WRITE LIKE YOU TALK
SO AUDIENCES AREN’T LEFT IN THE DARK

When writing, be sure to craft clear, succinct communication that your readers can understand. Write like you talk. Make every word count.

My communications classes cover a wide range of topics, including business management, today's hectic workplace environment, information overload and the best writing techniques to effectively get your point across.

Technically, they’re titled Introduction to Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Ad/PR Workshop, Writing on the Job, Writing Essentials for Public Relations and Corporations, Media Relations and Publicity Techniques. Visit

http://nyu.edu/scps; New York University, School of Continuing and Professional Studies
http://ccny.cuny.edu; The City College of New York – Media and Communication Arts

With any writing assignment, it’s important to research, organize, draft and edit. The level of detail varies if the document is an email, new business pitch, annual report, speech or website content. All communication should include a “rode” map for the reader.

As you write, always keep your audience in mind. Ensure critical needs are met or actions taken; provide solutions. Think of yourself as a "knowledge worker," someone who realizes they can impact their respective organizations through their written (and verbal) communication skills. Over time, your "writing confidence" will improve. You’ll begin to persuade colleagues and management to see things from your vantage point.

Over the years, I've found young people and adult learners are tremendously receptive to a collaborative, team environment, boosted by in-class exercises. We share and learn together. Likewise, build your own writing team on the job. Enlist help from a “writing buddy” or colleague who can proof your work.

My background is in journalism. Therefore, I stress that documents be well-organized and succinct. Time is money in the business and for impact (non-profit) world! That said, use the tenets of journalism (who, what, where, when, why, how) to create solid business correspondence. And, remember to make every word count!

M anage your writing
A lways be clear
K eep reader interested
I nitiate action
N ever leave questions unanswered
G enerate responses that move projects forward

E dit, edit, edit
V alue your reader’s time and talents
E valuate content, sentence structure, word choice
R elay useful information
Y oke or connect key subjects

W rite like you talk
O ffer insight
R espond to deadlines, timing, special requests
D istiguish fact from fiction; delegate when possible

C reate atmosphere of trust, supervision, partnership
O pportunities & options (create)
U nderstand needs of your reader, client or audience
N egate challenges—provide solutions
T each preferred techniques & best practices (to colleagues, associates)