Browsing Category: "effective communication"
3 Tips to Write Better Instantly
effective communication, shortcuts, writing January 27th, 2010
Regardless of your job title, you probably have to write something every day (email, memo, documentation).
Improve your writing instantly with my three top tips:
1. Read it out loud to see how it will “sound” to the reader. Fix anything that trips you up. (I call these hiccups.)
2. Examine each individual word. Can you delete it? If not, can you substitute a short, simple word? (One of my favorites is swapping “use” for “utilize.”)
3. Vary sentence length. Some should be short. Some long. Still other sentences should be longer, since they create a rhythm that’s more interesting to the reader.
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Is it time to rethink your choice of words?
effective communication, marketing, writing January 14th, 2010
Since hubby turned 50, we’ve become members of AARP; which means we receive (and enjoy) their excellent publications.
In the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of the AARP Bulletin, there’s a short article about a British survey commissioned by financial company AXA, and the subsequent renaming contest surrounding the word “pension.”
Turns out that nearly a fifth of 18- to 24-year-old Brits think the word pension is stodgy. (No duh.)
The winning replacement, submitted by 29-year-old Donna Wood of Hampshire, England is:
Save Now. Play Later.
Genius.
But what this really brings to mind is how we get stuck using words and phrases that have lost their relevancy. With business writing and marketing/communications, it’s far too easy to lapse into same-old, same-old boilerplate language.
No word or phrase should be sacred. Everything should be, at least periodically, rethought. Step back now and then and ask this question: “What does this word or phrase really mean to my reader?”
P.S. Hey, State Farm Insurance, are you listening? With the transient culture we live in, I’m pretty sure “Like a good neighbor” doesn’t resonate like it used to.
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Holiday blogging hiatus
blogging, effective communication, web copy, writing November 30th, 2009
December is shaping up to be a busy month both personally and professionally so I’m taking my usual holiday blogging hiatus, albeit a little early.
But honestly, I’m also assessing the long-term value of this blog for you — and for me. I’ll be back in January with new content or a new blogging strategy.
Until then, there’s lots of great content within my previous posts. And, I’m still microblogging regularly on Twitter so follow me for quick-hit ideas that can instantly improve your writing and communication.
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Simple tip for audience insight
effective communication, miscellaneous, shortcuts, writing November 11th, 2009
I’m constantly asking my clients who they’re trying to reach. When it comes to effectively communicating, you must know who you’re talking to. You wouldn’t talk to a first-grader the same way you would talk with a college professor, right?
Here’s a tip for getting inside the mind of your audience:
Go to where your customers are and silently observe. Watch what they do and how they do it. Read the emails they send customer service. Eavesdrop on their conversations with each other.
Refrain from making assumptions. Resist the urge to lead. Don’t ask questions (just this once). Simply watch and listen.
I promise you’ll come away with a new perspective about what their proverbial “pain points” are, but you’ll also have fresh insight into what motivates and excites them.