P

Paradox

The use of paradox in business writing should be limited, but can sometimes serve a useful purpose in emphasizing a point or adding humor to a presentation.

The definition of paradox is an absurd, senseless, illogical, nonsensical, or contradictory statement. Because a paradox may be distracting, it is rarely appropriate in a presentation, where an audience expects a straightforward set of statements and may be confused, surprised, and distracted by a paradox.

Examples of absurd or distracting paradox:

We have to abandon the market in order to dominate the market.

His wisdom is based on his knowing that he knows nothing.

Such expressions are appropriate in business communication when limited, but also thought-provoking or used as a ...

Get Style Guide for Business Writing now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.