CIPR

John Foster FCIPR, 5:15PM, 16th February 2011 » ...but can they read it?

Make your copy easy on the eye. If it’s hard to read, it fails to communicate. There’s no point in writing it if you can’t read it, John Foster says.

John Foster FCIPR, 7:17AM, 24th November 2010 » Put numbers to work

It’s just as important to get figures understood and acted upon as it is for words. For an annual report and official document even more so. And that means following style guides and trends as much as anything else. So what are the essentials?

John Foster FCIPR, 4:45PM, 29th September 2010 » Whoops, a clanger?

Mistakes, even minor ones, must be avoided. Glaring errors can easily be missed when you're pushed for time. Clangers lurk at your fingertips. Look out for them, John Foster says.

John Foster FCIPR, 8:54AM, 4th August 2010 » Talking points

Accuracy and precision are just as crucial for the spoken word as for the written. Sloppy speech kills any chance of getting your message over effectively, John Foster says.

John Foster FCIPR, 5:00PM, 14th April 2010 » Plainly better...

Effective communication depends on crystal-clear language. That can only be achieved with plain English. John Foster FCIPR puts it simply.

John Foster, 12:00AM, 19th October 2009 » Capital choices

Needless capitals ruin otherwise perfectly good work. They look old-fashioned and upset word flow. No self-respecting journalist would ever type a cap when the copy cries out for lower-case.

John Foster FCIPR, 12:00AM, 8th June 2009 » Spread the word

The full effect of the downturn on business and job security is yet to come. Update your details, sharpen you image, and promote yourself, John Foster advises.

John Foster FCIPR, 12:00AM, 15th February 2009 » Strictly come speaking...

Sooner or later everyone has to speak in public. Only the experienced and ultra-confident find it easy. And enjoy it. Avoid the pitfalls, says John Foster, the audience is yours.

John Foster FCIPR, 12:00AM, 17th July 2008 » A job for professionals

Most people can write to acceptable limits – but well enough to get their message understood and acted upon? That's the task of the PR professional. John Foster takes a look at what works best.

John Foster, 12:00AM, 28th April 2008 » Matching moments

Standfirst: Words that look and sound alike usually have different meanings. John Foster finds a few, visits Newsnight, and anticipates more verbal imports from the United States.