4. If your readers misunderstand your message, no negative consequences
will result. _____
5. Your communication is short. _____
6. Your communication is simple. _____
7. Your communication includes only one section. For example, it’s
a 100-word newsletter article, a business letter, a memo, or an
E-mail with no attachments. _____
8. Only one subject is included in your communication. _____
9. Using the Matrix of Persuasion (see Chapter One), you’ve determined
that your readers are on your side and that they have the
resources to do as you ask; in other words, you’ve assessed your
writing task as Easy. _____
Tally your scores. Your total will be between nine and forty-five. (If you
scored each of the nine statements as a one, your total score will be nine.
If you scored each a five, your total score will be forty-five.) The higher
your score, the lower the level of proofreading you need to undertake.
• 33 to 45 implies that it would be appropriate to proof for clarity
and grammar (Level One)
• 20 to 32 implies that it would be appropriate to proof for clarity,
grammar, organization, and completeness (Level Two)
• 9 to 19 implies that it would be appropriate to proof for everything
(Level Three)
Use a Checklist to Confirm That Your Proofing Is Complete
Whatever level of editing you’ve determined is appropriate for your project,
use the checklists that follow to assist you. Don’t rely on your memory
of what needs to be proofed. Your goal is to generate perfect communications
as quickly and efficiently as possible. Using the checklists will guide
you through the proofing process and help ensure that you don’t forget to
proofread important elements.
Level One: Clarity and Grammar
Aaron, a medical equipment sales person, explained that he uses E-mail
for most of his internal correspondence. “It’s quick and easy. A typical