Jumat, 09 Desember 2011

Should You Ever Use Contractions in Formal Writing? By Krystalina Soash

Expert Author Krystalina Soash
As the young woman showed up for her job interview she noticed her résumé on her prospective employer's desk. Her main concern at this time was whether or not she should have used grammatical contractions on her valuable paper.
Having been on interviewing and hiring panels, I understand the value of grammatical correctness on a résumé. The use of contractions on this very important document is a big deal. It speaks volumes about the prospective employee. Though it's true that some will say it's not, it's actually inappropriate to use grammatical contractions in any type of formal writing.
So what constitutes formal writing?
Formal writing encompasses any type of writing dealing with established or prescribed rules and conventions governing a code. Such types of writings fall in the categories such as:
Job Résumé: This is your summary of your work experience, your educational background, your credentials, and marketing strategy that tells your prospective employer the reasons you're the perfect match for the position you are applying for.
Formal Research Paper: This is a paper with the results of your methodical investigation which you have conducted to prove or disprove a theory. This formal paperwork either establishes or revises your theory with facts from your discovered facts.
PowerPoint Presentation: This is a digital tool which replaced the old projector for presenting information to your audience. This is where you keep your presentation simple, professional, engaging, and clear.
Academic Reports: These are any type of written detailed information about your research or investigation related to an educational institution such as school, college, university, academy, or any type of related higher and formal education.
Scholarly Articles for Peer Review: These are papers written by experts in the academic or professional fields on topics that have already been studied and well researched. These scholarly articles also contain bibliographical resources for further research.
But why wouldn't you use contractions on these types of papers?
Here's why:
The use of contractions is viewed as informal speech or writing. It's colloquial and colloquial does not belong in any type of formal writing or speaking such as those mentioned above.
The use of contractions mostly applies when speaking with loved ones, friends, and family which are used on a more personal level and should never be used in formal settings.
And last but not least, the use of contractions takes away from the professional approach to communication. Remember that when it comes to communicating on a professional level, you must come across as a professional and refined speaker or writer.
So go ahead and project yourself as a professional and confident speaker or writer, simply avoid the use of contractions in formal writings.
Krystalina Soash is a freelance writer and trilingual interpreter. She has two published works, "Your Positive Potential: Action Steps for Self-Empowerment" and "Writing Tips for Student Projects and New Freelance Writers."
You may visit Krystalina at http://www.writingforyounow.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6703703

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar