Top 7 Techniques for Proofreading Your Work

Everything you write, whether it is email or blog post, a letter or proposal, is a reflection of you. Documents that are sloppy and have a lot of errors in them can damage your credibility and you may not be taken seriously. Here are some techniques to use when proofreading to make sure everything you write comes across looking polished and professional:

1. Wait 24 hours before proofreading.
   
   If you can’t wait that long, give yourself at least an hour. The longer you wait before proofreading the more objective you will be and better able to spot more errors.
   
   
2. Read the text aloud.
   
   This helps you slow down and read each word. In this way you are better able to listen and hear sentence correctness. Reading aloud also forces you to read numbers digit by digit.
   
   
3. Proofread with a Partner.
   
   Print out two copies of the document. While one reads the document aloud, the other follows along listening and looking for errors.
   
   
4. Use a straight edge.
   
   Using a ruler or another straight edge below the line you are reading helps avoid skipping words or lines of text.
   
   
5. Double space document in draft form.
   
   If you type your draft in double space it will be easier to read for mistakes. You can fix spacing later in the final version.
   
   
6. Read the document backwards.
   
   Read the document from right to left or from the bottom of the page to top of the page. This forces you to look at individual words and enables you to see spelling mistakes easier.
   
   
7. Finally, check alignment of document.
   
   Hold document at arms length, turn it upside down and/or use a straight edge at margins in order to make sure the alignment is according to required specifications.

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