On the Job by Anita Bruzzese How to Become a Better Writer

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese How to Become a Better Writer Chances are that you spend much of your day writing. Whether its crafting a project update report or sending an email, your written communications are often a big part of your professional life. What you may not realize, however, is how that writing can make or break your career. Poorly written reports, sloppy emails and even terse text messages can undermine your professional image, perhaps even costing you a promotion or an important customer. In addition,writing beyond the daily emailor report is becoming more important for professionals. Many are asked to write for industry publications or blogs as a way to demonstrate their expertise, but poor writing can quickly undermine that effort. Its also important to realize that your writing lasts forever. Even emails can be unearthed from years ago, so make sure what youre writing can stand the test of time and isnt something you or your boss will be embarrassedto discover down the line. So, how do you become a better writer so that your career will benefit? Some tips: Dontbetray the readers trust.Verify what you write and not just through Wikipedia. If you quote a fact, consult more than one source to make sure you give an accurate date or spelling. Give it time to breathe.Just like a fine wine, fine writing often benefits sitting for a bit. Whenyouvewritten, edited andrewrittenyour copy, walk away from it, even if you can only give it 10 minutes while you go refresh your coffee. Nine times out of 10youllspot some awkward phrasing or wordiness in your writing when you look at it with a fresh eye. Be concise.First, let me say that there is such a thing as beingtooconcise these days. Personally, Idontlike getting thank-you -emails that say thx along with an automated signature. At the same time, Idontwant to wade through five paragraphs to find out what the heck it is you want from me. Your first sentence should answer theso what? questionfor me. That intrigues me to read more. Be consistent.I use the Associated Press Stylebook, which makes sure that I follow a consistent style. For example,dontwrite out percent some of the time and then use % other times. Ifyouregoing to refer to someone by his or her last name in your writing,dontswitch halfway through to the persons first name oryouregoing to confuse your reader. Consistency lets the reader focus on your message. Make sure its relevant.Just because you have loads of great informationdoesntmean you need to include it all. Your readers will appreciate you summarizing key information. Read it out loud.You may have to do this in the privacy of your own home so yourcoworkersdontthink youve started talking to yourself, but it can help you become a better writer. If youcantread a sentence without (read the rest here) -