Why Good Writing is Crucial
OK, while I now know I probably should’ve paid a little more attention to my hair during my TV years, in my defense, I grew up in a rather non-hair-caring kind of Northwest family who tended to stress substance over style. This did not always serve me well during my TV career. Especially in Florida. Fortunately, I also grew up in a family of writers and English majors, which DID serve me well, because I quickly realized my professors at the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University were correct when they insisted that writing matters. A lot. Compelling, creative, succinct writing – on air, online, and in any career – can help sell any story or idea. Bad writing can destroy the best of stories – and make permanent enemies of the grammar police, who will not hesitate to express their views on the station’s daily call sheet (right after they weigh in about your hair).
So what makes ‘good’ writing? There are, of course, entire books devoted to that subject. But perhaps the best tip I received from the experts early on in my career is Less Is More. One of the hardest lessons I learned during my first reporting job was how to condense my writing. No more flowery, prose, why-use-one-word-when-I-can-use-ten English-minor ramblings. I had to re-program myself to write succinctly and conversationally (translation: less Faulkner and more Hemingway). This can be quite a challenge when trying to re-work a 25-page government news release into a 25-second script for the 5pm newscast. But since most people these days only have the time or interest for the 25-second version, it’s a skill that’s served me well in all my written correspondence, whether on air, online – or while responding to the grammar police.
For a quick, nuts-and-bolts course on effective business writing, I recommend Dr. Julie Miller’s program, ‘Business Writing That Counts.’ (www.businesswritingthatcounts.com ) She really knows her topic and offers great tips for any business person, at any stage in his or her career.
9 Responses 
You have a good Blog here Mate. Love your posts quite informative, Please hold up the very good work.
Appreciating the commitment you put into your website and detailed information you offer. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Awesome website you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get comments from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Kudos!
yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a speculative decision great post! .
Hello there, Are you going to be publishing a follow up piece? My husband and me have squandered some time browsing over your web page and surprisingly sufficient you touched on some thing we had been discussing only the other week with our accountant. We often notice ourselves quarrelling over the smallest of problems, isn’t it childish? At any rate we wish you greatest wishes from the Usa.
I just have got to express you come up with numerous very good points and will be able to put up a number of recommendations to add as soon as a day or two.
Thank you on your assist!
I know this is really boring and you are skipping to the next comment, but I just wanted to throw you a large thanks – you cleared up some things for me!
Hi there, You’ve done a great job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this website.