Get Great Copy Shortcut #6

Sitting. Staring. Cursor flashing.

Almost nothing is more intimidating than a blank page and an equally blank mind.

Which is why I employ one of my favorite shortcuts … the nano-brainstorm. This shortcut is especially good for short, pithy bits of copy, headlines and taglines.

Here’s how it works:

1. Open a blank document and save it. (I’m a frequent saver.)

2. Open a browser window to Google.

3. Set a timer for 5 minutes. No more. No less.

4. Google the keyword(s) of your topic “+ quotes poems songs” and press enter.

5. Quickly click in and go through some of the results. When you see something that inspires you, toggle to your document and copy the text over or type the words in. Continue until you hear:

* DING * Time’s up.

1. Reset the timer for 5 minutes. No more. No less.

2. Now start typing variations of your own. Keep going until you hear:

* DING * Time’s up.

Start a fresh document and continue with your writing project. Make sure to keep your filled up nano-brainstorm document just in case there are some reusable ideas.

Possibly related posts

• Common writing mistakes (almost) everyone makes (1)
• Get Great Copy Shortcut #5 (0)
• Cliche anyone? (0)

Here’s another installment in my continuing my series on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Communicators.

HABIT 2: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
Know what you want to say and what point you’re trying to make before you communicate it. Begin with the End in Mind means to make a conscious effort to visualize what you’re trying to communicate and how you’d like it to be received. It means spending time collecting your thoughts before communicating and envisioning the gist of your message.

How to incorporate it:
One of the best ways to do this is to create what I call “one sentence to clarity.” It means stepping back, either literally or figuratively, from the words to create a single-topic sentence that quickly, clearly and succinctly explains what you’re trying to communicate. Create a headline, if you will, that will help you keep your message and thoughts on track and, consequently, make it easier for your listener or reader to understand. For example, my one sentence to clarity for this blog post might be: “Give my readers practical steps for better communication based on Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits book.”

Possibly related posts

• 3 Ways to Become a Better Writer (0)
• The Fourth Habit of Highly Effective Communicators (0)
• Write with care (0)