Browsing Category: "writing"
The world’s best writing tip
miscellaneous, writing February 4th, 2010
I didn’t invent it, of course, but I have been practicing it of late. What? The world’s best writing tip: Butt in chair.
Sure, I’ve heard it before but with my current workload (thanks, clients!), the only way to keep all the balls in the air and projects moving forward is to start cranking out copy.
And that requires putting my behind in the chair at my desk in front of my computer and getting things done. Not emailing, tweeting or posting my status. (During writing time, at least.)
It’s hard to sit still. But when I do, the words come. The type goes on the page. The copy gets done. The client is happy. And, frankly, so am I.
What’s stopping you from butt-in-chair-writing?
No ideas? Write about it. Too many ideas? Write about it. Not sure what to write? Write about it.
The point is to just sit and write for a period of time with no distractions. Set a timer if you have to. Reward yourself at the end of 30 minutes. Whatever it takes. I promise you will be more productive. I know I am.
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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.