Here is an interesting article from Selling Power regarding predicting trends of the future. Specifically, this one caught my eye:
We’ll return to real, thoughtful communications. In this era of text messaging, blogging, and email, we’ve become lazy in our communications. We tend to dash off notes without proofreading them. We tend to use generic catch phrases like “seamless solution” and “superior service” that sound good but don’t really mean anything. Why do we do it? Because it’s easier and quicker than taking the time to think, write, edit, and edit again until our message is clear, compelling, and precise. There’s going to be a backlash against today’s generic, rushed communications and it’s coming soon. The future of sales will demand that reps put thought, care, and creativity into every message they compose.
I think there is something to that prediction. Resumes and cover emails are typically one of the most formal forms of writing in business. The quality of writing I am encountering recently is borderline pathetic. Informal, error-filled and cliche-driven documents are far too prevalent today.
I am convinced that editing is a lost art. I hope the aforementioned prediction comes true.