One thing that motivates me the most to keep on writing and to believe in my writing skills is that people are often telling me that they like how I write, because it’s so easy to understand.
Like many other things in life, unless someone else tells you something specific about your writing, you might not become aware of it. It could be something positive, or even something negative.
I remember a sharp comment I’ve got a while back, that said that my post was full of errors. Ouch! I could never found the errors, but this made me doubt quite a bit.
So, as I was coming up with ideas for the topic of this post, I was going through some of the comments that I’ve been getting on my blogs, to try to figure out WHY people like my writing. As I was reading those comments, I noticed that two items have been mentioned over and over – clear and easy to understand. I think that no matter what you write and how you write it, if it’s not clear and easy to understand, it has no value to the reader.
On the other end, if people can understand the information clearly, they will what you write. So, how can you make people love your writing? This is what we are going to talk about today. Here are 5 vital ingredients to make people love what you write.
1 – Understandable
If people can’t understand what you’re trying to tell them, what’s the point in telling them in the first place? Now, are all so called “good writers” always clear and easy to understand? Well, my answer to this question is, no. I’ve read many articles and posts from people who have the reputation of being “good writers”, but which I have, sometimes, a hard time to time to understand. Is it just me? I doubt it.
So, don’t worry, if you don’t consider yourself to be a good writer, worry more about being understood, and you’ll be fine.
Are you hiding behind your niche saying that it’s not easy to write in a way that will make people understand you? Well, I beg to differ.
As many of you know, I have three blogs that are based on totally different niches, yet, I’m getting the same type of feedback on all of them. I even write about other niches for clients that are yet different from my own, and still I’m told the same thing. So, my guess is that the niche doesn’t matter when it comes to the clarity of your writing.
You can write in a way that is clear, and easy to understand, no matter what niche you’re in.
A very good way to keep your writing clear is to be as concise as you can. But what does this mean?
2 – Simple, Clear, and Concise
In writing, less is more. The shorter the sentence, the shorter the paragraph, the easiest it will be for the reader to follow you.
As you edit your article take off all the unnecessary words. If you haven’t taken any word or sentence when you edited your article, it means that you need to go through it again, until you do. I’m not talking about making your article shorter, my own posts are rather long; I’m talking about getting rid of useless words and expressions in a sentence. I do that for all my posts.
Simplicity is not the mark of a bad writer; it’s the mark of the best writers. If you ever read the best seller “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser, you know that the strongest emphasis throughout the whole book is about writing simple. Getting rid of all the extra words, that Zinsser calls clutter, which just uses space and confuse the reader. And yes, he criticizes some so called “good writers” for making this mistake.
Writing with simplicity doesn’t mean that your writing will be plain and blend, it means that it will be easier to understand and more attractive to the reader. By nature, the human brain doesn’t like complicated things. It’s a turn off for the brain- it’s a turn off for the reader.
How To Write Simple?
Now, how can YOU write simple? The first rule is to always; always edit what you’ve written. And when I say edit, I don’t mean one time. You need to edit several times, letting some time go by between your editing sessions. Leaving my article alone overnight does wonders for me. That’s why I hate when I’m rushed to write.
Read your article as if you didn’t know about what you wrote, and ask yourself the question, would I understand this if I had no knowledge of what is said here?
Don’t be fooled, if you are not fully able to understand your own writing, no one will. Read your article out loud and listen how it sounds. You see, I didn’t use the word “hear,” I used the word “listen,” which makes a big difference. Doesn’t it?
3- Real or Made-up Examples
The use of real or made-up examples will accomplish two things for your writing.
1- It will make people pay more attention to it, because people respond very well to illustrations.
2- It will help them to understand much better what you are talking about, especially when you write about a topic that is rather difficult to grab.
That’s why I use a lot of examples, especially when I write about personal development, because at times the topics are no easy stuff to understand. I know that by using examples it will bring my point home. According the comments that I’m getting, I guess it does.
