FORCE Concepts

Readability Scores

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:45:00 +0000

To captivate and teach adult learners, content materials should be between 7th and 8th grade reading levels. The Flesch Reading Ease Test (FRET) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Test (FKGLT) scores are used to determine readability.

The two primary concepts for both tests are Average Sentence Length (ASL), the total number of words divided by the total number of sentences; and Average Syllables per Word (ASW), the total number of syllables divided by the total number of words.

Score	Formula	Description
FRET	206.835 - (1.015 x ASL) - (84.6 x ASW)	FRET employs a 100-point scale. The higher the score, the easier the document is to read and understand. An ideal FRET score for adult learners is 60 - 70.
FKGLT	(.39 x ASL) + (11.8 x ASW) – 15.59	The FKGLT score is associated with grade levels. For example, a score of 8.0 indicates materials can be understood by an 8^th grader. An ideal FKGLT score for adult learners is 7 - 8.

Document readability scores provide content authors with a good idea of how much editing a document may need before publishing. For example, if the FKGLT score is 15 or 16, go gas up the chain saw. If it's 9 or 10, a dull pair of scissors will work. Editing for readability means shortening sentences and words because shorter sentences with shorter words are easier to read, understand and thus more likely to keep the reader’s attention.

Click here to learn how to obtain FRET and FKGLT readability scores using MS Outlook & Word.

Chance vs. Risk

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:16:00 +0000

Taking a chance is accepting the probability that something will happen. Taking a risk is accepting the potential for loss. Both risk and chance are relative to the individual taking it. Consider the following examples.

He took a chance on the stock market.
He took a risk on the stock market.

We are taking a chance by deciding not to act.
We are taking a risk by deciding not to act.

She took a chance by saying "I love you."
She took a risk by saying "I love you."

Simply stated, "what chance is there in taking a risk?"

Earn vs. Entitle

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:31:00 +0000

To earn is to receive something or make worthy in return for work, effort or commitment. To be entitled is to receive something by right, endorsement or condition. Perceptions as to whether an individual has earned or is entitled to something are highly subjective. Consider the following examples.

I earned a promotion.
I am entitled to a promotion.

I earned my social security check.
I am entitled to my social security check.

Simply stated, "was the entitlement earned?"

Quantify Your Communication

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:01:00 +0000

Use C3 to communicate effectively.

Clear: Quantify your message with specific and definitive details that eliminate confusion. Use language that is simple and easy for the audience to understand. Do not use words that are vague, obscure or subjective in meaning.

Concise: Do not use ten words when six will do. Long winded messages offer more distractions and less comprehension. Short stories are more likely to be heard (and read) from beginning to end.

Connect: Describe experiences, events, and environments using real life examples the audience can relate to on a personal level.

Which example are readers more likely to remember and why?

Example 1: There was a huge pile-up on the highway involving several cars and I was stuck in traffic for a long time. It was very humid and my car's AC did not work. I was sweating and my clothes were wet.

Example 2: There was a three car crash on I-40. I was in stop-and-go traffic for about one hour. It was 95 degrees and my truck's AC did not work. I was sweating and my clothes were sticking to me.

SORT Things Out

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 17:01:00 +0000

Having more than one of the same thing in multiple locations is not always effective or efficient. Use SORT to organize and streamline belongings.

Search: Find and combine all like items into one pile. Seeing 'all things related' at once can be enlightening on many fronts.

Organize: Separate the pile into three (3) categories or less. Use unique words, colors or symbols to identify categories when needed. Creat a single 'home' or space for like items.

Recycle: While organizing the pile, identify items that need repaired or replaced. Donate or sell unneeded items.

Trash: Discard items that cannot be donated, sold or repaired.

Decide, Divide, Delegate & Do

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:26:00 +0000

Are unfinished tasks piling up at home or in the office? Use D4 to get the job done.

Decide: Prioritize tasks from smallest to largest. Completing less time consuming and rountine tasks first conserves energy for larger and more complex ones.

Divide: Separate larger tasks into smaller, bite-size segments.

Delegate: Assign tasks outside your area of expertise or interest to others.

Do: Begin and finish one task at a time. The most rewarding part may be deleting it from the 'to do' list.

Commit vs. Conviction

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 17:38:00 +0000

Commit means to entrust, put in a place for safekeeping or carry into action deliberately. Being committed to something or someone implies individual choice. Consider the following examples.

Meeting expectations

"I have committed to attend the meeting."

Finishing something
"I am committed to completing this project."

Being determined
"I am a committed to winning the game."

Being devoted
"I am committed to my wife."

Conviction means to believe strongly in something, enough so to convince or persuade others.

Simply stated, are you committed to your convictions?

Apology vs. Sorry

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:12:00 +0000

Apologies are broad justifications and excuses offered up to large audiences. An apology is frequently used to emphasize recipient perceptions and divert attention away from an act itself. The most obvious example is when 'I apologize’ is followed by vague descriptions of behavior.

“I apologize for my actions yesterday.”

Sorry is used to express personal feelings of sorrow and regret. Saying ‘I am sorry’ can also imply a desire to be forgiven by individual recipients, especially when behaviors are clearly communicated.

“I am sorry for ignoring you last night.”

Simply stated, an apology is not necessary for clearly communicated sorrow.

Recall vs. Remember

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:17:00 +0000

To recall, remember or forget, that is the question.

Recall - To bring back to mind. To cancel or revoke something.

Remember - To retain in memory or keep something in mind.

The word recall may be more appropriate for events lacking personal significance. When sharing matters of the heart, remember can illustrate personal relevance. Compare the following examples:

"I do not recall the year my wife was born.”

