Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 7, 1995 TAG: 9505050040
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: F-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Whether for magazines or in-house reports, Jean Dunbar suggests that authors "read through the publications to see what's characteristic of their style." While reading reports, consider both how they're written and what information is being conveyed. Copy the style.
Plan to both revise and proofread.
Revising involves improving wording, order and content. Let the newly written document rest; read it a day or two later and tighten your writing. Plan to revise at least three times.
Proofreading ensures correct spelling and punctuation. Dunbar, who holds a Ph.D. in English, suggests you consider rules of punctuation "signaling." Are you correctly indicating when to pause, when to stop?
Dunbar, who has published extensively, reads the last sentence first when proofreading. She continues reading "backward" until the first sentence is read last. Dunbar says that "proofreading is not about sense, it's about missed indicators. Reading backward heightens awareness."
Dunbar also reads aloud. "When you read aloud, you'll notice if you've omitted something." This also "helps catch spell-check problems," correctly spelled words that aren't the correct word choice, but were OK'd by the computer spell-check program.
As you read, ask yourself "Would I say it this way?'' She uses this technique to "get at problems of using jargon" and to achieve sharper writing.
When you complete the final draft, ask a co-worker with a reputation for good writing to review your work. Ask for a critical reading and act on the recommendations.
Finally, submit the final document to your supervisor in advance of the deadline and ask for comments and suggestions. Revise again. Writing improves with practice and feedback. Ensure you get both.
Q: I retired after years of outstanding service with the State Department. I've lost several job opportunities because a former supervisor lies regarding my performance. He calls prospective employers with falsehoods - nothing's in writing. I need help finding an attorney who has experience with the government.
A: The decision to sue the agency, the individual or both determines the type of legal assistance needed.
W. David Paxton, an attorney with Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore, says, "If you're going to sue the government itself, certain procedures must be followed; however, if suing a person within the government, that individual can be sued like anyone else."
Paxton notes that the process becomes "more complicated if the organization is the state government; there are more steps to follow. If you are looking only to sue the individual, it's pretty simple."
If filing suit against the individual only, call the Lawyer Referral Service listed in the Yellow Pages. If your claim is that your civil rights have been violated by the individual or you wish to name the agency in your suit, Paxton suggests you "find someone who has handled civil rights litigation." Paxton suggests calling the American Civil Liberties Union as a starting point. The ACLU is familiar with attorneys in the geographic area who have handled similar litigation; ACLU representatives can make an informed referral.
Q: My employees repeatedly ask for health insurance coverage. Frankly, I think it will be too expensive.
A: The answer to "how much" depends on the number of covered employees, your budget, single vs. family rates, pre-existing conditions and the current health status of your employees. An appointment with an insurance agent/broker can provide the dollar figures. Ask about tax consequences; you could gain tax advantages through health insurance sponsorship.
Rebecca F. Pollard, a fringe-benefits specialist, suggests expanding the question beyond "what will it cost?''
Pollard, with Corporate Concepts, sees the broader question as "What do I need to offer to retain good employees?'' To answer this question, you'll need to "investigate what comparable companies are offering. Do they provide group health, dental and life insurance? The cost of losing good employees, hiring and training new employees, and frequent drops in productivity may be much greater than health insurance."
Pollard believes that, in addition to health insurance advantages, employers benefit from "promoting good health through wellness fairs and health screening. Employers who promote good health have employees who remain productive."
Consider both questions to guide you toward the answer that best serves your business.
by CNB