquire over the years. I love what I do and consider myself fortunate to live in a country where I can do what I love doing and make a nice living doing it. I am glad to help with writing issues, but NOT, please, with any valuation, business consulting, or other non-writing questions.
Organizations
CFA Institute, American Society of Appraisers, Strategic Management Society, Academy of Management, Culver Legion, National Association of Scholars.
Publications
Besides two published books (search for "Warren D. Miller" on Amazon), I have written for the Harvard Business Review, American Fly Fisher, Business Valuation Review, CPA Expert, Academy of Management Executive, CFA Digest, Valuation Strategies, and others.
Education/Credentials
MBA - Oklahoma State U. (1991);
BBA - U. of Oklahoma (1975);
Chartered Financial Analyst designation (2006)
Accredited Senior Appraiser (2006)
Certified Public Accountant (1992)
Awards and Honors
Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year (2001) - American Institute of CPAs
Winner - Oklahoma Humorous-Speaking Contest - Toastmasters International (1971)
Past/Present Clients
Confidential.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.