I always try to schedule my work so there is time to let a draft sit before submitting. Overnight is best, but even an hour or two helps. Get up from your desk and take a walk or get a snack. When you come back and read the piece again, you will see ways to make it better.
Here are some ways to wordsmith your writing:
Say it clearer
For example, in the paragraph above, I first wrote “turning it in.” Then I realized “submitting” was better.
Say it simpler
Reading is a lost art: 97 percent of Americans cannot read above an 11th grade level, and 50 percent cannot comprehend writing above the 6th grade level. What to do?
- Use smaller words
- Keep sentences short
- Keep paragraphs less than eight lines
- Use subheads, bullets, images, sidebars and captions to help the reader along
Say it shorter
Keep pieces less than 600 words; paragraphs less than six to eight lines.
Be succinct
Cut repetition, fluff and trips into the weeds. Less is almost always more.
Engage the reader
There are probably places you can use more interesting words or be more conversational. Also ask yourself these questions:
- Do you like your lede?
- Did you summarize your message in the first and last paragraphs?
- Do you like the tone of the piece?
- Is the flow right? Did you cover the most important point first, second most important second, etc.?
Avoid cliches and jargon
They are off-putting and make you look like a weak writer who does not know their audience. This article explains the pitfalls.
Stay on-message
Make sure everything in the piece fits your focus. Cut parts that go off-message or get granular.
Ask a colleague to proofread
It is so easy to make simple errors when you have been looking at a piece for hours.
No matter your writing skill level, your work can be polished with fresh eyes. Make the time and you’ll feel better about everything you share. For more tips and our latest updates, visit us on Facebook or LinkedIn!
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