Making Negative Writing Positive Name __________________
People respond better to messages that are phrased positively. That is why careful business
writers convey information positively whenever possible. This doesn’t mean disguising or
misrepresenting the facts. It means avoiding negative words (such as complaint, fail, mistake)
and finding positive ways to express ideas. You provide more options to readers when you tell
what can be done instead of what can’t be done.
Negative: You failed to tell us your color choice, so we are unable to complete your order.
Positive: As soon as we receive your color choice, we will complete your order.
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Try your skill at converting the following from negative to positive messages.
1. You cannot submit your application until January 1.
2. We can’t send the digital camera you ordered because we are out of stock until March 1, when
11. Because of the numerous flaws in your proposal, we cannot accept it. It didn’t compare
Key
These revisions represent one possible solution. Other solutions may be equally correct.
1. You may submit your application on January 1.
2. Although we are temporarily out of stock, we expect to send your digital camera on March 1.
3. Can you suggest ways for us to improve our products or services?