Writing Boots

On communication, professional and otherwise.

Communication Rule #312

08.25.2008 by David Murray // 2 Comments

I should just make it a wiki, I know, but the trouble with a wiki is that one worries that one won't get all the credit.

So here's another random communication rule (I'll collect these in a book someday):

Never address an audience as an audience.

Unless you're standing in front of a crowd or from the south, never write or say, "you all." Usually, your reader or listener is taking in your words all alone in a kitchen, a cubicle, a car or bathroom. He or she doesn't receive your words in a crowd, so don't say "some of you," or wonder "how many of you," or or refer to "most of you." It only reminds the reader unnecessarily that you're they're one of many and you're a big arrogant windbag.

Hey you: Just write, "you."

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Comments

  1. Susan says

    August 25, 2008 at 4:13 pm

    Wouldn’t this apply to conference calls as well? For example, the bulk of my team is in WA, and a few are in NM. Needless to say, those in NM sit around listening to the rest of the group chatter away.

    Reply
  2. David Murray says

    August 25, 2008 at 4:29 pm

    It applies anytime you’re talking to an audience any part of which is receiving your message in isolation. Hell, I think it applies even when you’re talking to a gathered crowd.
    We are all alone in our heads. We like to believe the speaker is speaking to us. And by “us,” I mean ME.

    Reply

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