Nugget. In today’s world of writing brief “nuggets” of information, some people may not care or think solid writing skills are important for digital delivery. I would argue, however, that quality writing is now more critical than ever.
Quality writing can be an opportunity to help your peers, colleagues or friends evaluate your message. In our world of social media posting, texting, email communications, blogs and beyond, good writing is essential as is the use of proper grammar and style. Strong, thoughtful writing can help avoid situations where poor communication or misinterpretations are blamed. In our effort to be brief and concise in our digital communications, an intended message may be misperceived.
Taking time to pay attention to your written messaging isn’t difficult and could improve your interaction within your various networks.
Take time to:
• Pay closer attention to all your online communications. Poor writing and ignoring proper grammar because you may think “it doesn’t matter” could reflect on your personality, professionalism and even your lifestyle.
• Email communications – especially in your professional life – are especially important. You may be interacting with a client, a potential client and the way you write and present yourself through your written word truly matters.
• Proof your writing – whether a one-sentence Facebook post or an insightful blog article – be sure to correct any typos. Earning a reputation as a person who allows typos to slip by, even on a few occasions, could be viewed as being disorganized or not paying attention to detail nor the task at hand.
• Be interesting, authentic and relevant when your project requires insight, expertise and/or creativity. Use an active voice and try to stay away from the use of unnecessary jargon.
Last January, I was invited to speak at a “writing for strategic communications” class to University of Vermont juniors and seniors. I stressed the importance of quality writing skills. One of my suggestions was to seek out creative writing opportunities whether contributing to a column for a local or college newspaper or asking a respected blog author to consider taking a guest blogger. Essentially, I asked them to find opportunities outside their comfort zone so they could learn that there are a wide variety of writing styles and opportunities in today’s world. I was pleasantly surprised that a handful of students in the class were doing just that. A couple others asked if quality writing was really as important as, say, strong tech skills. I’m sure you can guess my answer.
My background as a journalist, prior to working in the PR field, was invaluable to me and my writing skills. Research was a necessary skill as was interviewing, but that’s a subject for a future blog post. Quality writing can expand your world to become a better communicator overall, open doors into subjects that you never knew existed and increase your value in your career.
Unlike the traditional means of one-way communication back when newspapers, television and radio were considered mainstream, we now have the opportunity to interact with the messengers. Your effective writing can create healthy dialogue and build or reinforce relationships.
If you’re one of those people who think you can’t write, there are many good online resources to help with that. Take advantage of them. Start with a personal journal and build your written “voice.” Take creative writing classes through a local community college or continuing education center. You may be fulfilled and rewarded in a way that you never imagined.
————— photo: Writing books, Kristin Nador, via flickr
