I’d been explaining what I do for a living, helping companies sound more human by making their language match what their brands stand for. In practice this usually means we take dry, dull writing and make it a lot more readable.
‘We have to write formally in my industry,’ she said. ‘It’s just the way it’s done.’
‘But why? Justify yourself!’ I said. ‘What makes your industry want to sound boring, dull and pompous instead of writing in a way that’s interesting to read?’
No, of course I didn’t. Kidding!
