The write stuff...
your personality into it, urges Singapore trainer Shirley Taylor. CAREER
As we are communicating more than ever now, we depend on our writing skills to influence, persuade, encourage, collaborate and to lead. However, most people do not really
notice the quality of the writing when reading – they simply react positively, negatively or not at all. If you have ever wondered if there is a better way to write your messages to achieve better results, there certainly is.Here are three new rules for achieving more through effective written communication...
largely through email, websites, blogs, texting and social media. With all these channels we have only bare facts, without tone of voice, facial expressions, body language or pauses. Then surely it makes sense to use writing that is as close as possible to spoken language.When you do this, you gain a great advantage: you put your personality and individuality into your message. This will help you to stand out more and make a greater connection with your readers.
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wordy and also really dull. It puta distance between the writer and the
reader.The way it was written also slowed down understanding. Today’s writing sounds more conversational. It is crisp, clear and transparent, and the personal context makes it more positive and interesting. Note the difference: Yesterday: Please be advised that a
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meeting of the Annual Convention Committee will be held on 24 February (Thursday) at 9.30 am. You are required to attend to report on progress made since the last meeting. Kindly advise your availability. Today: I’d like to hold another meeting of the Annual Convention
Write for today, not yesterday
Yesterday’s writing was passive,
Committee on Tuesday, February 24, at 9.30am. I do hope you canattend to report on the great ideas you mentioned at the last meeting. Please confirm if you can join us.
today’s fast-paced, communication-crazy world, it is essential to come across as a human being. If you insist on using old- fashioned or redundant jargon (such as “please be reminded”, “kindly be advised”, “please find attached herewith”, “above- mentioned” and so on) you will obscure the real meaning and will not be adding any of your own personality. Make your writing positive, stimulating and interesting. Add some feeling and a personal touch. This will help your
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Aim to build relationships People judge you based on what you write and howyou write it. In
readers get to know the real person behind the message. Good writing gives you a huge advan-
tage. It can help you workmore efficiently, build credibility, improve relationships, influence people, win more clients and achieve your goals. So take another look at themessages
you receive, and at the messages you send. Are they full of yesterday’s jargon or today’s conversational expressions? Will they help to enhance your profes- sional reputation or ruin it?Will they help to build relationships or break them? Gain an edge in this competitive world
with effective writing. Shirely Taylor is a Certified Speaking Professional
E INFO
based in Singapore who addresses international conferences and runs interactive workshops on business writing, communication skills, email writing and secretarial skills.
www.sttstraining.com
AUGUST/OCTOBER 2013 |
WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.ASIA 49
If you can say it, you can write it
Weconnect with the world today Forget the dull, prosaic prose of yesterday – write as you speak and put
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