Spoken style in a formal document
I've never seen this before. I've wanted to, but I never have.
In a briefing to David Seymour, the Ministry of Education uses contractions (we're rather than we are).
Formal situation. Spoken language.
Nobody freaked out.
No one complained about being disrespected.
The minister circled 'Agree' to all the recommendations.
The text is precise, formal, AND it uses contractions.
Finally! Proof that the only reason we keep writing formal documents in a stuffy, heavy style is that we believe we have to.
Other things this briefing does well
Fantastic first-page question headings. They focus both the writer and the reader on the key info.
Short sentences. Most have one idea, with the odd 2-idea sentence for variety.
'You' and 'we' rather than 'the Minister' and 'the Ministry' allow a more natural style.
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