A Handful of Tips 94 – Editing The five best tips when revising your drafts If you want your writing to be read you must use crisp clear and concise language. Edit, edit, edit. Check for logic, continuity, long sentences, long paragraphs  and incorrect grammar. 1. Remove all unnecessary words and phrases Use plain language,…

A Handful of Tips 93 – Reports   The five best tips on presenting a report 1. Collect all  relevant information and arrange in a logical order Check your facts for accuracy. Don’t confuse facts and opinions. If it is a fact say so: if it is an opinion assess it at its face value.…

A Handful of Tips 92 – Report Writing   The five best tips before you start a report Writing a report is an opportunity to make recommendations for change. The people who read reports are usually busy people so the layout and the way you present your findings are crucial. Don’t rush to get started.…

A Handful of Tips 91 – Press Release The five best tips to publicise an event with a press release to the media   1. Get people’s attention Your opening paragraph should be the lead in to your story. It should be explicit and contain a summary of what you want to say. It should…

A Handful of Tips 90 –                            Reaching Agreements The five best tips to reach an agreement between conflicting groups When you cannot make progress adjourn. 1. Plan your strategy Write down what you want to achieve and your final position. 2. Look at things from the other side’s point of view Write down what…

A Handful of Tips 88 – Relationships The five best tips to improve your relationships with your staff 1. Never forget the golden rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” As a leader or a manager this rule is the key to your success. Treat people the way you would…

A Handful of Tips 89 – Strategic Planning   The five best tips to help upgrade an organisation   When you have a clear understanding of the situation and a good rapport with your staff, you will be ready to draft your strategic plan. These steps apply to improving any type of organisation whether it…

A Handful of Tips 87 – Instructions The five best tips for giving instructions Your directives can be in the form of commands, demands, requests or suggestions. If you are giving orders make sure they are clear, concise and complete. 1. Be precise and definite about what has to be done Explain reasons for the…

A Handful of Tips 86 – Bad Debts The five best tips to help collect bad debts  Collecting bad debts can be difficult and often messy. The collection process goes through distinct stages. Always put your requests in formal letters and keep copies of the letters you send. The first two letters you send should…

A Handful of Tips 85 – Audience Rapport The five best tips to establish a rapport with an audience   Try to establish a bond with your audience right from the start. Focus on a simple, clear, interesting message. 1. At the start Compose yourself, pause, smile and tell a story or an anecdote. 2.…