Thanks to the digital age, all of us are communicators of one kind or another. So let’s make sure we’re doing it right.
When it comes to communication, how well do you fare — compared to my five best practices?
1. Before you start writing (yes, even an email), do you pause to think about your intended audience?
If so, give yourself 1 point. Give yourself an extra point if you’re able to describe your audience in a sentence like this: “This email is going to my subscribers who are short on time and need practical tips for writing better and faster.”
Points _____
2. Using one to two sentences, can you synopsize your message?
If so, give yourself 2 points. If it takes three or more sentences, give yourself 1 point. If you can’t do it, take 0 points.
3. Is your message easy to understand? Hint: Ask someone to read what you wrote and then briefly tell you what it said. If they can do it easily, give yourself 2 points. If it’s more difficult, give yourself 1 point. If they really have trouble, take 0 points.
Points _____
4. Have you used jargon, misspelled words, convoluted sentences, misplaced modifiers, bad grammar and the like?
Nope? Give yourself 1 point. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, give yourself 0 and contact me.
Points _____
5. Do you have a clear call-to-action? In other words, does your reader know what you want them to do with the information you’ve given them?
1 point if you have a CTA, 0 if you don’t.
Points _____
How’d you fare?
7-8 points – Well done! You’re a credible communicator.
5-6 points – Very nice. You’re better than average.
3-4 points – Not bad. A little work and you could create more credible communication.
0-2 – Sorry, but you’re a serious slacker. Time to make some improvements.
Just remember my 5 best practices for better communication:
1. Think about your audience.
2. Know what you want to say.
3. Simplify your message.
4. Watch for grammar mistakes and spelling errors.
5. Include a clear call-to-action.
Where do you fall short?
