Proofread Like a Professional
Practical ways to proofread like a professional, because small errors cost big trust.
Quality is a promise. Read it twice and then once more.
10 tips that really help
These ideas come from Building a StoryBrand (Donald Miller), Pitch Anything (Oren Klaff), Made to Stick (Chip Heath and Dan Heath), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.
Errors cost credibility
A typo can make a strong proposal look careless and weaken trust.
Always check twice.
Read it aloud
Hearing the text reveals mistakes your eyes skip.
Read the whole page.
Check names, numbers and dates
Wrong figures or misspelled names are the most damaging errors.
Verify each one.
Run a spell check
Tools catch many errors quickly, though not all.
Use it first.
Take a break before final review
Fresh eyes spot problems more easily after an hour away.
Wait before sending.
Ask a colleague to read it
Another person will notice what you have become blind to.
Request feedback.
Print it out
Reading on paper uses a different part of attention and reveals errors.
Print once.
Check formatting
Consistent fonts, spacing and alignment show care.
Scan visually.
Test links and attachments
Broken links frustrate readers and look unprofessional.
Click each.
Keep a proofreading checklist
A short list turns careful checking into a habit.
Create one.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.
“Let me read this once more.”
“Names and numbers verified.”
“I will read it tomorrow with fresh eyes.”
“Could you read it too?”
“Thank you for catching that.”
“Now it is ready.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Read it aloud
Check names and numbers
Check dates and prices
Use spell check
Read it backwards
Ask a colleague to read it
Wait an hour before sending
Further reading
- Building a StoryBrand (Donald Miller)
- Pitch Anything (Oren Klaff)
- Made to Stick (Chip Heath and Dan Heath)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Tell Stories That Sell”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Add a Clear Next Step
- Why Stories Beat Statistics
- The Simple Story Shape: Problem, Struggle, Win
- Make the Customer the Hero
- Find Stories in Your Everyday Work
- Keep It Short, Keep It Real
- Add One Vivid Detail
- End Every Story With a Point
- Collect Stories While They Are Fresh
- The Before, During and After Story
- Use Real Numbers Honestly
- Tell a Story Like Your Customer Would
- Match the Story to the Buyer
- Case Studies People Actually Read
- Ask for Testimonials Without Awkwardness
- Your Ten-Second Introduction
- The One-Sentence Pitch
- Cut the Jargon
- Lead With the Problem You Solve
- Make the Benefit Obvious
- Use Simple Words and Short Sentences
- The Message Test: Can They Repeat It?
- Open With a Hook
- The Three-Point Presentation
- Slides That Support, Not Distract
- Demo the Result, Not the Features
- Use Pauses Like a Pro
- Handle Questions Mid-Presentation
- Close Your Presentation Strongly
- Hold the Room Without Shouting
- Use Your Hands and Eyes
- Control Your Pace Under Pressure
- Recover From a Slip
- Pitch to One Person or Twenty
- Pitch Over Video With Energy
- A One-Page Proposal That Wins
- Open With Their Problem, Not Your Company
- Show Options: Good, Better, Best
- Make Pricing Easy to Understand
- Add a Clear Next Step
- Proofread Like a Professional
