Good Writing Boosts Your Career
Good writing is increasingly critical in most jobs. Yet according to the experts, the average adult is a poor writer. For instance, most of us use three to five times more words than necessary to say what we have to say. Anyone can learn to be a better writer.
Here are several guidelines which can help you use fewer words, say more, and say it better.
Ø Keep sentences short-no more than 15-20 words. Long sentences are hard to understand and slow to read.
Ø Use the active voice. Most business writing uses the passive voice, which requires 30- 50 percent more words.
Ø Use simple, ordinary words. Avoid big words, fancy phrases, technical jargons, etc.
Ø Keep paragraphs short. In most cases, three or four sentences per paragraph are plenty.
Ø Identify the exact result you want before you start. What do you hope to achieve with your letter, memo, or report?
Ø Make an outline. What is the best way to achieve your intended result? Think first, write second.
Ø Write like you talk. People who could tell something clearly and concisely often write obscurely.
Ø Good writing will not happen automatically; you must work at it. So practicing is equally important.
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