"I do not remember the year my husband was born.”

To "not recall" can imply a lack of concern about forgetting something or convenient memory loss (e.g., dishonesty). Simply stated, a spouse or significant other may forgive you for "not remembering" a year, so long as you can recall the month and date.

Remove Redundancy

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 19:14:00 +0000

Streamline your written communication by removing 'double-teaming' terms and phrases. Here are a few examples.

'a period of one week' (week is a single period in time)
'end result' (end is a result)
'free gift' (gifts are usually free)
'personal opinion' (opinions are personal)
'oval in shape' (oval is a shape)
'large in size' (large is a size)
'red in color' (red is a color)

Simply stated, try not to use several words when one will do.

React vs. Respond

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Are you looking for a reaction or a response? Although recognized as synonyms, respond and react can yield different interpretations. When describing behaviors, respond can imply the person was prepared for a given stimulus. React can imply instinct. In summary, respond = control and react = impulse. Consider the following examples:

Example 1: Peter responded to his supervisor's suggestions.

Example 2: Peter reacted to his supervisor's suggestions.

Relevant life experience with employment, specifically supervisors, will play an important role in how readers interpret examples above. Simply stated, using the word respond to describe behaviors may reduce the chances of getting a reaction.

Go Vertical

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:22:00 +0000

Lists are frequently used to organize and emphasize information. Vertical lists can be created using numbers or bullets. Number lists are used to emphasize sequence or priority. Bullet lists are used for items with equal value or importance and no chronological relevance. Vertical list items should be consistent in both format and length.

The sentence or short phrase used to introduce a vertical list will usually end with a colon. Punctuation for list items will vary with format. For example, when vertical list items are complete sentences, begin each with a capital letter and end the sentence with a period.

Complete the following steps before starting your car engine:

Lock the door.
Buckle your seat belt.
Adjust rear and sideview mirrors if needed.

When vertical list items are incomplete sentences, begin each with a lowercase letter, but do not end items with periods or semicolons.

The benefits of daily exercise include:

restful sleep
stress reduction
weight management

When all line items must be present or included, insert a semicolon after each line, the word "and" at the end of the next to last line, and a period at the end of the last line.

The criminal did willfully take:

property owned by another person;
without permission or authorization; and
with the intent to permanently deprive the owner.

Beat the Heat

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:05:00 +0000

With Summer just a few weeks away, it may be a good idea to inspect your home's HVAC system. The following tips can help improve air circulation, lower monthly utility bills and keep your home comfortable:

CLEAN: Floor, wall and ceiling vents should be cleaned regularly. Replace system filters as needed and follow manufacturer service recommendations.

CLEAR: Move furniture and other objects away from vents. The minimum recommended distance is four (4") inches.

CONTROL: Use a programmable thermostat to help save energy while you are away from home.

Home Maintenance

• doors
• siding
• windows
• fireplaces
• landscaping
• roofs & gutters
• attics & crawl spaces
• plumbing & electricity
• monthly & season schedules

Sponsors like American Comfort Solutions offer resources that customers want to keep handy.

Got 90 Minutes?

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:43:00 +0000

According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals who exercise aerobically for just thirty (30) minutes a day, three times (3x) per week can:

1. prevent heart disease;

2. be less vulnerable to viral illnesses; and

3. reduce tension from daily stress and promote relaxation.

Simply stated, significant improvements to your physical and emotional health can be achieved for as little as ninety (90) minutes a week.

24 Laminated Pages

Aerobic Training

goal setting
health benefits
F.I.T. principles
target heart rates
sample programs
terms & definitions
motivation strategies

Sponsor promotional items with the kind of 'legs' needed for modern markets.

Under Pressure?

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:47:00 +0000

To obtain a more accurate blood pressure reading, try the following steps:

STEP 1: When seated, place both feet flat on the floor without crossing your legs.

STEP 2: Rest and place both arms on a table in front of you at or near heart level.

STEP 3: Avoid talking when measurement is being taken.

Lowering Blood Pressure

28 Pages

• terms
• definitions
• health risks
• nutrition tips
• how to measure
• reading food labels
• weight management
• treatments & medications

Create lifestyle resources that last a lifetime.

Feeling Stressed?

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:02:00 +0000

Try the following breathing techniques for several minutes.

STEP 1: Take a deep breath by inhaling through the nose.

STEP 2: After inhaling, hold your breath for no more than 3-5 seconds.

STEP 3: After holding your breath, exhale through your mouth.

Stress Management

24 Laminated Pages

• sources
• facts & stats
• signs & symptoms
• family/personal stress
• incident/occupation stress
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder {PTSD}

Create resources that demonstrate commitment.

Sleep Matters

noreply@blogger.com (FORCE Concepts) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:43:00 +0000

Are you getting the rest you need and deserve? If not, here are a few tips that may help.

1. SUNSHINE. Thirty (30) minutes a day in natural sunlight helps your circadian rhythm. Don't forget the sun screen!

2. ACTIVITY. Twenty (20) minutes a day of exercise or physical activity can improve the quality of your sleep.

3. BEDROOM. Bedrooms should be physically comfortable and stress free. In other words...no texting, televisions, computers and other distractions.

Healthy Sleep (24 laminated pages)

"Everything you need..in the palm of your hand."

• health
• power naps
• sleep 'Stages'
• sleep 'Hygiene'
• sleep 'Stealers'
• tips for shift workers
• self assessment quiz
• driving drowsy & jet lag

Create lifestyle resources that last a lifetime.