Human error is inevitable and although you can proofread an article a hundred times over, check sources and facts and then proofread another hundred times, a simple error can still slip through somehow invisible to you until published when it reveals itself in all its glory for everybody else to see.
Like all skills, proofreading comes with practice, patience and persistence, so to help keep you covered Impertinent Remarks has provided several helpful proofreading tips.
- Though extreme focus and concentration is required, it can get boring.
Try doing things that keep your mind active but still allow you to concentrate – such as tapping your foot, chewing gum or listening to soft, classical music. - The more familiar it is, the less we notice.
Familiarity allows your mind to play tricks on you which is why after reviewing something ten times over you still don’t realise half a sentence is missing. Having someone else review your work can give you some time to refresh your eyes and give yourself a sanity check. - Know your weaknesses.
Become aware of what you always miss or get wrong and what you get right (spelling, grammar, graphics etc.) and create separate checks for each. - If you can help it, don’t proofread on a computer screen.
Having a hard copy can allow you to pick up on errors better as you can read it in much stronger lighting and you have the option of moving if your surroundings become distracting. - Don’t proofread if you are tired or stressed.
It can be a waste of time proofreading anything if you are distracted or inattentive. Find a time when you are most relaxed and attentive and set this time aside to proofread.
For more tips, click here.
Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.cpcommunications.com.au.
