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Writing style refers to the words and expressions ? as well as to the spelling, grammar and punctuation ? a person uses when writing letters and memos. Each of us has a personal style of writing which, like our speaking voice, is usually recognizable.

To distinguish itself from its competitors your company also needs its own writing style, one that will make it recognizable and enhance brand awareness.

The problem is that corporate communications are written by many people, each with their own personal style. This is especially true where particular documents, such as newsletters, technical manuals and corporate brochures, websites and ezines, contain contributions from several people.

Thus there is a need to create a company writing style that unifies written communications and reflects corporate identity and image.

If you examine the brochures and websites of major corporations you?ll see that the style of writing varies ? sometime subtly but always distinctively ? from one company to the next. You will also notice that the corporate literature of each particular company reflects a unified style, as if it had all been written by the same person, ie the same corporate personality.

The best way to achieve a unified writing style that is stamped with your corporate personality is to create a document called a style-guide.

A style-guide is a booklet that covers word, phrase and sentence usage, and approaches to be taken in structuring particular types of communications, such as brochures, technical manuals or ezines, as well as common errors in grammar and syntax. It lays down the ?rules? to be followed when writing corporate literature.

A style-guide should provide your corporate communications with a distinct vocabulary and cadence that is appropriate to your business. Obviously a writing style that is suitable for a financial services company or bank must differ greatly from the style of a fashion house. An appropriate style-guide will provide your company with the overall tone and word-quality you need to communicate successfully with your target audiences.

When devising a style-guide, an independent consultant is essential to preserve objectivity. Giving the job to an in-house executive may result in writing style that is contentious because everyone within your company is likely to have views on what is an appropriate and ?correct? style. An external writing consultant will have the experience needed to devise an appropriate style ? it?s his main job after all.

The consultant will begin with an examination of your company, its marketing efforts, communication channels and target audiences. He or she will also peruse the company?s marketing communications and other corporate literature. This getting-to-know-you phase must be done thoroughly which can take time.

Once he understands your company, its communication objectives and typical audiences, the consultant will be in a position to draft a corporate style manual and agree its content with senior management. To illustrate the value of the proposed writing style, he or she should rewrite some of your recent corporate literature and show how the proposed style will enhance corporate recognition and branding.

You should always ensure that the final guide is delivered in electronic format so that it may be printed and distributed among your staff without restriction. Once it has been issued, you will also need to take steps to ensure that the writing ?rules? are followed in all communications with markets and stakeholders.

A well-thought out writing style-guide with clear understandable rules, which are applied consistently to all corporate literature ? print and electronic ? will ensure clarity and harmony in your corporate communications and reinforce corporate personality. It?s just as important as your logo and visual imagery.

Many home design styles have evolved over the years and some are more popular than others. Keep-in-mind that design styles can also be trendy styles. This means that any particular trend can become obsolete in a short period of time. Consider this when choosing styles. Do you want to go out and purchase new styles when the old ones fade? Be sure you really like a particular style before purchasing.

Of course; many people like the home design styles for their look and feeling it gives a room. So, what design style should you choose when decorating your home?

That depends upon your own personal preferences. What do you like when choosing decorating items? Do you like painted furniture, American flags, soft and cozy? There are design styles which will fit your type of home. Look around and see what items you already have displayed.

If you are just starting out, it would be a good idea to go on-line or visit the library to see all the design styles available. Of course, your furniture choices could help with that decision.

Are your furnishings modern, traditional, contemporary or tropical? If so, then you are already tuned into a specific design style. Some styles fit specific regions of the U.S. Coastal areas use the nautical themes while those in the mountains and higher elevations prefer the ‘lodge’ themes.

Are you a world traveler? Or do you like foreign destinations? There are many styles that will fit your ideas. There are Moroccan, Tuscan and other exotic themes for you. These themes can bring the far away destinations right into your home without leaving the room.

If you like the warm and home town feeling then you may be ready for the country style. This is composed of quilts, rough furniture, patriotic, wood, metal and craft look items. There are many styles of country; such as Americana, Swedish, English and French. Choosing one style may be difficult be look at all the styles before finalizing your thoughts.

The Modern style is comprised of clean and straight lines with minimal accessorizing.

The Traditional style is the most favorite and preferred because it is handed down from generation to generation. This style has curved lines and carved furniture.

Contemporary is the next most popular because it mixes traditional items in the design.

The Exotic style is becoming more popular because it creates an oasis away from everyday life and its ordeals. This style uses floral materials, wicker and rattan furniture, and other items depending upon which tropical are you are trying to emulate in your design. There is Tropical, African, Moroccan, Tuscan, etc.

Of course; there is the Eclectic style. This is where you can combine many different styles in the same room; but doing it tastefully. You can use antiques with contemporary and exotic themes to create your own personal environment that is unlike any other.

This is just some of the styles available, but there are others such as; Shabby Chic, Oriental, etc.

Many home design styles can be created by using your imagination. Shabby chic furniture is painted white; so all you need to do is find a piece of furniture that is scratched and paint it white. Some pieces can be painted with designs that imitate an exotic location. Find some old luggage or trunks and make some labels of exotic locations (look on the web) to stick on them as if they traveled the world. Be creative and you will be surprised at what you can dream up.

Choosing a home design style doesn’t have to be difficult. Consider the room and it use and the others living in the home. You want everyone to be happy and comfortable with your choices. And make it as relaxing and pleasant as possible and enjoy decorating. It should be fun and not stressful.