Something to think about (grammar & spelling)

There are many skills in life that contribute to success (however that’s defined): passion; the ability to focus on a single goal; the hard work to get there; networking; selling; leadership. All of these are important. In fact, most are crucial.

When, as is the case when advocating for or against legislation, part of your goal is to influence politicians or members of the media, there is another skill that will not guarantee success but, without which, you are almost certainly guaranteed to fail in your efforts to persuade: the ability to write and spell.

Many will argue that communication and language evolves and, as long as you communicate your message, how you do it doesn’t matter. I get that. In the world of texting and 280-character tweets and photos and videos, correct grammar and spelling are not only unnecessary but can sometimes be detrimental in terms of speed and ease of typing on a tiny phone screen.

But, never forget who your audience is. When you are trying to persuade politicians with letters, e-mails, and petitions or when you are corresponding with journalists about events or promotions, do not forget that most of these people have been formally educated in the use of language. Many politicians were lawyers before they entered the public life, a profession where words can be the difference between winning and losing a case or a contract. Journalists make their living from words.

If you send an e-mail or a letter or a petition to a politician or journalist that contains “your” instead of “you’re” or any one of the dozens of other common mistakes spread all over the web, or if you can’t spell names correctly, you have instantly lost credibility with your target audience. They will see you as uneducated and dumb. That doesn’t mean you are. It means that your target audience, the people you are trying to persuade, will see you that way. Therefore, they will see your arguments as not credible. They will dismiss anything of value from you because you didn’t present an image of professionalism and expertise.

If you’re going to take the time and effort to create an argument designed to persuade a politician or journalist, then don’t waste all that hard work by shooting yourself in the foot with spelling and grammar mistakes. As soon as they see that, all your effort will have been wasted.

Is that fair? No.

Am I judging you? Of course not.

But they are.