When we write, we know exactly what we’re trying to communicate.
But we often forget to step back and review our words from the point of view of a reader.
What might your reader not understand or — worse — misconstrue?
Here are three unintentionally funny examples from actual church newsletters:
1. “Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.”
2. “The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.”
3. “Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.”
Before you send or publish or otherwise share anything you’ve written, take a step back. Review it from a reader’s point of view. Try to forget what you meant to communicate and examine what’s actually there on the page. You might be surprised.
