Take a quick scan over a few of your most recent emails, letters, or memos. Do they scream sophisticated attorney lingo? Or, do they sound as outdated as a pair of 70’s bell bottom jeans?
Our places of business are constantly evolving. And generations come and go.
For lots of professional people caught in between age groups, it’s important to adapt to new work styles. The millennial generation has mixed up the playing field. So, we must now roll with the punches of up and coming work styles.
Avoid Overused Business Jargon
What do the following words mean to you? Be honest.
Core Competencies. Empower. Corporate Values. Synergy.
When trying to find a balance, we discover that it’s necessary to stay clear of outdated bell bottom jeans (AKA outdated written communications).
Regardless if you’re aspiring to land a customer or networking with a staff member, listed below are a handful of words and phrases to shy away from when writing current emails, letters, or memos.
#1 – Respectfully Yours
The simplest way to make the best out of respectfully yours is not to use it.
It used to be a traditional way to end a letter but old-style is a thing of the past. Sign off with best regards, instead, unless your British and want to say, “cheers”.
Scratch the following out of your written verbiage:
- Yours Truly
- Sincerely
- Kindly
- Regards
#2 – Please Be Advised
This business communication phrase is just way too fancy and formal. It even sounds improper.
Back in the day, people in the workplace used it in business. But it’s time to put this one on the shelf.
Try simplifying it to, “As you requested.”
#3 – My Bad
This slang-like term from the 90’s probably makes the twenty-somethings of today feel similar to those having parents who used to say “groovy”.
It might sound more intelligent to sincerely apologize for your mistakes.
#4 – Enclosed Please Find
Let’s be clear. If you are mailing a packet, “Enclosed please find” would be appropriate. That said, “Attached, please find” sounds too formal when attaching something in an email.
Try the warm and friendly version: “I’ve attached my resume:”
#5 – Call Me
As much as the older coworkers misses the verbal communication through a phone call, not many want voice mails anymore. Since 2007, text messaging knocked that to the wayside.
Try writing “Contact me,” instead. This way, the reader has reign to decide which type of communication they will contact you through.
#6 – Broken Record
Believe it or not, vinyl records can be found on Walmart.com. However, the millennials in today’s workforce, grew up with DVD’s and CD’s.
Step away from the cliche and try telling them, “You are repeating yourself.”</span
#7 – Please Note
Don’t you feel like you are in trouble when you read this phrase and it’s addressed to you?
#8 – Please Do Not Hesitate To
If we only had a dollar for every time this phrase was used. We’d be rich! This phrase sounds impersonal and bland.
Try writing, “Feel free to contact me any time.”#9 – As Per Your Request
This is just too fancy and formal. It even sounds improper. Back in the day, people in the workplace used it in business. But it’s time to put this one on the shelf.
Try Simplifying it to, “As you requested.”
For more on Business Communication, check out Effective Business Communication Skills.