TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE WRITING

Communication is the purpose for writing. Until your readers conceptualize the right ideas you intended, you are simply jotting, you are not communicating. Writing becomes effective when your readers grasp your thoughts through your words.

The best authors are those who have mastered the art of communicating effectively by using the right words, the right way and in the best possible combinations. Whatever level of mastery you have attained as a writer, you can get better by applying a combination of skillful keys.

Below are some keys for effective writing.

• Keep Sentences Short

Avoid long sentences; make them short enough to grasp. When sentences begin to span several lines, they become difficult to understand. The shorter your sentences, the more effective you communicate with your readers.

• Keep Sentences Simple

Simplicity they say is the mother of sophistication. Keep your sentences simple and direct. You do not need to use strong grammatical words to prove your professionalism. What’s the use of professional words when your readers are blocked out of the message you intend to pass?

• Use Familiar Words

Specific words relate to specific fields. Use words that your readers hear and use very often. For instance, use words common to Medical Science for books and articles for Medical Scientists. You may be a very successful Entrepreneur and Coach, but when you decide to write a book for students, you must learn to downplay on your constructive entrepreneurial words. Use words familiar to your audience.

• Use Instructions Creatively

Articles and books are written to help readers solve problems. It is not enough to write a research on an area of concern. You must help readers understand what to do in order to get out of the situation. Right to solve problems and this is best done by passing instructions softly. What do you expect your readers to do? What is the core message of the article? Learn to pass it as a short, actionable phrase.

For instance, “Nudity is a foremost sign of the young generations’ neglect of moral values. You do not need to be nude to get noticed; dress decently!” This statement could be true, but “Dress Decently” is the core message. This is what sticks to the reader.

• Write as You Talk

You become a very creative writer when you have learnt to write exactly the way you talk. This is best learnt by doing two things;

– Imagining your audience right before you as you put your pen to paper. This helps you create words that appear like you are presently conversing with someone directly, and;

– Reading your articles from the perspective of your target readers.

• Use Imagery

Use sentences that would form images in the mind of your reader. This is commonly done when writing novels. It is also very useful when writing various types of articles and books. Use short stories that explain the concepts you are trying to pass to your readers. People never forget what they see, including short stories you help them to imagine.