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”
Tag Archives: writing
Is writing a dying art?
In the 80s, Apple introduced the Macintosh computer and from then on laptops and tablets flourished. It seems one advancement in technology sparks another and then another and then another… Today, we have so many writing options that my hands cramp when I try to handwrite even the shortest note! Artificial intelligence — a hotContinue reading “Is writing a dying art?”
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”
How forgiving are you?
Creating a positive brand experience is key to building a successful brand. Bad brand experiences are not. I would normally focus my blogs on the positive, but since I’ve run into a streak of less than positive experiences, I’ve decided on a little healthy vent. Here I go! Incorrect phone numbersNot long ago, I wasContinue reading “How forgiving are you?”
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 . . .”
Journaling — release your thoughts
I love journaling. It’s a good complement to my love of writing and a great way to channel my thoughts. From the time I was a teenager, I kept a diary. I wrote down what I thought about boys, how I spent my day or the goals I was hoping to achieve as I gotContinue reading “Journaling — release your thoughts”
A little brand check in never hurt anyone
Now’s the time to ask yourself, “Is my brand saying what I want it to? Am I, or my team, delivering the experience I expect?” A brand isn’t something you launch and forget. It’s not a one and done kind of project. It takes a lot of nurturing along the way. I recommend reviewing yourContinue reading “A little brand check in never hurt anyone”
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”
Professionalism builds trust
It’s always nice to have new followers, so I was intrigued when I received this notification from a “Facebook ad expert.” [Haynes on Communication] social media manager, facebook ads expert is now following your blog… Interested in what they had to offer, I started to scroll through their website only to find a number ofContinue reading “Professionalism builds trust”
Make it something they read
If you want your readers to read your message, the content has to be something they want or need to read. Here’s a little cheat sheet I used early in my career. It will help you focus on writing copy that’s relevant to the receiver.
Writing for you. 