Use of the word "enhance"

An associate of mine asked me to review a couple of elements of his most recent proposal today. In reading through, what stood out the most was his use of the word “enhance.”

It made me think of all the times I used it, and all the times I have seen it used.

Ladies and Gentlemen, that word is trouble. Sure there are times when you can include it in your proposal, but be careful!

Most of the time when you say “enhance” you know exactly what you intend to do; sometimes you don’t. Either way you should probably not say “enhance” rather, be specific about what you are planning. For example:

Instead of: “Enhance our ability to deliver training to local small businesses.”

Try: “Add one full time instructor to our staff. This will enable us to increase training to our small business community by 10 deliveries a week.”

By being more specific you tell the reader and/or the grant giver exactly what you are going to do with the funds given to you. And that my friends, is likely to make your score go up.

Until next time, may all your requests be granted!

Brian Lee