Non-native English speakers often face significant hurdles when communicating when they move to English speaking countries, such as the US or UK. These challenges can include navigating language nuances, cultural expectations in written communication, and industry-specific jargon.
A few weeks ago I wrote that I didn’t like business writing when I started out. Why? Well, it took me several centuries to write very long white papers, data sheets, and other sales collateral. Strange word ‘collateral’ isn’t it? The main reason we did this was the ‘assumption’ that customers preferred lengthy documents. These doorstoppers covered all aspects of the product/service. Sure, it had its place. But not all documents have to land with a thud. It’s the same with writing Business Plans. It doesn’t have to be fifty pages if you can get it under twenty and keep the material focused.
Seeking feedback is essential to improve any skill whether it’s writing, planning or coding. Instead of running away from feedback, look for ways to weave it into your overall writing process.
By leveraging feedback, you’ll be able to identify blind spots and areas where you can improve, ultimately leading to higher-quality writing.
Here’s a favorite quote from Anne Lamott from the introduction to “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” about the value of feedback:
“I know I’m somewhat criticism-deaf, criticism-resistant, but I try to keep an open mind about it because I know that being a good writer has to involve being a good reader and a good listener.”
Looking for headline writing tips that will capture attention immediately and force readers to stop in their tracks? Who doesn’t? What exactly are headlines? What purpose do they serve? Headlines are the ‘ad’ for what’s about to follow. Its purpose is to tease the reader into clicking or reading more. If your headline fails, no one […]
Summary: Understand the difference between business requirements and business rules before you start defining the business process. This Klariti tutorial will explain how to write business requirements and how, and where, to include business rules in your process and workflow designs. Business Rules vs. Business Requirements One area where many graduates and business analysts get […]
I had planned to call this article ‘The Nine-Step Strategy for Writing Summaries That Intrigue Readers’ but had a second look. It’s a bit long. And as this article is about writing headlines, summaries and abstracts, well… Let’s stick to the plan.
“An abstract highlights the key points you want your reader to remember after they’ve read your document.“
Know when to use the active and passive voice in your business or technical documents? Maybe? Let’s look at voice for a minute. What does it mean to write in the active voice? Is the passive voice as *bad* as people say it is? Obviously not. The voice tells us whether the subject of the […]
My friend PM wants to go into freelance writing. I think it can work for him. He’s determined, has a nice writing style, and knows how to hustle for work. But typing is a problem. It’s that simple. He pecks and pecks at the keyboard. Last weekend, his house he showed me some gizmos, ‘hacks’, […]
Summary: Writer’s Block is a result of poor planning and feeling overwhelmed as a result. Here’s how to overcome writer’s block and ensure your success in exams. If you find yourself struggling to write your term paper, prepare a report, or some other writing assignment, the following might help. Here’s the problem. When we think […]
First, think of the response you want from the reader. Second, put the most important point at the start. Third, highlight one thing only. The problem with most subject lines in emails is that they’re written either: As a placeholder, something to put in while you write the actual email After the email is written […]
