Did you know July 13 is Oxymoron Day? Me either. When I originally wrote this post in 2010, I had no idea that the term had its own day. Then again, someone seems to create a day for just about everything.

What is an oxymoron and how does it apply to business writing (at least in the context of this post)?

The Contradiction of Oxymoron

I love interesting sounding words like oxymoron, plethora, and onomatopoeia. They sound distinctive without even trying.

If you look up the root origin of oxymoron, you discover the word itself defines its meaning. The word has a Greek origin derived from the word oxus that means “keen or sharp,” and moros that means “foolish.”

How can you be foolish AND sharp? See? Oxymoron.

Clearly Misunderstood Oxymoron Examples

The following examples offer a better understanding of the funny-sounding word. Notice how the terms taken separately appear opposites of each other.

Oxymorons are not bad. Even William Shakespeare embraced the use of oxymorons to express mixed emotions.

The contradictory terms rose from a desire to describe complex ideas or emotions. But stumble in its use and your meaning and credibility may be lost.

How do you keep creative business writing from becoming a laughable oxymoron?

Used and Abused Business Writing

When this post published in 2010, an online article in Inc., Why is Business Writing So Awful? went viral. Its author, Jason Fried, attacked overworked, descriptive words used in business writing. A post about their overuse has been one of Simply Stated Business (SSB)’s most popular.

Business writing can certainly fall into the trap of uninspired clichés. Whether that is from lawyers and HR departments, as some of those cited in the article, or simply bad business writing, it kills your message.

• But what is the shelf life on unique business writing?
• Is unique business writing itself an oxymoron?

When developing content, consider the following ideas to keep business writing from hitting the snooze button.

#1 – Imitation is not always flattering.

Creating original business writing is hard. Maybe we really have run out of ideas. When something does work, creators imitate it – over and over again – usually without the same good results. Think reality tv.

That is how business writing once thought as unique becomes a cliché. I’m old enough to remember when “outside-the-box” was new. Now, I want to strangle its consonants every time I see it.

Quick Fix

Unique business writing’s shelf life expires when it fails to add anything new or different. So, find ways to add something new or take a different approach.

The post, Have We Run Out of Ideas, offers three ways to refresh old ideas.

#1 – Look for a different spin (another medium – e.g., video versus ad – or another point of view).

#2 – Discover a new audience (e.g., people who buy from your target audience).

#3 – Make the idea better (ask what went wrong/right with the original idea and improve your approach or method).

Check out the above post for more information.

#2 – Stop trying so hard.

On the other hand, trying too hard to be different can produce words that sound forced. Instead, your words end up falling on their figurative butts. <== That’s an example of trying too hard.

Metaphors are powerful, but when forced for cleverness, they deflate like a gasping balloon. 😉

IF YOU DABBLE IN AI, you may notice the forced phenomenon. Suggestions may not have your voice or differ in tone from the rest of your content. The disconnect could be a result of you not spending enough time on the AI platform for it to duplicate your vibe (and isn’t THAT a scary thought?).

Quick Fix

Make AI suggestions your own. Use ideas that work but rewrite them in your own words.

HUMOR is another area that bombs when creators try too hard to be funny. You may get a laugh but lose the audience.

• Business writing in advertising is meant to sell a product or service.
• That objective is drowned in chuckles when the emphasis is humor over all else.
• Who has the last laugh then?

Quick Fix

One person’s humor is another person’s yawn. So, you are never going to get a smile or laugh from everyone. But you can avoid a real groaner by bouncing your content off more than one person. You may get mixed results but listen with an open mind and decide to keep or delete.

#3 – Embrace editing.

EDITING erases dull business writing, preventing a pile of wasted words. Yet, how many of us take the time?

With deadlines looming or an impatience to get content published, it is easy to skip the most vital part of writing – editing. I know I am guilty of it, although I try to do better.

I had to overcome the dread of editing. When I thought about editing, what popped in my head was grammar checks, spelling, typos. Necessary checks but BORING.

Without skipping the mechanics, I focus on the more exciting part of editing by interjecting my TSS technique (illustrated below) where it makes sense.

Quick Fix

Focus on the fun part of writing – editing with TSS.

Perfectly Imperfect Business Writing

Business writing is in a steep climb through shortening attention spans, AI-generated speed, and a crowded, noisy social media world. Professional and casual writers alike look for ways to be noticed.

To avoid falling into the trap of the common word, take time to keep your writing simple, clear, and uniquely yours.

1. Avoid the urge to imitate success – allow your unique experiences and perspective to develop something new.
2. Stop trying too hard – don’t force your words, make AI ideas your own and be authentic, especially with humor.
3. Embrace editing – don’t skip the process but have fun.

What suggestions do you have for keeping business writing unique? Please share in Comments.

Note: This July 7, 2025 post updates the original that published on May 7, 2010.

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