A style guide sets the standards for writing in your organisation. A style guide is important as it communicates changing trends in business writing. Where there is more than one style option, the guide specifies which is the preferred option making style decisions easy for your staff.
A style guide saves time in the document review process. It also helps ensure consistency throughout the organisation, presenting a more unified and professional organisational image.
A basic style guide will include conventions for:
- Capitalisation - What words require capitals.
- Acronyms - When and how to use them.
- Bulleted lists - How to punctuate; when to capitalise.
- Headings - What style to use (sentence or title).
- Numbers - When to use numerals or words; when to use commas or spaces.
- Abbreviations - How to write abbreviated forms (for example, weights and measures).
- Italics and underlining - When to italicise, when to underline.
Your guide could also provide lists of preferred spelling and terminology.
How can Concise Writing Consultancy help you achieve consistency?
Our expert writers and editors have up-to-date knowledge of current trends in business and government writing. We can help you develop a new style, or update your existing style guide.
To find out how we can help ensure consistency in your written communications call us on 02 9238 6638.
