Stuck when writing your blog, ezine or web site content? Don’t know how to write? Don’t like the way you write? Or simply hate to write?

Learn my copywriting shortcuts in a free, one-hour teleseminar. During the call, Meredith Liepelt of Rich Life Marketing and I will discuss common copywriting mistakes and 10 Secrets to Great Web Copy.

Participants will leave this call armed with ideas and tactics for writing concisely, clearly and conversationally — without tearing their hair out.

This session includes time for questions and answers, and is geared toward solopreneurs who need to write as part of marketing their business.

No registration required.
Conference Dial-in Number: (218) 844-8230
Participant Access Code: 801756#

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This post was was inspired by two things …

• the negative experience of a colleague whose integrity was called into question as a result of a poorly written newsletter article; and
• a tweet from @ProBlogger who created 29 Tips, Tutorials and Resources for New Bloggers.

Following are my links and fast-read tips to improve both written and spoken communication. Please note that while I may reference “writing” or “interactive copy” in some of these tips, you can easily substitute “communication” (the word and the concept) for each.

Read on … I promise you’ll learn something new or at least be reminded of something important.

1. A friendly reminder about good communication
2. Know who you’re talking to. Ask yourself these questions: Who is my audience? What do they expect to hear? What do they need to hear? What kinds of words will they respond to?
3. Simple tip for audience insight
4. Get to the point. Say what you have to say clearly and concisely. If it helps, pretend you’re talking to a child or explaining something to your grandmother.
5. Common writing mistakes (almost) everyone makes
6. Stop communicating to impress. Ditch the name-dropping, jargon-popping speak that characterizes much of American conversation.
7. Lose the unnecessary words
8. Do not repeat yourself or go on and on and on by saying the same thing multiple ways. In other words, lose the redundancies (like this one!).
9. Find some new words
10. Pause. It gives the reader or listener time to process what you’re saying. Hint: Punctuation is your natural pause in the written word.
11. How to make your everyday email more effective
12. Choose your words carefully. “He stepped down as CEO” sounds like the person quit or was fired; whereas “He completed his three-year term” sounds like the person achieved something.
13. Such a post a this should be made more clear via editing
14. Get personal, when appropriate. Speak “to” people; not “at” them.
15. Why good writing is a lot like being in love
16. Think before you communicate. Write your copy, set it aside and go back to it before sending or posting. In conversation, simply pause before continuing.
17. Short and sweet
18. Clarify vs. defend what you write or speak.
19. How to write conversationally
20. Skew toward the positive. Negativity rarely prospers.
21. Become a storyteller
22. Avoid clichés, jargon and buzzwords.
23. How to replace blah, blah, blah language
24. Keep the “who, what, when, where, why and how” in mind. Always.
25. Stop sleepwalking through your copywriting
26. Listen, listen, listen. ’Nuff said.

Want more? Sign up for monthly tips, insights and shortcuts or ask about 1:1 coaching

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“Voice and tone” is one of the most important — yet most confusing — concepts ever known to both writers and non-writers alike. Part of the confusion comes from the fact that voice and tone are talked about together as if they are one and the same. (They are not.)

It’s an important concept because voice and tone can help distinguish you, your brand, your company, your business.

It’s confusing because rarely are the terms clearly defined.

Until now.

• Voice is how you talk to someone.
• Tone is the attitude behind your words.

For example, my voice on this blog is identical to the voice I use in my workshops and at client meetings because it’s a reflection of me. It’s how I teach, talk, train, converse.

My tone, however, changes depending on my audience. On this blog, I skew towards the informal but never the irreverant; however, with a new client, my tone tends to be much more formal.

Still confused? Think about a recent conversation with your kids. What you said to them is your voice. How you said it is your tone. Same goes with copy, both online and off.

Ever been confused about voice and tone? Share your comments, ask your questions and let’s discuss.

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Just a few copywriting basics that we all need reminded of from time to time:

1. When you start writing, don’t sweat the small stuff … think big picture first.
2. Practice … the more  you write, the better you write.
3. Break the “writing rules” … just say it.
4. Be yourself … until then, imitate someone else.
5. Get inspired … start and use a swipe file.
6. Write visually … use subheads, bullet points and lists.
7. Change your viewpoint … look for the non-obvious.
8. Stay focused … ask “What’s the point?” continually.

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