1. Trade Tips:
Six Guidelines for Using
the Exclamation Point!
By Nicole Hayes
Helpful Hints
for
Public
Relations
Professionals

2. Though the exclamation
point is meant to convey
enthusiasm, overuse can
appear like you are yelling
at someone.

3. In a PR Daily article,
Deborah Gaines writes
that “people who get
excited about every little
thing are perceived as
flighty and
unprofessional…”

4. …while those who never
show sparks seem dull
and plodding.”

5. Here are Gaines’
guidelines for the
use of exclamation
points in business:

6. 1. Use sparingly
“They’re supposed to add
punch, but sprinkling them
too liberally dilutes the
intended effect.”

7. The exception:
Using certain words
without an exclamation
point can sound sarcastic
or derisive.

8. Consider:
“Well, that’s fabulous.”
vs.
“Well, that’s fabulous!”

9. 2. One is enough
Multiple !!! suggest that
you’re really worked up.
The result is annoying at
best and toxic at worst.

10. 3. Don’t combine with
other punctuation marks
LOL and TTYL don’t
belong in business and
neither does
?!

11. 4. Consider the context
The more casual the form
of communication—text
messages, friendly emails
and blog posts—the more
flexible your writing can
be.

12. Keep it formal for
proposals, company
memos and other external
communications.

13. 5. Get personal
Sometimes it’s appropriate
to exhibit a personal
interest—say, when a
co-worker has a baby or
gets an award.

14. 5. Share your enthusiasm
As long as you’re sincere,
few people will object
to accolades like:
“Great job!” or “Well done!”

15. This presentation was adapted from our Voice Matters Blog.
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