Dr. Sexier or Why Not to Rely on Spell Check

Beverly — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:32:57 +0000

My first job out of college was as assistant to the director of public relations at a private college. One of my responsibilities was to write press releases. For the first few months, my boss would proofread everything I wrote before I submitted the work, but before I gave it to her, I always ran spell check, printed a copy, and read it over myself.

That trickster spell check liked to automatically change our college president’s name to Dr. Sexier. Until I learned how to add his name, I was quite vigilant about proofreading!

One of the best ways I know to combat the flaws of spell check is to read your document from end to beginning. By reading backwards, you’ll focus on the words rather than the content. Your brain won’t automatically adjust its perception to the correct spelling; you’ll be able to catch mistakes more easily.

And you’ll minimize the risk of embarrassment!

Clarity Counts

Beverly — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:58:22 +0000

I see it all the time. I do it, too. I write merrily away, confident about my subject. The words flow, and I know I am on. Click Save; close the document.

A few days later I open the document, only to realize that not everything I wrote still makes sense. Pronouns don’t refer to any particular noun. Language is vague. Paragraphs aren’t orderly.

What is a writer to do with such lack of clarity? Plain and simple: remember to write in drafts. Get everything down as quickly as possible, then put it away for an hour, a day, whatever you have time for. Fresh eyes will give you perspective and help you to revise for clarity and meaning.

Try it.

Open Road Writing » Tips

Dr. Sexier or Why Not to Rely on Spell Check

Clarity Counts