Expert: Leslie - 11/30/2010

Question
Hi there Leslie,

Can you word this differently? Help please!

I have been asked to advise the Office Manager on the purchase of a new server for our company network. He has been sent a sales brochure but does not understand any of the technical terms in the specification. My task is to explain them to him.

In my own words, I have to write a report which explains each of the terms in the product specification of the Cannon Jet Server.

In my report, I will describe each item, explain why it is required, explain what it does and explain how it does it.

I was wondering if you are able to word this differently with better English. Help please!

Thank you.
Joe Hicks

Answer
Joe,

You have clearly stated what you want to do. Your Office Manager may be upset that you have said he does not know the terms, which may bruise his ego....  You could say that you are "going to explain the benefits of the features on the Cannon Jet Server to the Office Manager." This statement allows him to save face.

I suspect the Office Manager is not as interested in the parts of the server as what features may be available. Starting with the features will make the explanation easier to understand.  Example: If you want to make color prints, then (blah blah...technical term... )

You are on the right path with what you have.

Leslie