Now, it doesn’t really matter if you use real life examples or made up ones, as long as the examples bring clarity. Bringing clarity, that’s what you’re looking for. If I have a real life example, I’ll use that first, but if I don’t, I’ll create an illustration that will do the job just as well.
4- Enthusiasm
Being enthusiastic about what your writing is a huge factor in making people like what you write. If you’re not enthusiastic about your own writing, who will? It’s a bit like if you don’t like yourself, who will, type thing. Enthusiasm attracts enthusiasm.
I’m passionate about what I write, so it’s not very difficult for me to be enthusiastic about it, but even if you can’t drive passion, you need to develop enthusiasm. This alone will make your writing more alive, more interesting, and more attractive to your readers. People will love what you write if you are enthusiastic about it!
5- Discussion
When you write, even though you have no one standing in front of you, you need to imagine that you do. This will help you to have a discussion tone in your writing.
Long monologues are boring and no one likes to read these types of articles. When you write as if you were speaking to someone, explaining them something, it makes it so much more interesting, and easy to read.
To make your writing more like a discussion rather than a long monologue, you could include elements such as; questions, quotes, remarks, anecdotes, examples or illustrations. Sky is the limit!
As a reader, notice when you feel like you are really enjoying an article or a blog post, watch for time when it makes you laugh, or feel any type of emotions. When you feel this as a reader, it’s because the writer is using a discussion style. Try to learn how it’s done and include this in your own writing.
I hope you enjoyed these 5 vital ingredients to make people love what you write. If you apply them in your writing, I promise, you will improve.
As always, don’t forget to leave your comments below.
Photo Credits: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Hi Sylviane,
I like what you said about writing blog posts. You don’t have to be a good writer, you just have to be understood. I think this is one of the reasons why people who want to start a blog, don’t.
Writing is not that hard and with practice you have to get better at it, provided you’re willing to put in the time.
Make it clear, and easy to understand.
Thanks for the tips!
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Hi Nate,
Yes, that’s true, a lot of people are afraid to start a blog because the put into their heads that they have to be “good writers”. We know that’s it’s not the case. Being understood is the most important thing, indeed.
Thanks for coming, Nate and have a great week.
I second that, “ouch” too. I hate when people call you out on your blog. If there is an issue or error, can I be told OFFLINE? To me that is just common sense and much more polite than calling you out so everyone else can see. I think people mean well, but its like saying, “hey your zipper is down” in front of everyone.
Either way, at least you know now, but its not fun either. Your tips are great as I know over the years I have improved with my writing, but I have to write like me or it just won’t work. Believe me I have tried and failed miserably when I first started blogging.
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Hi Sonia,
Yes, and there is calling out, and calling out. If you tell me there is a little typo here, in the comment, I don’t even mind that much. Some people have done that and I can’t even remember it.
Why I do remember the one I’m talking about was because it sounded mean and way over rated. This was a guest blog post for some very knowledgeable and wealthy marketers, I feel that if my post had that many errors they would have caught them and let me know, but nonetheless the nasty comment was there to be seen by all.
With time and practice we all improve 🙂 Right?
Thanks for coming again 😉 Sonia.
Hey Sylviane,
I love these 5 tips you mentioned here. After reading number 1 this gave me even more confidence about my writing even though I don’t consider myself a great writer. It’s all about being understood and getting your point across to your readers.
Simplicity is key when it comes to writing. Especially when it comes to your blog. I’ve heard the saying “If you can’t simplify it, then you simply don’t understand it.” This is a powerful statement when it comes to writing. I look at this statement as saying “If you put it in your own voice then it shows how well you understand it.” This will definitely attract more readers to you, especially for the fact that you can simplify to where they can understand it. You definitely want to make that effort to be on the same level as your readers.
