Think first, then write 4: now start writing

Think first, then write 4: now start writing
In this fourth and final post in the series on planning your business writing task, let’s look at the actual process of writing, or drafting, your document. 4. Now start writing “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by” – Douglas Adams I don’t know about you, but I’ve ...

Think first, then write 3: create an outline structure

Think first, then write 3: create an outline structure
In the last two posts on business writing we looked at writing yourself a clear brief and researching your readers. In this third step, let’s look at designing your structure, and some of the tools and techniques you can use to organise your content. 3. Outline your structure Often, organisations have preferred templates for their ...

Think first, then write 2: your readers shoes

Think first, then write 2: your readers shoes
In the last post we looked at writing yourself a clear brief – identifying the why, who and what of your business writing task. In this post we’ll look at the second step – analysing what your readers need and want from your content, whether it’s a blog, report, email or user guide. 2. Step into ...

Think first, then write 1: what, why and who?

Think first, then write 1: what, why and who?
So you have a business writing task – a report, proposal, blog post or email. There’s a deadline. What do you do first? Stare balefully at a blank computer screen? Write two paragraphs and then delete one of them? Make a cup of tea? If so, you are certainly not alone in the world of ...

5 quotes to improve your writing at work

Writing at work requires a different skill set to writing academic essays or fiction. Here are five of my top quotes, from writers and business leaders, to help you get your point across more effectively. 1. “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere” – Lee ...

Easy way to make your documents flow

Easy way to make your documents flow
Hi there Hope you like the new-look site! Thanks to Hilmar Schuwlst for his help with the design and navigation. I’m delighted with it. Check out my blog post on how to make your documents ‘flow’ using transitions, or link words. Trust me, this easy tip will really strengthen the impact and effectiveness of your ...