8 tips to lift your business writing craft
8 tips to lift your business writing craft
So, you’ve attended a writing workshop and learned dozens of new skills in one day. But where to focus your energy next?
This is a question our writing facilitators get asked often. If you have a specific goal, then the answer is usually straightforward – take another course, perhaps in a complementary area. Grammar and punctuation, perhaps? Copywriting for the web? Report writing? Or any flavour of creative writing, whether it’s poetry, essays or memoirs? They’ll all impart new skills.
However, perhaps your goal isn’t that specific. You’re inspired with your newfound knowledge, but not quite ready to enrol in another course.
Look no further. In no particular order, here are eight suggestions that CCE’s writing facilitators can attest (from experience) to help boost your writing skills. Best of all, they are totally free and can be built into your everyday work practice with ease.
Speak your writing goal aloud
Most of us know exactly what we want to say, and why. The problem is, when we’re faced with a keyboard and a blank screen, we can go into anxious overdrive. We feel compelled to add lengthy technical explanations, or use unnaturally complex language.
Remind yourself that good workplace writing should enable every team member to quickly grasp a situation and make the correct response. If you’re prone to over-complication, start by stating your objective aloud. Then, write down what you said.
Look up a new word
As school children, we were made to look up words using actual dictionaries. But as adults, often there isn’t time. Instead, we stick to familiar words or mimic the buzzwords others are using. No wonder everyone’s writing sounds the same.
Take micro-moments each day to look up a new word on dictionary.com or find new synonyms on partner website, thesaurus.com. The vocab boost will build your ability to write with nuance and precision.
If you’re still learning English, cross-check the word’s meaning and formality level before using it. Simply click on the relevant thesaurus result, and you’ll be redirected straight back to dictionary.com.
Bookmark writing samples you like
Take an active interest in the way other people write. Which manager or colleague can write ultra-concisely? Which one is witty? Who uses wonderfully flamboyant words, that you don’t normally think to use? Honing this awareness will make you more skilled at navigating the various interpersonal aspects of writing. These in turn shape many workplace relationships and decision-making styles.
Reduce jargon
Some buzzwords have become so entrenched in modern life that we become immune to their fuzziness. What do they even mean?
Take the term ‘workplace engagement’. Do you mean get people involved, get them excited, or make them work harder? Or ‘digital transformation’. In different businesses, this can mean purchasing new IT products, phasing out services, or hiring innovative leaders. Ditch the jargon and write in simple, unmistakable terms.
Find a writing buddy
Many professionals now use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to quickly check their work. They rush to accept the edits, but don’t learn anything in the process. A valuable alternative method is to join forces with a human.
Your writing must have a universally understood meaning. If your colleague doesn’t understand what you’re trying to say, then chances are that others won’t either.
Partner with someone who has complementary skills. If you’re the big-picture thinker and they are the grammarian, you will do beautiful work together – while saving each other time.
Look up a grammar rule online
Don’t know the difference between ‘which’ and ‘that’, or when to use a semicolon instead of a comma? Take 5 minutes out of your day and look it up online. You’ll find good grammar blogs with reliable answers on any search engine.
Better yet, consult the Australian Government Style Manual. This comprehensive resource is free, constantly updated, highly authoritative and easy to use. It’s used by major publishing houses and government departments throughout Australia.
Read and write for enjoyment
Continue building your skills by reading and writing for enjoyment. No excuses here. As JK Rowling wrote, ‘If you don’t like to read, then you haven’t found the right book.
Not into fiction? Then read biographies, news stories or even interesting social media feeds. Like fiction, but find it hard work if your English is still developing? Try reading young adult fiction. The themes and plots will be relatable, while the language is often simpler.
Write for enjoyment, too. Keep a journal, or its online equivalent – your own social media feed. Use these channels to regularly try out new words, phrases and ideas.
Read your writing aloud at the end
Imagine if Nike’s tagline had been ‘implement this initiative without hesitation’ instead of ‘just do it’. They would hardly have created the global movement they did. Luckily, the phrase was uttered verbally – and stayed that way.
To ensure that your finished work is easy to read, check it for rhythm by reading aloud. If you find yourself stumbling over any words, then your readers will too. Simplify and then re-read before hitting the ‘send’ button.
Finally, remember how much you have learned throughout your career, and how much you still learn daily. If you were to re-read something you wrote 10 years ago, you’d be surprised at its flaws – content and style-wise. Keep a querying mindset, and your writing skills will improve even more.