STYLE BOOK FOR NUMBERS, ABBREVIATIONS, NAMES & TERMS | NEP

In the field of media, adhering to a consistent style is crucial for maintaining clarity, credibility, and uniformity across all forms of communication. 

A style book serves as a guide for writers, editors, and journalists, detailing the preferred conventions for using numbers, abbreviations, names, and specific terms. Below are key guidelines that should be followed in media usage.

1. Use of Numbers

• General Rule: Spell out numbers one through nine; use numerals for numbers 10 and above.
• Example: “She has three dogs and 12 cats.”
• Beginning a Sentence: Always spell out numbers that begin a sentence.
• Example: “Twenty participants attended the seminar.”
• Consistency: In a given context, use numerals for numbers of the same type to maintain consistency.
• Example: “There were 4 cats, 10 dogs, and 15 birds in the shelter.”
• Large Numbers: Use a combination of numerals and words for large numbers (e.g., “2 million” instead of “2,000,000”).
• Example: “The fundraiser raised 5 million dollars.”
• Percentages: Use numerals and the percent sign (%) for percentages.
• Example: “The survey indicated that 75% of respondents preferred option A.”

2. Use of Abbreviations

• Commonly Accepted Abbreviations: Use abbreviations that are widely recognized and accepted, such as “USA,” “FBI,” and “NASA.”
• Example: “The USA won the championship.”
• Introduce at First Use: Spell out acronyms or abbreviations upon first use, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses.
• Example: “The World Health Organization (WHO) announced new guidelines.”
• No Periods: Do not use periods in abbreviations that contain capital letters (e.g., “USA,” “FBI”).
• Example: “The FBI conducted an investigation.”
• Time Abbreviations: Use lowercase letters for time-related abbreviations (a.m., p.m.) and always include periods.
• Example: “The meeting starts at 9 a.m.”

3. Use of Names

• Full Names: Upon first reference, always use the person's full name, including titles if applicable.
• Example: “Dr. Jane Smith is the chief researcher at the lab.”
• Subsequent References: Use only the last name after the initial full reference.
• Example: “Smith later confirmed the findings.”
• Titles: Capitalize formal titles when they precede a name; use lowercase if the title follows the name or is used generically.
• Example: “President John Doe delivered a speech.” vs. “John Doe, the president, delivered a speech.”
• Exceptions for Well-Known Figures: For widely recognized public figures or celebrities, it’s often acceptable to use only their last name after the first reference.
• Example: “Oprah Winfrey announced a new book. Winfrey's latest work focuses on personal development.”

4. Use of Terms

• Accuracy: Use terms that accurately describe the subject. Avoid euphemisms unless they are appropriate for the context.
• Example: Use "died" rather than "passed away" for factual reporting.
• Specificity: Prefer precise terms over vague or generalized language.
• Example: “The specific study focused on childhood obesity” instead of “The study looked at kids’ health.”
• Inclusivity: Use gender-neutral language when possible.
• Example: Use “firefighter” instead of “fireman.”
• Technical Terms: Define or explain technical terms when they are not well-known to the general audience.
• Example: “Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that aims to create machines capable of intelligent behavior.”