Category Archives: Style

Style and formatting tips

[How To] Automatically Insert ‘Boilerplate’ Text in MS Word

If you frequently need to insert a word, line or block of text into MS Word documents you can easily automate the process with a simple keyboard shortcut.  Highlight the text and press Alt + F3, to create an AutoText entry, then give it a name or accept the default that appears in the dialog […]

How to Write Abstracts and Short Descriptions

Abstracts and short descriptions explain what the reader wants to accomplish, the purpose of using it, or the benefits it offers them. Do not simply repeat the title of the page or document. Avoid stating the obvious, such as “You can use the Paste option to paste text”. Try to add more information about why […]

[How To] Change Spacing between Characters in MS Word

To change the spacing between characters in MS Word documents, do as follows: Select the text you want to change.  On the Format menu, click Font, and then click the Character Spacing tab.    Do one of the following: 3.1 Expand or condense space evenly between all the selected characters 3.2 Click Expanded or Condensed in […]

How To Write An Annual Report

A successful annual report contains the following key elements: 1. Visual appeal What is the look and feel of your annual report? Is it attractive, interesting and unusual, or boring and unimaginative?  The clever use of design, graphics, artwork and typography can make the difference between a winner and an also-ran.  2. Good readable text […]

How to Manage 127 Emails A Day

I get 120 emails a day. Sometimes more. Some are one-liners, which require a simple answer. Others are more detailed and require some thought and analysis before answering, while the last group can be very lengthy emails that ramble from one item to the next and to the next and…Time counts in business. Finding ways […]

Using Paint to take Great Screenshots

There are many great products for taking screenshots out there. Snagit is the one I’d recommend most.  However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may have to make do with Paint, which comes pre-installed with Windows.  Paint is a very under-rated product and comes with more features that you’d probably expect. If you learn […]