INFORMATION:
The whole point of information phone lines is that they’re supposed to allow you to get the information you need quickly and the person on the end of the phone is supposed to use simple accessible language (but keep it fairly formal). Bear this in mind if you’re writing to communicate information. Get to the point. Be clear in your message. Move on.
Hope this comedy sketch doesn’t offend anyone… (I don’t think Jonathan Ross reads my blog…)
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06KoQp02FIY]
ARGUMENT:
There’s NOTHING more frustrating than arguing with someone who refuses to actually engage in proper debate. If you’ve got a strong opinion, that’s fine, but be willing to defend your position logically and please provide evidence.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y]
PERSUASION:
I’ve run out of comedy clips so instead here are two short videos identifying the three key elements of persuasion.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FB-ZsEaM8I]
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4tTugqBkJU]
Test yourself on identifying different language genres here:
http://www.uefap.com/writing/feature/intro/intro.htm