I also like the fact that you want to write as if you having a discussion. Get the readers to feel as though you’re talking to each individual says a lot about your writing. This is why so many of us love your blog posts. Whoever focused on any errors that you have must be terribly anal and not getting as many readers 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
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Hi Sherman,
See that’s what I mean. Your last statement on made me laugh! You were having a discussion with me 🙂
That’s right, we need to focus less on thinking am I a good writer? and more on can I be understood? At the end of the day that’s what makes good writers in my book.
I’m glad you enjoyed this.
Thanks for coming.
Hi Sylviane,
Well I’m one of those that compliment you all the time about your writing. You do explain things so that I can understand them. I’ve also often heard that you have to write at the sixth grade level because it’s really sad that so many people truly just don’t understand.
Now I graduated high school and attended some college but I still don’t understand some things when I feel that the people are talking over my head. Like they’re writing an instruction manual instead of trying to get me to understand something.
I seriously have not done any of the things you’ve suggested here. Oops! But I do write simply and I guess for me it comes more naturally because I’m passionate about helping people understand what I share having no knowledge at all on the subject I’m writing about. I think it’s been okay so far.
Thanks for pointing these out because I know others will find them extremely helpful as well.
~Adrienne
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Hi Adrienne,
Yes, you sure have given me plenty of compliments about my writing, Adrienne, as well as Donna Merrill. You two are top notch! and of course, others as well, and it really makes me feel good.
Now, I get what you’re saying by having to write like for 6th graders, but that’s not even only about writing. Now, let me tell you a lot of people don’t understand intelligent and humorist talk either. That has happened so many times to me, it’s not even funny.
And don’t get me wrong, I am not one impressed by education, I don’t have a whole lot of it myself, but I like to talk to “intelligent” people that understand me better than if they were 8 years old. yes, it’s sad.
That’s OK, Adrienne, you make people understand your writing very well. You probably don’t need any of those tips 🙂
Thanks for coming as always.
Hi Sylviane,
1. You are and you are not right. I am sorry to contradict you but it very much depends on the niche you are writing. In literature or psychology, for example it is impossible to describe moods, states of being, feelings, frustration, pains or simply the ebb and flow of the consciousness in simple, clear words.
Writers who use simple and clear styles are usually counselled to turn to detective novels or stories for children to take advantage of this power of write simple, clear and concise.
Philosophy, religion, politics and many other realms touch deep ideas with wings of a very high span that simply cannot be measured in simple, clear and concise words.
2. I have another rant, this time against humanity. The last 3-4 centuries have seen the mankind decaying, “downgrading” from high level of spiritual knowledge and understanding of life to lower levels where the technical language is the norm.
Confusion increased enormously, the mental power of individuals decreased (especially with the advent of new mass media) and now people are less and less able to understand ideas and concepts. They need someone to provide knowledge at a lower level (preferably technical level) they can understand and to provide it in a very simple form. Otherwise they won’t understand and grow tired and bored. So instead of words the trend was toward images (pictures, illustrations). Now, instead of images the trend is to videos (images in motion). The next trend will definitely be the switch from videos to virtual reality and sign language.
So, simple, concise and clear yes. Because now people don’t have the power to understand complex things anymore. The trend is to adults that think and behave more like children. So children stories are the future.
Have a nice day
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Hi Silviu,
Hum, I would tend to disagree with that. I think that any topic can be explained in a simple way. Now if you are trying to reach only some type of groups of people, only some elite people, you might not even care to try. But, I’m sorry, if you want to reach the public at large, you need to simplify for the benefits of all.
Now, I always enjoyed your complicated comments 🙂 You’re a very knowledgeable guy. Thanks for coming, Silviu.
Hi Silviu –
Perhaps the disagreement here has to do with how you define “simple, clear, and concise.”
I maintain that the purpose of language is effective communication, both communication of information as well as experience. And to that end, clarity should be the number one objective.
Language should reveal, not conceal (Orwell taught us that and warned us to guard against those that use language to conceal and to control – which, of course, is done most egregiously at the institutional level – governments, religions, and corporations).
