I’m a big believer in planning, at least when it comes to communications and business. However, I’m also notorious for jumping in and asking questions later. Go figure! When you’re creative or a dreamer, it’s more fun to jump right into writing than it is to spend time planning your communication. But planning is important!Continue reading “Right people, right way, right time”
Tag Archives: writing tips
Let’s talk jargon
Language is flooded with words that reflect lifestyles, cultural groups dialects, professional practices or occupations, and those that we just plain make up. Jargon is great, if you’re talking with individuals familiar with the business, topic or area. If you’re communicating to a broader diverse audience, using jargon can lead to confusion. Merriam-Webster defines jargonContinue reading “Let’s talk jargon”
Why blog?
I haven’t always been a blogger. In fact, I’ve only really been blogging for a couple years now. I started my blogging as a project for my Toastmasters Club. The project asked me to research blog sites, plan what I would blog about, how frequently and then write eight posts. Writing eight blogs may seemContinue reading “Why blog?”
For the love of words
Have you ever stopped to think about the words you use when you’re explaining a concept or providing direction? We tend to throw in [a lot of] extra words. That might make your communication more conversational, or maybe not. In reality, when we add extra words, we create more work for the reader. There’s moreContinue reading “For the love of words”
Reflecting on contest day
Delivering an effective speech means grabbing your audience’s attention, engaging them in what you have to say and delivering a message that’s relatable. Last weekend I had the pleasure of participating in a speech contest. Contestants delivered a five to seven minute speech on an original topic of their choice. But, the real pleasure wasContinue reading “Reflecting on contest day”
Complement your presentation . . .
You’ve agreed to present at the next company town hall. It’s a fairly large group and you’re prepared to give an uplifting speech for 30 minutes. A couple thoughts come immediately to mind. How will you keep everyone’s interest for 30 minutes and deliver visibly interesting content? That’s where presentation software comes in handy. CreateContinue reading “Complement your presentation . . .”
So you want to write a speech
Your knees are shaking and your heart is pounding. You’re about to deliver your first speech. Sound familiar? There was a day when I would have been searching the room for the closest exit. With the right training, coaching and practice, it doesn’t have to feel quite this bad. The key to any good speechContinue reading “So you want to write a speech”
It’s your point of view
Whenever we write there’s the opportunity to use a different voice. Your voice sets the tone, it helps improve understanding of the topic and it engages the reader to keep reading. Think about your audience and the message you want to deliver. Choosing an appropriate voice for the style of writing is an important step.Continue reading “It’s your point of view”
Putting ideas to paper
There are days when my head is full of ideas about things I want to do and places I want to go. Sometimes I find myself spinning! But, I always come back to what I love most, writing. For me, writing is not a linear process, unless maybe I’m making up a dreaded grocery listContinue reading “Putting ideas to paper”
How regular are you?
When I first started blogging, almost a year ago now, I committed to writing once a week on Mondays. The commitment went something like this. I’m trying to train myself to post regularly. Blogging is new to me. It’s something I’m doing for myself, but wouldn’t it be cool if someone actually wanted to followContinue reading “How regular are you?”