Writer’s Guide Usage

Style is the effect a writer produces through language, punctuation, and attitude. Voice and tone are crucial to style. Voice is the persona of the author that is conjured in the reader's mind as a result of the tone that the writer has created through word choice, point of view, and sentence structure.

Voice and tone are among the first decisions you make in creating a new brochure or website. Choose the voice and tone that will be most effective in reaching your audience. Will your readers respond best to a personal voice or an authoritative one? A casual or a formal tone? Decide at the outset how the voice and tone will be expressed verbally and visually, and stay consistent throughout.

Keeping your words on track

When it comes to grammar and punctuation, it's easy to make mistakes. The English language has more exceptions than rules, it often seems. But incorrect grammar and punctuation weaken the impact of your message and compromise the legitimacy of your publication or website.

The resources listed in the sidebar form the core of many a writer's reference library. Online resources like dictionary.com and webopedia.com make it easy to confirm accuracy without leaving the keyboard.

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Additional resources

Handy online guides

• The Chicago Manual of Style
• Dictionary.com
• Webopedia, online dictionary and search engine for computer and Internet technology

Resources at MIT

• MIT Libraries virtual reference library
• MIT Mail Services — proper address formatting
• MIT Nondiscrimination Statement
• MIT Communication Production Services — guidelines on how to produce a publication or website
• MIT Reference Publications Office — editorial style guidelines