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Business writing Grammar Social media

Communicating effectively in business: The Aussie guide to getting your yakka across

Special report from Darren Hill (or ‘DH’ as he prefers to be known) In the realm of business, ‘having a good chinwag’ isn’t just about nattering over a cuppa. It’s about getting your point across clear as day, whether you’re spruiking ideas in a boardroom or crafting a report that could double as a sedative.…

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Business writing Podcasting Social media

The staggering power of podcasts 

This excerpt from a 2023 article on the state of audio in Australia. Podcasts have taken centre stage in the audio sector, with the 2022 Infinite Dial study finding that average time spent listening to podcasts surged to seven hours and six minutes per week, up from five hours in 2021.  Insights from the Australian…

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Business writing Social media

Business communication: Some thoughts for the communications student

Key components of business communication Communication is key in today’s business world. It’s like the glue that holds everything together, ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes. When we communicate effectively within our team, it promotes a culture of understanding and teamwork. And who doesn’t want that? With clear roles and expectations, we can avoid misunderstandings…

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Business writing Creative Writing Grammar

What are some examples of Americanisms that can be avoided when using quotation marks in Australian English

In Australian English, use single quotation marks for primary quotes and place punctuation outside, unlike American English which uses double quotes and places punctuation inside. Avoid double quotes for emphasis, opting for italics instead.

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Business writing Creative Writing Grammar

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using quotation marks in Australian English

When using quotation marks in Australian English, there are several common mistakes to avoid to ensure clarity and adherence to local conventions: By avoiding these common errors, writers can improve the clarity and professionalism of their text while adhering to the conventions of Australian English. Citations: [1] https://www.eliteediting.com.au/avoiding-americanisms-when-using-australianbritish-english/[2] https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/grammar-punctuation-and-conventions/punctuation/quotation-marks[3] https://www.macquariedictionary.com.au/punctuation-guide/[4] https://www.capstoneediting.com/blog/how-to-use-quotation-marks-correctlyan-introduction[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/australia/comments/otfww8/did_your_school_teach_you_to_use_single_or_double/[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quotation_marks_in_English[7] https://www.capstoneediting.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-single-and-double-quotation-marks[8] https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/qa-quotes-and-punctuation-evil-or-not/[9]…

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Business writing Creative Writing Grammar

How to use quotation marks correctly in Australian English

In Australian English, the correct use of quotation marks follows specific rules that differ slightly from American English conventions. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use quotation marks correctly in Australian English: Single vs. Double Quotation Marks Australian English typically uses single quotation marks (‘ ‘) for quoting direct speech, titles of certain works,…

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Business writing Creative Writing Grammar

In Australian grammar rules, does the full stop come before single quote marks, or after?

In Australian grammar rules, the placement of the full stop in relation to single quotation marks depends on the context of the quotation. If the quotation is a complete sentence, the full stop comes before the closing single quotation mark. However, if the quotation does not form a complete sentence on its own and is…

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Business writing Creative Writing

Creativity and succeeding over the long term

Successful creatives often succeed for years because they not only have talent, but also cultivate the right networks and connections to support their creative work[2][4]. Research shows that creativity involves three key elements: the individual’s mastery of their craft, exposure to a field of influential experts, and acceptance by the gatekeepers in that domain[2][4]. Simply…

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Creative Writing

Logan Robinson

Logan Robinson, ex-Airforce, 28 yo and too heavily freckled for women, shares in the sadness of his best friends when their 6yo daughter is killed.

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Creative Writing

Dunkirk

The fear of the men stranded on the beach, under intense fire from the Germans, was written in blood on their faces. The blood of their comrades and friends was not just splattered but splashed across the faces of the nearby living. Well, living-for-now. The sea at the back of both the fallen and the…