WRITING –

Keep it simple and lively

          If you want to be read, and understood, make an effort to improve your writing skills.

          Unless your writing is easy to read many of your readers will not finish reading it, or misunderstand your message.

          Try to bait your messages, to hook your reader,  at the start to make your topic of interest to the reader.

A Handful of Tips to make your writing easier to read

* Use simple words

          If you want your writing to be read using simple, clear language and familiar words – words your readers can relate to.

          When you have a choice of words use the simplest word available. For example; for ‘excavate’ use ‘dig’; for ‘contribute’ use ‘give’; for ‘purchase’ use ‘buy’.

          Use precise words with the exact meaning you want.

          Simple words are easier to translate into other languages. I have had books translated into eleven languages.  

          We must not forget English is a second language for many people. especially for new immigrants. 

* Use  active words

          Use words that arouse people’s interest and stir them to action. “To improve your writing act on these tips.”

          Make your writing lively. Active verbs are strong and positive.

* Write as you would talk

          Be enthusiastic about your topic.

          Be conversational. Use ‘you‘ and ‘we‘ so readers feel included. Use short sentences and short paragraphs.

          Write a rough draft. Get your ideas down but leave your polishing for later.

          Pretend you are talking to your readers. Invent conversations to help you emphasize a point or create interest.  “Do you see what I mean?” Try to visualize a person and chat with them.

* Remove surplus words, edit, edit, edit!

          Remove all unnecessary words and phrases.

Some phrases can be replaced with a single word. For example, ‘in order that’ (so); ‘in the near future (soon); ‘at this point of time’ (now).

          Check for logic and continuity.

          Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

          Look for ambiguous or unclear statements.

* Make your pages lively

          Use short sentences and short paragraphs.

          Use sub-headings; list points with numbers or bullets.

          Insert illustrations, diagrams, or cartoons.

          Set out your pages to make them look interesting. If possible avoid large blocks of solid text.

          Make people want to stop and read your writing to see what’s in it for them.   

-Geoffrey Moss(mossaassociates.co.nz)

“The shorter your words and sentences, the easier they are to read and heed.”

SOURCE: For more on this topic see;  “Persuasive Ways” first published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand, and in Chinese by Shanghai People’s Publishing House and as “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia. (Available as an e-book from Amazon.com.) Also available is “Getting Your Ideas Across” from Kogan Page, U.K, and a  Hungarian translation published by Bagolyvar Konyvkiado, Budapest.