Writing well requires hard work
By PAULA HENNESSY As American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne reputedly remarked, “Easy reading is damn hard writing!” Written
HAWTHORNE
communication is often challenging, but clearly articulated written materials can convey information and influence change.
We can examine the components of
good written communication in three ways: What information are we trying to convey? What modality will be used? Who is the audience and which style best conveys what needs to be said? It’s important to first be clear about the
message, itself, and if written communication is the most useful and appropriate way to meet the goal of sharing information. What exactly is the subject and why “discuss it”? Knowing this will help keep the document to the
point and not bogged down in unrelated subjects that dilute the purpose. Know if the goal is to merely convey
information or to seek to change the reader’s mind. Will it include analysis and informed comment? Clarify key points and present the information in a logical sequence. Consider how much the reader already knows or may need to know. Email, Twitter, texts, newsletters, fact
sheets – we have so many mediums to convey ideas! Remember, the audience guides the writing style, be it formal (memo, letter) or informal (email, etc.) communication. The need will influence both the structure and the style. Email suggests information should be quick and to the point. Twitter takes it to the extreme of real time, rapid “sound bites” of information. Other media allow for a more thorough exposition of facts and ideas. Some basic tips apply to all writing: • Choose words carefully. Vague doesn’t
make the grade. Jargon and overuse of acronyms lead to misunderstanding. • Examine the structure. The piece should have a strong beginning, middle
and conclusion. Nothing takes away from written
communication more than poor grammar, misspelling, or vulgarity. • Read and reread what you’ve written.
Spell check and autocorrect are not always our friends. This summer, I texted my sister that I was stopping at the market to pick up fresh corn. We still laugh about the “horn” that autocorrect inserted, in place of corn. • Have a trusted colleague review the
document. Another pair of eyes can often provide good advice and spot inconsistencies or errors. • Check your facts. I recently saw a
membership publication riddled with errors and misinformation. Printing falsehoods diminishes
credibility. Why look uninformed and unprepared? You are what you write. • Be conscious of the power of the
written word to either engage or alienate the reader. Consider offering several points of view on a topic. Logic and substantiated data are your friends when communicating to build consensus.
NO OUT-OF-POCKET! Digital Hearing Aids are available with no
out-of-pocket expense for PEF participants. WE SPECIALIZE IN audiological evaluations and advanced digital hearing aids. Nassau County
333 E. Shore Rd, Suite 102 • Manhasset • (516) 466-0206 1100 Franklin Ave, Suite 300 • Garden City • (516) 248-0068 2800 Marcus Ave, Suite 207 • Lake Success • (516) 622-3387 4045 Hempstead Tpke, Suite 202 • Bethpage • (516) 396-1017
Suffolk County
57 Southern Blvd, Suite 4 • Nesconset • (631) 238-5785 640 Belle Terre Rd, Building J4 • Port Jefferson • (631) 928-4599 994 Jericho Tpke, Suite 203 • Smithtown • (631) 238-5785 1111 Montauk Hwy, Suite 201 •West Islip • (631) 332-3274
Long Island’s Premiere Hearing Health Care Providers
EarWorksAudiology.com Page 18—The Communicator March 2014 PEF Information Line: 1-800-553-2445
COMMUNICATION NOTES
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28