That’s not to say that it should be dumbed down and simplistic, a language that reduces experience and knowledge to superficiality and irrelevance. I suspect that’s how you may be interpreting Sylviane’s use of the phrase “simple, clear, and concise.”
Look at Ernest Hemingway’s writing style. You don’t get writing that’s much more “simple, clear, and concise” than The Old Man and the Sea or The Sun Also Rises and yet these are two of the most powerful works of literature in the 20th century.
The greatest communicators – and the most intelligent ones – are those who can take complicated concepts, experiences, emotions, etc., and distill them into their core essence.
Now, regarding your other premise that the human race has been in permanent decline over the last 400 years, I have to say (respectfully, of course) that your rant sounds a little like the Story of the Royal Astronomer.
The Royal Astronomer was the chief astrologist of the kingdom and a trusted adviser to the King. Every night he studied and charted the stars and advise the King on what he interpreted from them.
He served this function tirelessly his entire life until at one point he began to notice a very disturbing trend.
He said nothing to anyone at first because what he was witnessing was so shocking. But night after night, the same thing happened, and at last he could keep silent no longer – the stars were disappearing!
Soon the universe itself would be no more!
Were the stars being extinguished, destroyed, removed? The Royal Astronomer couldn’t say. But what was undeniable was that each night he studied the heavens, there were fewer and fewer stars.
What the Royal Astronomer didn’t realize was that he was going blind. The stars were fine, of course. He mistook his own finiteness and fallibility and projected that onto the universe.
Sorry – but I don’t subscribe to the idea that the human race is in intellectual, spiritual, or any other kind of decline any more than I subscribe to the idea that the stars are disappearing.
In fact, I would argue the opposite.
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Hello Brad and welcome here!
Wow, something happened here. My post, somehow, provoked this very intelligent discussion between the two of you. And one thing is sure, you are both very intelligent and knowledgeable guys, even though you disagree here.
I have to say that I tend to agree with you Brad on this. When I say, simple, I don’t mean simplistic, I mean exactly what you understood. You could be reading the deepest, and most complicated subject, but it could be written in a simple fashion.
You can read a simple lawyer’s brief that says that the mother will have the children Monday to Friday, and the father will have them during the weekend, but it’s going to take three pages to say that in the most lengthy, complicated and confusing way. That’s why only people who have gone to law school can understand it.
I think that the intellect and spirituality of the man is going up, not down. Every heard how people used tread children back in the days? Just one example 😉
Thanks for your excellent input, here!
Hi Sylviane,
Yes, the writing has to be understood. It is the work behind writing good that can really produce for a blogger. Many miss this step only.
The other tips are equally good, thank for this simple yes useful post,
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Hello and welcome to my blog, suhas!
Being understood is the very reason we all blog for, so if we are not easy to understand, we need to learn how to.
Thanks for your input.
Hi Sylviane,
Excellent tips for bloggers and yeah, writers too! I’ve been expecting this post since I read your comment at Susan’s place 😉 She wrote about clarity too and here you are.
First of all, I believe your writing is simple and clear enough. For me, I’ve impressed by your writing at the outset. Eventhough I thought the post could be something boring at first, I read it all the way to the end 🙂 Next thing is examples. I’ve understood some complicated stuff you pointed out just because of your examples. I’ve mentioned it at that times too.
Sometimes, being simple and understandable through writing could be seems impossible in different subjects. But some impressive authors made things simple eventhough the topics imply they are quite hard to explain. Surprisingly some kids explain things better than oldie experts. It might be hard, but I believe everything can be simplified. People think hard enough sometimes 😉 But I admit that there are stuff which could be explained more clearly in different ways too.
Instead of being enthusiastic about what we write, I’d like to express it as “Write about what we are enthusiastic about” Sylviane 😉 I’ve always believed in it. I’m not trying to be a best writer, but I tend to assure that my message is clear enough. But we all possess different skills, so I believe knowing everything about something won’t assure our writing would be better, no? 🙂 I can recall some experienced lecturers who failed to explain stuff clearly at school.
