As business leaders, we spend a lot of time each day writing and talking. We should all add the title ‘Workplace Communicator’ to our business cards. And we often write or say more than we need. Those extra – and unnecessary – words can even get in the way of our focused and clear messages.
What follows is a quick review of techniques to KISS Wordy Goodbye – for making every word count and counting every word. And, to help you ‘Keep It Short & Simple!’
Previous articles about workplace writing in ‘Communicate Confidently!‘ have discussed the all-important Pre-Write phase: Plan What You Write. You ask four defining questions about each document before you start writing:
I love using quotes in my writing and presentations – I really do.They can add sizzle, credibility or perspective to the message. However, I’m adamant about including author details.
Here’s a summary of Best Practices you would hear often in one of my Workplace Writing workshops. Early on, I tell participants that I won’t ask them to change any of their word use or writing style habits. But, I will ask them to challenge those habits in light of these Best Practices. If they decide to change any of them, that’s fine. If not, that’s fine, too.