Why is Writing an Important Skill?
● In Life
Writing fosters our ability to explain and refine our ideas to others and to ourselves.
Research shows that writing for at least 20 minutes a day can help your mental health
(rtor.org). Practicing writing will also improve your reading skills which will also improve
your comprehension skills.
● In Business
Being able to write well affects your career path as soon as writing your resume.
In a professional setting grammar and spelling are not the only things that are noticed
when your work is reviewed.
What Basic Writing Principles are Important?
● Use Clear Language
○ Use short words that you would use in conversation.
○ The aspiration is not to galvanize the throngs with your exhaustive
vocabulary ….. Was that easy to read? Try this instead.
■ The goal is not to impress people with a large vocabulary.
○ The goal is for your readers to UNDERSTAND the concepts you are
writing about.
○ Being less “fancy” does not mean less knowledgeable.
● Be Concise
○ It is rude to waste your readers' time.
○ Do your best to remove information that is not necessary.
● Be objective
○ Being objective means to not be influenced by opinions or emotions.
○ It is more beneficial to present the facts when writing in a professional setting.
○ By doing this we also remove unnecessary information, and make the writing
more clear so the reader can understand what you are saying as quickly and as
easily as possible.
● Balance Passion and Control
○ Without passion little gets done.
○ BUT, without control of passion we are typically not concise or objective and the
writing is not as well received.
○ Presenting well researched knowledge is an example of passion, and this will
show through your writing.
How can you Improve your Writing Skills?
● Practice makes Perfect
○ Write daily. With anything improvement takes practice, consistency,
and time. Writing is not different.
○ Daily journals are one of the most common ways people practice
writing daily.
○ Daily writing prompts are also useful.
● Read more
○ The more you read the more you are exposed to different writing styles.
○ Exposure creates experience. Experience creates confidence. Confidence creates
success.
○ This will improve your writing skills and knowledge.
● How? Write. Review. Revise.
1. Make a plan for your writing project.
2. Write a draft.
3. Write your piece.
4. Take a break.
5. Read your writing from an objective view.
a. Ask yourself
■ Was I clear, concise, and objective?
b. Have others read if possible!
c. Take notes
6. Edit your writing.
7. Re-read
8. Be proud of yourself for your effort and knowledge.