by Betty Bourquein

Created on: June 17, 2009   Last Updated: June 20, 2009

Good written and oral communication skills are important regardless of one's profession or business. Even those without good skills themselves can sometimes recognize a grammar or spelling error. When this happens, they are quick to point out another's mistake. The gaff by Dan Quayle on the misspelling of the word "potato" in a fifth grade classroom has gone down in history. Additionally, one somehow has some sort of satisfaction in noting misspellings of common words on signs or in the media. All this detracts from the message which is trying to be portrayed.

What many in business don't realize, especially since the introduction of Tech Prep courses in high school, is that this kind of teaching/writing does not develop one's higher level thinking skills. Indeed, teachers in the U.S. have been accused for "watering down" the curriculum, when, in fact, it is the curriculum which business has tried to force into language classes which seems to be a major part of the problem. It is only through the reading and analyzing of quality literature that one can be exposed and come to an understanding of higher level thinking skills. Sadly, too many business people see this as just reading. They miss the depth of understanding that comes from literary analysis.

Literary analysis causes one to consider theme, character motivation, symbolism, subtleties of words and other things which technical writing just cannot do. This is not to say that technical writing courses have no value, since one learns organization and clarity of thought in this type of class. However, literary analysis moves one beyond the knowledge-based level of thinking. It causes one to evaluate what the author is trying to convey to his reader.

Another component of good writing that is missing with the emphasis on technical writing is that our cultural heritage is being lost. Everyone knows that Shakespeare was a skilled author, even if he himself does not appreciate or understand his works. Shakespeare, of course, would never be taught in a technical writing course. However, even here one could study Shakespeare's form and use of words. Like the Bible, there is a richness of language that one can come to appreciate in an investigative study of it.

With the use of the truncated language of text messaging and Twitter, good language skills will deteriorate even more quickly. Admittedly our language is a reflection of the culture and not something that should be imposed upon the culture. Still we are losing much more than conventional spellings and grammar rules. In this fast-paced system of communication we are losing our appreciation for the rich heritage of the past.

Though it will be impossible to stop the deterioration of our language, the need for clear and strong communication will become even greater. The savvy businessman will be wise to insist that his business is represented by only the best written and oral communications. Though somewhat subtle, the proper use of language is real.

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