December 9, 2013
Word tip: better/best and more/most
Here is a brief reminder on how to use better/best and more/most properly.
Better and more apply when you’re comparing or referring to only two items:
“Product A handled the problem better.” (not ‘handled the problem best’)
“Product A offers more power for the dollar.” (not ‘the most power’)
If your sample includes three or more items, you can use best and most where applicable. Make sure the terms truly apply. You should be able to back up your claim with data.
This mutual fund has been offering the best return in its class.
You can expect the most return on your investment with this mutual fund.
(Recall how you use unique. Something is either unique or it is not. It can’t be really unique. Similarly, there is only one best of any category and most applies only to one facet or item.)
Another way people sometimes use better is to indicate how they feel about something. “I like this brand of cheese cake better.” Because you’re quantifying something–your state of feeling–you must use more.
“I like this brand of cheese cake more.”
These may seem like trivial issues, but they can make a difference in your written and spoken material, as well as everyday conversations.
For related reading, see “When to use ‘less’ and ‘fewer”‘ and “How to use ‘criteria’ and ‘criterion.’”
I’d love to see your feedback. Feel free to offer a comment. If you liked this post, could you do me a favor and share it with others? You may use any of the buttons below. To contact me, send an email.
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Enhance your marketing with audio programs
Have you considered audio as a means for delivering your content? If not, you should. It’s fairly easy and inexpensive to get involved, and the results are quite impressive.
For this column we’ll focus on the technical side. I’ll leave the content to you. The basic components and steps for creating audio files include:
Software: When I got involved about a year ago, Audacity was the choice for PCs. Mac users were directed to GarageBand. Now it appears that the programs are available in both platforms. You can get free versions; do your research and select the program that’s right for you.
Headset: Don’t rely on the microphone in your laptop. You’ll get higher quality sound and avoid much of the background noise with a headset. Search online. There are many styles and price points to choose from.
Sound dampening system: Even though you’ve closed the doors and windows and put on your headset, you’re bound to get some background noise. See the “high tech” method I use to eliminate that.
Editing: Cut out breaths and background noises. Redo any parts where you flubbed (missed the script, didn’t enunciate well, dropped some um’s or ah’s). Once finished, create the mp3 file.
These files can be posted to your blog or other site, sent out in emails, or packaged for sale. That package, by the way, could also be offered as a bonus for another product you offer.
You can do a lot with an audio file and package. They add a valuable dimension to your marketing efforts. I encourage you to begin producing audio files. You’ll have fun and enhance your overall marketing strategy.
Enhance your next presentation with the suggestions found in this column: “More tips to improve your presentation skills.”
Do you produce informational audio files? What has been your experience with this format? I’d love to see your feedback. Feel free to comment below. If you liked this post, could you do me a favor and share it with others? You may use any of the buttons below. To contact me, send an email.
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Unavailable? Turn off the phone!
One big pet peeve of mine is when a person I’m calling answers the phone even though he can’t take the call. I hear, “I’m in a meeting” or “I’m on a conference call.” Why is your phone–that is, the cell phone–on? Because the person always leaves the cell phone on. That has to change.
I realize that you want to provide great customer service. You figure that answering the phone each time makes you responsive. True. But if you can’t talk, that’s not helping your customer any. Plus, you interrupted your current conversation or meeting to take the call. That’s rude. Having the phone on is actually counterproductive.
Hey, I can wait. I prefer to talk when it’s a good time for you then to be told we can’t talk now.
When you’re unavailable, set your phone(s) to voice mail. You can then concentrate on the conversation at hand, and get back to the caller when you can provide him your undivided attention.
For related reading, see “Good customer service starts with the incoming call”. And for another twist on this issue, see “Customer service is a two-way street.”
How do you feel about this? I’d love to see your feedback. Feel free to comment below. If you liked this post, could you do me a favor and share it with others? You may use any of the buttons below. To contact me, send an email.
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Self-discipline is cornerstone to success
Improve self-discipline for a more complete lifestyle
Are you disciplined? Can you stay focused on tasks, allowing you to maximize your workday? It’s not easy.
Entire books are devoted to the topic of self discipline. (And lots of them, too! A recent search on Amazon.com indicated 62,000 results.)
Elbert Hubbard, famed writer, artist and philosopher, offers this on the topic:
“Self-discipline is the ability to do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.”
Have a dream? Run with it!
Your dream can become a reality with effort
Do you dream about accomplishing something? Think you have a really hot idea, but haven’t done anything with it? Could be a book, a movie, a trip; just about anything big.
I have a dream. Have had it for years, in fact. You see, I’ve had this movie churning in my head. I think it’s a pretty good one, too. (Don’t we all feel that way about our ideas?)
Finally in September 2012 I started putting words to paper. Currently, the script is merely a collection of scenes; dialog, mostly. The script needs more scenes and transitional segments. The writing requires editing and polishing, then conversion to screenplay form. In other words, I’m a long way off.
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