*Article Use Guidelines*Use in opt-in publications, or on Web sites, but please include resource box. If you could send a copy to me at email address: mailto:ab@digital-e.biz , I appreciate it. Many thanks. **
Summary: Writing is hard, even for writers. These five techniques will make your writing chores easier, and your writing livelier.
Total words: 800
Category: Small Business
Five easy ways to add punch to your words
Copyright (c) 2002 by Angela Booth
Writing is hard, even for writers. These five techniques will make your writing chores easier, and your writing livelier.
It's time to write something important, and your palms sweat. You force yourself to write, while gritting your teeth and hating every moment of process. Your palms sweat some more. And your head aches, because you realize that your words have all life of roadkill. Why is it that more important writing task, more lifeless your words? Maybe it's performance anxiety. You tense up, instead of letting words flow.
Try these five easy ways to add punch to your words:
1. Get conversational, and write fast
When you're writing, imagine you're talking to someone. Just having a quiet chat. You want to tell them about whatever it is you're writing about.
To make this easier, write in form of a letter: "Dear Joanne Let me tell you about..."
Write quickly, exactly as you'd speak. Don't worry about grammar, spelling and typos. Just blurt out whatever you have to say.
Force yourself to do this by setting a time limit. Set a timer for five minutes. Tap out (or write, if you're using pen and paper) any kind of gibberish at all for five minutes. Turning off your monitor helps, because it stops you seeing words and going back to correct typos.
2. Get specific
Want to write waffle? Generalize. Like in this sentence from a real estate agent's ad for a house:
"You are certain to be impressed by space in this three bedroom family home."
I looked at photo of house, and wrote:
"Shaded by palms and eucalypts and surrounded by a well- maintained garden, this three bedroom, honey-gold brick mini- mansion offers your family space to play and grow. "
Not Shakespeare, but words describe this house specifically.
3. Get sensuous
Be a reporter. Use your senses. What can you see, hear, smell, touch and taste?
When you report what's happening, your reader is right there with you.