If you write a text message, an email or an in depth essay, use this simple trick before putting it into the world.

Read the entire piece of text clearly and at a speaking pace to yourself, out loud, emphasising the pronunciation of each word in each sentence.

This forces out mistakes, identifies missed words, smooths the flow of sentences, outlined fragments, particularly conjunctions and pauses, and the list goes on.

It may take a little longer to proofread and edit, but trust me you’ll be glad you took the time, as entire paragraphs can go completely misunderstood.