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Writing Tips
The tone of all Wharton communications should convey the scale and reach of the School, reinforce its core values, and be mindful of Wharton's many stakeholders. The following tips will help you to create this tone in your writing:
- Incorporate the Wharton values in your writing whenever possible. All of our communications tell a story about the School, and it is important that we all work together to communicate a consistent message.
- Make your writing accessible to a global audience — and be sensitive to varied cultural perspectives. Thus, avoid using contractions (e.g., "can't" for "can not") or idiomatic expressions (e.g., "bottom line," "have it made," or "set up shop"). Additionally, add the U.S. country code, +1, to your phone number in email, letters, and other correspondence to similarly internationalize your communications: +1.215.898.1179 (phone), +1.215.386.4304 (fax).
- Write in a style that is formal but not stiff. Use active verbs wherever possible. For example, "The Wharton School attracts the world's best and the brightest students," rather than, "The world's best and brightest students are attracted to the Wharton School."
- Choose simple and direct language (e.g., "use" rather than "utilize").
- Vary sentence length. A short sentence can add impact as well as "breathing room".
- Use language that suits the medium. For example, the web requires easily scanned copy with shorter sentences that use hyperlinks to provide more in-depth information.
- Consider the diversity among the School's alumni base and student body when selecting examples or quotations and be sure to include a variety of viewpoints.
- Proof and fact-check your work. Communications with errors convey an attitude of carelessness and incompetence. See "Reference Information."
For additional information, concerns, or support, please contact the Communications Office.
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