Learn how to write well

Speaking well has always been prized above writing well, but I would argue that writing well is as important as speaking well. Today’s workplace needs good communicators and clear thinkers and writing is good way to demonstrate those. Here are some tips for honing your writing.

Why are you writing and for whom: Knowing why, helps you determine right away what the focus should be. Put yourself in the shoes of the reader. Don’t lose the reader with long fancy text which they’ll have to spend time trying to understand. Your goal shouldn’t be to impress but to inform and influence.

Clear your head and be organised: If you are confused, it will show on paper. Organise information in a meaningful way. Have a rough outline before you start writing. Ensure structure that will provide a good order of thought and coherence. Let your main points come through quickly. No one has time to waste so focus on what is relevant. Support any points with the specific details.

Be simple and straightforward: Stick to the basics; be clear and concise. Get to the point. Avoid long introductions, longwinded paragraphs or wordy sentences. Use sub-headings to signpost to the reader what they are going to be reading about in each stage. Save words; don’t use 3 words if one will do. For example say ‘protected’ instead of ‘provided protection.’

Read and learn from what others write: Read and learn what writing is effective and is not. Shun jargon. Identify someone to review what you write. Care about your reputation enough to improve your writing skills. Fairly or not people may form opinions on the basis of one’s writing. Cluttered writing can be equated to one being a ‘scatterbrain’. Your writing can open doors long before you get a chance to speak well. For example, how well you write an application letter can decide whether you get to be interviewed or not.

Now take action: What one thing will you do to improve your writing?