Discussion mode draws attention for sure 🙂 I’ve been enjoying it on many blogs I visit too. Personally, I like that. Instead of following user manuals or legal documents, I think discussion mode is the most appropriate mode for blogging dear.
You have a lovely week there Sylviane 🙂
Cheers…
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Hi Mayura,
Yes, when I went to Sue’s post, I told her that our mind must have been connected, as I had already written my post, and read hers. Fortunately, they are very different though.
I think that you are very enthusiastic about what you write, Mayura, and your posts are easy to understand, so that’s a very good point.
I will never forget how we first connected on my travel blog on my post about lemons. I’ll always remember what you said, and I really took it as a compliment for my writing style.
Thanks for coming, dear 🙂
Well, clear and easy to understand as usual 🙂
For me, the idea of having a discussion or conversation is the most important. I like to think about talking to someone as I write. That also helps me get in some of your other tips, like using examples, because I imagine I’m explaining something to someone and then think of what I could way to them to make it clearer.
I know lots of people have trouble explaining things in real life so they have a hard time writing about it. I have no idea how you overcome THAT challenge but sometimes, you know those people, they just sound very smart and you still have no idea what they’re saying!
I think if you focus on explaining things to someone personally – like a friend, spouse or your mom – you will be able to make it clear and interesting. Keep a real person in mind and “talk” to them. That always helps me!
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Hi Carol,
Well, I know for sure that you have no problem what so ever to be clear and understandable yourself, and every time I read your posts, I hear the teacher, no doubt. So, it makes it perfect for writing.
I know you also use examples, and discussion style as well. You do not need any of those tips, as you already apply them all 🙂
Yes, I know what you mean about smart people who can’t explain things, I know some of them. I agree that if you can’t explain it well, you probably can’t write it well either.
Thanks for interrupting your busy schedule to come here. Always appreciate it
Hi Sylviane,
One of the things I do admire about your blogs are that they are clear and concise and that is key and critical to me when I read a post. Some people’s thoughts are all over the place and it;s hard to follow. The point of the blog is to tell a story and provide information that is valuable to the reader. If we accomplish that, then we have done our job when we’re writing. And you are absolutely correct – clear and understable is the basis for writing.
Thanks for helping others in providing this valuable information.
Cheers,
Barbara
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Hi Barbara,
I know what you mean about people who’s thoughts are all over the place and hard to follow. I have read such blog posts at times, and this is a no no of course.
I’m glad you don’t get lost with mine. I have to say that most of the blogs that I do visit, they do just fine too.
Thanks for coming by.
Hello Sylviane,
Thank you for sharing these points.
I think simplicity is key. Never use yen dollar words when a nickel will do.
Also, being concise carries more impact. The more we practice writing,
the better we become.
Kind Regards,
Bill
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Hi Bill, and welcome here.
Yes, I like your example here, never use yen dollar words when nickel will do. Great point.
Hi Sylviane
Great topic and as you know I am one that has often complimented you. This is the blog I seem to miss most as I must be honest I like your other two blogs better, just because I love France and personal development is my thing,
I raise that as I do not think Law of Attraction is the easiest thing to explain but you do it way more simply than Esther Hicks does.
I think Nate said it beautifully – you do not have to be a good writer you have to be understood. It is being understood that will ultimately make you rich.
I love our friend Silviu and I too disagree with him (and he loves a controversy). I will give the best example I know. Robert Kiyosaki took a very misunderstood subject – becoming wealthy and wrote Rich Dad Poor Dad. Anyone can understand that. It is a complex subject and made simple .
When we were publishing it publishes rejected it saying it was badly written. You know what happened with that book.
His next books had editors and people correcting his explanations – they never sold the same amount. He can keep it simple others complicate it.
I love and agree with your five ingredients. I must confess to not standing back and re-reading enough but I know I should.
Thanks Sylviane for a great post.
Sue
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Hi Sue,
Well, first off, I love it that you love my other two blogs. This one having the most traffic, I need people come visit the other two even more 🙂 So that’s perfectly fine for me.
