Say the Right Thing!

Employers consistently rank "communication skills" as one of their most desired traits in an employee. Even though it's been said that communicating is 55% body language, 38% tone of voice, and 7% words, incorrect or imprecise use of that last 7% can kill the great impression you're making with the other 93%. All the elements of communication work together and should be consistent.

Here's a little quiz to help you polish your language skills.

1. He felt (bad) (badly) about the misunderstanding.

2. It's always been evident to (Jane and I)(Jane and me) that we work well together.

3. Enclosed (is) (are) a resume and list of references.

Quiz Answers

1. Bad - "Badly" describes how you do something; you can't do a bad job of feeling. You can, of course, have bad and good feelings and therefore feel bad about something.

2. Jane and me - It's easy to get confused when there is a combination of names and pronouns. Try substituting the pronoun for the name - it may be easier to come up with the correct usage. Pronouns used together must always agree; it's incorrect to combine "her and I," for instance.

3. Are - "Resume and list of references" is a plural subject (two things) and therefore must take the plural verb "are." If this language sounds awkward to you, consider rewriting the sentence: "I have enclosed a resume and a reference list."