Nailing Active Voice in Hospitality Supervision

In the hospitality industry, where communication flows like a well-mixed cocktail, mastering language can give you an edge. If you're prepping for the Supervision in the Hospitality Industry AHLEI test, understanding the difference between active and passive voice can significantly enhance your writing skills and overall effectiveness as a supervisor.

Have you ever found yourself flipping through a report, trying to figure out who did what, only to be left scratching your head? That’s often the result of passive voice, where the subject receives the action instead of doing it. But let’s get into the nitty-gritty—what’s the real difference between these two styles?

The Power of Active Voice

Let’s take a closer look at our question: "Which of the following sentences is written in the active voice?"

A. The supervisor interviewed three applicants for the open position.

B. Sarah was praised by her supervisor.

C. The decision to hire Bill was made by Laurel.

D. The dress code was revised by the committee.

The correct answer is A. In this golden nugget of a sentence, "the supervisor" is our hero, boldly performing the action of interviewing. You see, active voice makes it crystal clear who’s responsible for what—you know, the doer. The direct star of the action, in this case, is the supervisor, leading the charge in finding the next team member. Talk about clarity!

On the flip side, the other sentences fall into the passive voice trap. Each time you read, "was praised," "was made," or "was revised," it feels like the focus is toggling around, moving away from the action performer to the action recipient. This shift can leave your writing feeling less lively and engaging—like a party where no one’s dancing.

Why Active Voice Rocks

Imagine you’re drafting an email to your team about a new project. By using active voice, you can keep everyone on the same page about what's expected.

Instead of saying, “The plan was finalized by the management team,” try, “The management team finalized the plan.” Which one speaks louder? Right! The second sentence grabs attention, paints a picture, and delivers the message more punchy and enjoyable.

This clarity extends beyond just emails. Whether you're hosting a meeting or preparing a report, using active voice can invigorate your content. It makes your communication straightforward, lively, and engaging—qualities every hospitality professional should strive for.

When to Consider Passive Voice

Now, don’t toss the passive voice out like last week’s leftovers. There are occasions when it’s more appropriate. If you're aiming to emphasize the action rather than who performed it—like in a situation where acknowledging the receiver of the action feels more important—you might lean on passive voice. For example, “Three applicants were interviewed” could highlight the applicants more than the supervisor—but isn’t it more fun to celebrate the doers?

Practical Tips for Making It Work

1. Identify the Subject: Always ask yourself who is performing the action. This will help center your sentences around the actor.

2. Check for “to be” verbs: If you notice a construction like "was" or "were," see if you can switch it up to spotlight the doer of the action.

3. Practice Regularly: Just like perfecting a cocktail recipe, practicing writing with an active voice will make you more comfortable with it over time.

4. Feedback is Your Friend: Share your drafts with peers and ask them if the main point jumps out at them—this helps gauge whether you’ve been active or passive in your approach.

5. Adapt to Your Audience: Depending on your listeners or readers, switch it up. Sometimes a mix of both voices can suit a varied audience.

By mastering these nuances, not just for your AHLEI exam, but also for your career, you’ll not only convey exciting instructions but also inspire your team—a key trait in hospitality. You know what? Being clear and engaging can truly make your leadership shine.

So as you prepare for your upcoming test, keep these tips handy. Understanding the mechanics of active and passive voice will help you express your authority and enthusiasm for your work. Now go forth and write with conviction, and remember: the active voice is your friend!