Yes, I know that you have complimented me too on my writing 🙂 and I thank you for this.
Yes, Silviu, loves to put his thoughts on comments, and that is fine too. A brand new person named Brad replied to Silviu’s comment way better than I ever could. It makes that comment thread so interesting. Wow, I didn’t know this post would bring about comments like these.
I love your example of Robert Kiyosaki. I can’t believe that he was told that his book Think And Grow Rich wasn’t well written. That’s when too intellectual thinking gets in the way. The proof is in the podding as they say, the success of this book speaks for itself.
Maybe some intellectuals could tell me that my writing is awful, but my proof is from the people who tell me how they understand what I’m talking about so well. Wow, I explain the law of attraction better than Ester Hicks? I will sure save that one 🙂
Thanks for your great input, Sue. Very much appreciated.
As to me, enthusiasm is the most important ingredient, which is a total must have in anything we’re doing. Miss it and you’ll miss it all. Thanks for sharing your personal writign secerts. Really appreciate it
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Hi Julia,
Yes, you’re right, enthusiasm is necessary not only for writing but anything we do. Take that out of the picture and everything is dead.
Thanks for you input on this.
Hi Sylviane,I always love reading your posts, every one of them is easy to follow and always shares some great information. I like what you said about editing because sometimes I don\’t do that enough and I realize I forgot an important point after I post. Loved this. Have a great day, Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Yes, editing is very important. If you edit your posts you can only thank yourself that you did.
I’m glad you find my post well written. Very much appreciate that.
Thanks for coming, Lisa.
Hi Sylviane,
I found myself nodding my head in agreement while I was reading this.
It’s always a pleasure to read a well written blog.
our ingredient #5 – discussion resonated with me the most. I always think of it as having a conversation with my readers. I find it easiest to write when I’m “mentally” discussing my topic as I’m writing. That way, it’s natural to make sure that I’m answering questions and connecting with my readers.
You do write well!
Hi Sherryl,
I see you at Adrienne’s blog all the time, nice to see you here 🙂
What I like about mentioning several points is that each person will like one more than the other, and that’s what makes it all the more interesting.
I think that a discussion tone in a blog post, really makes it inviting for the readers to share their thoughts, that’s is for sure.
Thank you for coming, Sherryl, and for your compliment. Very much appreciated.
Hi Sylviane,
I like what you said about examples. I find that when I write an example, people feel more comfortable responding to it. Sometimes they even share their experience on the topic. I just love when that happens.
I feel like it gets things rolling on my comment section. People sometimes reply to others comments to when I write like this.
As far as editing…Urggg That is one thing I need to practice. But I’m not a perfect writer. I think the more I write, and the more I read through, the better I will get.
And of course, coming to this blog each week is helping so much.
I thank you,
Donna
Hi Donna,
Nice to have you back online 🙂
People simply LOVE examples, I know that when I read, I love it too. At times the example is what is going to really bring the point home in the head of the reader. I love to use examples as much as possible.
I’m too much of a mess to afford “not editing” I edit quite a bit. And it doesn’t matter in what language I write.
Thanks for coming and sharing your thoughts, Donna.
This is my biggest set back in writing. Alot of the people that tell me about my writing always say they don’t understand what I’m trying to say. I guess I’ve been taking it as a bad thing, but now I’ll will def work on it.
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Hi Saytue,
Oh, I’m sorry about that, Saytue, but, yes, maybe you can use such feedback to work on it, and improve.
If you want you can send me one of your articles my way, and I could tell you where you could make it better. I’ve done that for people often in the past.
Thanks for your input and have a great rest of the week!
Sylviane, great point about enthusiasm. That can be hard to convey sometimes unless you have the right words and maybe a video too! Keeping it simple is really important because people will not follow along if they find it hard to read or understand. And they make not come back again. I believe I’ve done #’s 2, 3 and 4. I need to work on the others. Thanks for all the suggestions here Sylviane. Enjoy your day!
