Nowadays, most jobs involve an element of writing. From putting together proposals for clients, to sending memos to colleagues, and even responding to emails, a mastery of words is a useful attribute in the workplace. However, not everyone understands how to make their writing as clear and effective as possible.
Put simply, in business, if you want your written communication to stand out, then your writing needs to be clear, concise and cleverly constructed. So, let us discover 4 things you can do to improve your writing skills.
- Collect your thoughts
Although it can be tempting to put pen to paper straight away, first take some time to consider exactly what you want to say. There is a lot to be said for adapting your ideas as you go along, but if you want your writing to be more structured, attention-grabbing, and impactful, then there are some vital points to work out. For instance, what does your audience need to know or think after reading your text? The answer to this question should be at the forefront of your mind when writing.
Taking some time to think can help you to focus on what you want your words to achieve.
- Use writing to actualize your goals
Keeping a journal is a fantastic way to document your ambitions. Moreover, starting each morning with a list of tasks to complete can help to visualize your goals to speed up the manifestation process. Imagination is a crucial component to success in business and therefore putting your visions for the future on to paper can help turn your dreams into a reality.
If you enjoy creative tasks, you might even want to produce your very own vision board. Articulating the visions that you see for yourself can help you to reach new career heights. To begin, try to create an overall goal, and then break this down into smaller milestones.
Achieving these smaller milestones can be highly motivational and will bring you one step closer to reaching your final goal.
- Be direct
A lot of people find it difficult to make a point up front. Writing in the business world needs to be a message focused and reinforced by sharp arguments. If you need to write an important memo or proposal, then it can be helpful to set yourself a clear target. For example, aim to state an issue and propose the solution in under 150 words. This summary provides a strong opening for the rest of your communication and sets the tone for the rest of your writing.
Similarly, avoid verbose language where possible. Your reader will appreciate ideas that have been condensed. Each word used should reinforce your larger point and anything unnecessary can be cut out.
- Read your writing out loud
Before sending off any written work, it can be helpful to put yourself in the shoes of your reader. When reading, ask yourself if your points are clear and well structured. Your sentences should be straightforward and concise, and you should not be struggling for breath. Edit your writing often and do not be afraid to seek a second opinion from a colleague or family and friends. Feedback from those around you is incredibly valuable and can help to shape your writing even further.
Ultimately, writing is a skill that can be improved over time with practice and a positive attitude. Planning what you want to say can make your writing more direct and effective. Above all, try to seek out well written material daily and pay close attention to word choices, sentence structures, and flow.
Do you have any writing tips for business success? Get in touch and let us know your thoughts.
