Better writing isn’t an accident. It takes practice and intention, just like learning to hit a golf ball, shoot a puck, or ski. Whether a letter, email, essay, or blog, we should keep in mind the competition for the time and interest of our readers and write clearly and directly.
Institute one of these tips a week and in ten weeks you will be a better writer. They are divided into four subject areas: words, sentences, paragraphs, and editing.
Words
1) Use active verbs. Don't overwork the passive voice or forms of the verb "to be." Instead, use active verbs in the active voice.
No: The profit and loss was calculated by our staff.
Yes: Our staff calculated the profit and loss.
No: The figures were checked by the research department.
Yes: The research department checked the figures.
Active voice is preferable to passive for the majority of your sentences. Even in scientific writing, overuse of passive voice or use of passive voice in long and complicated sentences can cause readers to lose interest or to become confused.
2) Use specific nouns and verbs. Use concrete and specific word to convey your message clearly and keep your readers engaged.
No: A period of unfavourable weather.
Yes: It rained every day for a week.
No: He showed satisfaction as he realised his market gains.
Yes: He grinned as he sold the stock for a profit.
Call a one-person earth-moving implement a spade. Let’s face it. Vitally challenged or chronologically stunted is still dead.
There's more on the Ten Writing Tips page of Writing Tips at Moore Partners.
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