An example of why hyphens are necessary

The following is an excerpt from an email sent to staff at the University of Manchester.

As part of the University’s commitment to creating change in gender equality across the University we are running a half day unconscious bias training session focussed on recruitment and promotion.

The following is how it should have been punctuated to enhance clarity and demonstrate precision in writing.

As part of the University’s commitment to creating change in gender equality across the University, we are running a half-day unconscious-bias training session focussed on recruitment and promotion.

The following is one naughty interpretation, just by moving one hyphen from its intended location.

As part of the University’s commitment to creating change in gender equality across the University, we are running a half-day unconscious bias-training session focussed on recruitment and promotion.

So, to avoid unpleasant misinterpretations from your writing, please learn how to hyphenate properly.

Resources for punctuation:
The Tongue and Quill
Larry Trask’s Guide to Punctuation

(Image from http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared)