Tips For Better Writing

It is certainly true that we don't get a second chance to make a first impression. As the impression we make on the Internet is almost always with the written word, is it unfortunate that there is so much poor writing bouncing around in cyberspace. The following tips are intended to help you make a better first impression.

Speaking of first impressions, I don't want to present myself as "the Final Authority". Dave Barry readers know that would be "Mr. Language Person". I'm just a guy who's been writing marketing and training materials for a couple of decades and I've picked up a few things. If they are of value to you, I'm glad I could help.

  • Know your audience. Who are you trying to reach and what is the best approach to accomplish your goal? Should you be informal, strictly business or something else?

  • Plan what you want to say before you type the first word. Make a few notes. You will stay on message better and present a more readable piece.

  • No matter how extensive your vocabulary, resist the impulse to dazzle your readers. You may impress some but you'll lose many more. Common, everyday words work just fine - that's how they became common.

  • Avoid jargon whenever possible. Yes, almost every undertaking has its own language, just write at the level most appropriate for the vast majority of your readers. If in doubt, see 3. above.

  • Syntax (sentence structure) matters. When I hear something like, "Me 'n' John went to..." it's like fingernails down the chalkboard! People who speak that way probably write the same way, I figure. If your word processor has a grammar checker, use it - the spell checker won't help in this kind of situation.

    The other person always comes first, so it is "John and I went to...". The trick for determining whether to use I or me is to drop the other person and say it. I doubt you'd say "Me went to...". Right?

  • Short sentences are more powerful than long ones. They are easier to read and hold the reader better. It might just be two words: Janet smiled. Depending on what preceded it, those two little words could be very powerful indeed. Think how important this sentence can be: I do.

  • If you're writing ads and you'd like them to stand out, avoid using the same approach "everyone else" is using. Look at how many ads use some variation of "Make $16 Million Before Lunch!!!!!!!!!" and then do something else for yours. Nobody really buys that stuff anyway, do they? Use your imagination.

  • Some words simply cannot be modified, so don't. Among these,for example, are unique and pregnant. Nothing can be "very unique" because unique means something of which there is only one. And a woman is either pregnant or she isn't. She cannot be "somewhat pregnant".

  • Punctuation is critically important. If you don't think so, study the following sentence. It can be punctuated to create opposite meanings: Woman without her man is nothing.

    I think the most grossly overused punctuation mark is the exclamation point! There is a school of semi-thought that seems to have concluded that a thing is more important, or exciting, or urgent if multiple exclamation points are used, as in: Buy NOW!!!!!! Actually, it just means the writer doesn't know much about punctuation.

  • Use comparative suffixes (-er, -ier, -est) rather than "more". The weather is getting cooler, not "more cool". She is happier, not "more happy".

    Enjoy your writing, it can be a real adventure!

    About The Author

    Copyright ? Kent E. Butler/Butler Marketing Group

    Kent Butler has been in marketing and sales since just after the discovery of dirt. He has written a great variety of things, from sales letters to screenplays. If this piece was helpful to you, he's happy. You are cordially invited to explore his Internet Resouce Center at http://www.butlermarketinggroup.com If you became a customer, of course, he'd be even happier (not more happy).

    executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport car
    In The News:

    Getting virus alerts on your iPhone? Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to handle fake scam alerts and boost security.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says opening emails is safe, but risks arise from interacting with links, attachments or HTML content.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals four signs of compromised Social Security numbers and offers five steps to protect yourself.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how MAB Robotics' Honey Badger 4.0, a versatile robot, now walks underwater with amphibious skills.
    An updated Android trojan called FakeCall hijacks bank calls. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Android phone manufacturers and Google need to step up their game on security.
    The Massimo Modular E9 is a sleek, smart and comfy tiny home in 409 square feet. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson takes a closer look at what the future of housing might look like.
    Every stock trader should consider a virtual private network to safeguard their trading, according to tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson.
    Apple recently announced its new lineup of Macs and rolled out Apple Intelligence, its latest artificial intelligence-powered feature for its products.
    A Swiss-engineered robot can climb ladders, showing why it's at the cutting edge of autonomous robotic solutions for harsh industrial settings.
    Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson presents the cities targeted most by robocalls, why this is happening and what you can do about it to protect your privacy.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
    Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares tips and suggestions for how to get the best use out of the updated Calendar app available with the latest iOS update.
    Your Social Security number, your unique identifier used for many purposes, has likely been leaked on the Dark Web; here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
    Researchers have developed a new technology that creates strong, sticky fibers capable of lifting objects and capturing things from a distance.
    Smart rings track the same things that smartwatches do, including steps, sleep and a general overview of your overall health, and they tend have more battery life than smartwatches.
    Researchers have developed a robotic finger that can perform routine medical exams like those conducted by doctors, helping to address the growing shortage of trained professionals.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Insurance administrative services company Landmark Admin reported that a data breach from a May cyberattack affected over 800,000 people.
    Sotheby's will auction the first artwork created by Ai-Da, the world's first robot artist created in 2019 by British gallerist Aidan Meller.
    More than 250 million users of the Verizon Messages app will have to switch to another app. Verizon is shutting down Messages in the next month.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides a list of 10 celebrities who are the most targeted by deepfake scams, including Tom Hanks.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Vast's Haven-1, launching in 2025, transforms space living with human-centric design.
    UnitedHealth confirms over 100 million Change Healthcare users had their data stolen. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals what happened and what caused the breach.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how iOS 18 brings new text formatting and animated effects to the Messages app.
    Whether you're a social media veteran or novice, Facebook friend request scams are common. Kurt the CyberGuy provides tips to keep your account safe.
  • Who Else Wants To Make $3546 By Simply Pressing a Button!

    If you have been online for any length of time... Read More

    A Few Brief Tips to Deal with Writing Rejection

    What to do when you get rejected.You've just finished your... Read More

    Format Each eBook Chapter Before you Write It

    Do you have a problem creating a focus in your... Read More

    7 Secrets For Beating Writers Block

    Most people can easily identify with the dreaded "writer's block".... Read More

    Freelance Feast or Famine?

    Sometimes a freelance writing career can feel very much like... Read More

    Making Better Word Choices ? 4 Examples

    Choosing the wrong words can have a poor effect on... Read More

    Passionate About Writing?

    I'm a writing fool! 2 book proposals, 1 user's guide,... Read More

    Using Metaphor Effectively

    We've all heard a politician on their soapbox, pushing for... Read More

    Beginnings

    Just about everyone is familiar with this beginning: "In the... Read More

    Writing Made Them Rich #1: JK Rowling

    Joanne Kathleen Rowling was born in Chipping Sodbury,England in 1965.... Read More

    Grow Your Ideas Without Letting Words Grow Like Weeds

    Q: How do I expand on an idea without getting... Read More

    How to Catch the Writing Bug

    ----------------------------------------------------------Permission is granted for the below article to forward,reprint, distribute,... Read More

    Writing with a Sense of Adventure

    We've all been told that we need to use all... Read More

    7 Essential Letter Writing Strategies

    Based on the feedback that I have been getting from... Read More

    Extreme Research: 10 Snappy Rules For Success

    So you want to learn to research well, and not... Read More

    How Three Publishing Myths Kill the Author

    Agents and publishing houses have their best interests at heart,... Read More

    Good Writing

    Good writing is like sex. Two people are involved ?... Read More

    Gut Check: Quitting Your Full-time Job for Your Freelance Career

    It's 6:00 p.m. You're dead tired, but instead of an... Read More

    Get Your Writing Reviewed by Major Publications for Free

    All Writers need the press, especially new writers. As a... Read More

    Cheap Therapy

    I call it cheap therapy. That gushing, near-religious, poured-from-the-body stress... Read More

    New York Code Orange Jaisini New Art Series

    The creativity of Jaisini is not designed to be preaching... Read More

    How I Became a Syndicated Columnist -- And You Can Too!

    Real Estate has "Location, location, location," and writing has "Clips,... Read More

    Top Ten Tips (Part 2)

    Golden Rules For New Writers - Things you need to... Read More

    Childrens Stories - The Essentials

    There is no specific formula for children's fiction. There are,... Read More

    Write With Passion: 4 Steps To Emotionally Charge A Nonfiction Article

    You have just completed a draft of an article. It... Read More

    O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..