Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Book Review: "The Right and Wrong of Writing" by Gary Blake
e-book Published by Gary Blake, Ph.D., 70 A Manor Drive, Great Neck, NY 11020, 151 pp., $39.95.
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is like the difference between lightning and a lightning bug,” according to Mark Twain. Doubtlessly, Twain did not have in mind the profession of claim adjusting when he penned those lines, but he could have.
The arena of claim communication is sadly under-served. Most adjusters enter the job with little training or coaching on clear and appropriate claim communications. If they receive technical instruction on subject matter claim knowledge they can consider themselves lucky. As a new adjuster, I sheepishly admit that I aped the style of attorneys I worked with by starting letters with “Please be advised…” or “Attached herewith …” This may have impressed a few people but in hindsight, I’m sure such legal-ese was off-putting to many insureds, claimants and witnesses.
Filling the void here is Gary Blake’s new e-book, The Right and Wrong of Writing. The subtitle is, “Quick and Practical Answers to 91 of the Most Common – and Frustrating – Questions About Claims Writing Style.”
Author Gary Blake is a New York area consultant and trainer whose niche is the realm of claim communications. His website is www.writingworkshop.com.
Blake understands the power of written words as wielded by adjusters. The right words can facilitate claims resolution. The wring ones can put gravel in the gears, slow down claims, torpedo settlements and even invite expensive bad faith suits.
In nine major sections, Blake covers the gamut of claim writing in 150 pages. This is an excellent resource for every insurer claims unit and TPA. The sections are short and sweet, making it easy to read and digest in manageable chunks. If the tips contained in this book facilitate one settlement or avert a single bad faith claim, the return on investment will be huge.
To write right as a claims professional, order, read and HEED Gary Blake’s new book!
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2 comments:
$39.95! Not exactly cheap.
I totally understand – I don’t set the book’s price, just report it. On the other hand, if $39 helps you settle one claim cheaper OR averts ONE bad faith claim from a damming document, $39 is a great investment. Food for thought: What is the cost of NOT investing time (and money) in upgrading adjusters’ written communication skills?
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