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Hi Lisa,
Oh, while you’re here, did you know that I linked to one of your posts, on my post before this one? I was just wondering 🙂
I have no problem understanding what you write, indeed, and it’s clear that you are enthusiastic about your topics, so there you have it. Some of the most important points for sure.
Thanks for coming and have a great end of the week!
I would love that! It’s like you read mind:-)
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Next time you have an article, send it my way before you publish it 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
I’ve never had any any trouble reading your posts and have understood everything I’ve read. I can only imagine what that ouch felt like and how embarrassing it must have been to have been bad mouthed so openly. I hope that you put them in their place 😉
I have to agree with you, our writing should be understandable, clear and concise. I also read my posts aloud so I can listen to it and make sure that it sounds exactly as I want it to sound. I learnt that a long time ago and even do it for my comments sometimes. Especially if I had to reply to some of those here
Using examples is a great way to emphasize the points we’re making and give our readers a clear vision of what we actually mean. It drives the points home with simple understanding, at least in my book anyway Sylviane 😉
I like Mayura’s point about rather than trying to enthusiastic about the subject we’re writing about why not write about our enthusiasms 😉 Good idea, however I always try to be enthusiastic about my subject. As you say if I’m not then how can I expect my readers to be?
I also try and sleep on my posts and edit them again before publishing, which is just as well some times. I wrote a post for my blog and was going to publish it today but decided to wait as I published one on MMc today. Which has worked wonders because I moaned about a lack of support from a certain support forum and today the forum came and replied to the requests I had left…. I’d have looked, and felt, out of order if I’d of published it.
At least now I have the time to correct the post and explain the whole story.
Sylviane, I thank you for your tips and think that people reading your post should take them in and apply them, not only to their blog posts but also to their comments. After all, people are reading them as well 😉
All the best,
Barry
Thanks for the tips Sylviane, I’ll
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Hi Barry,
Nice to see you here, by the way.
Yes, that mean comment hurt me when that happen as I wasn’t as sure about my writing as I am now. It really made me feel insecure, but thankfully it all went away. I feel better about what I write now.
I love to sleep on my posts, it makes me feel much better about them as well.
Thank you for your detailed comment, Barry, as you always do.
Writing is the easiestand most effordable way to express your feelings and to show people your creative mind that is hard to show physically
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Hi Martin,
That’s right, it’s a great way to show what we’re made of.
Yes I enjoyed your posts and I agree with your tips. I will surely apply them as I write my new blog. Thanks!
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Hi Sylviane,
I so agree with what you said about editing…especially since it’s one of my biggest challenges as a writer.
Like you, I have also found that it’s a great idea to ‘sleep on it’ and go back over the work with a fresh perspective the next day.
I HATE editing. I find it tedious and annoying…lol.
Yet, it’s a necessity. I’ve noticed well over 20 something edits on some of my posts – and there have been plenty of other times when I’ve gone back and re-read something for the 100th time just to find an error that eluded me before.
It’s funny though…once you become familiar with the way a person expresses themselves, you can ‘feel’ their energy in their content.
That’s probably why you receive similar feedback regardless of the topic.
Great tips 🙂
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Hi Dana,
Yes, editing is a must and I can’t believe that some people say that they don’t edit, even though they are very few of them.
I’m not crazy about editing myself, but I so don’t trust myself that I do it several times. On my own blogs probably not enough, for lack of time, but when I write for others I sure do more editing. Now, I’ve never edited like a 100 times, no. But I’ll do it 3 to 5 times for me and maybe up to 10 times for my clients.
I so agree with you, you can feel the energy of someone in their content when you know them. I feel that with all the bloggers I know well.
Thanks for coming, Dana, and have a great weekend.
Hi Sylviane,Simple and clear I get! What I don’t do as often as I should is edit after a cooling off period. I’m somewhat kin to Adrienne in that I just sit down, fingers go and the work gets done. What I tend to spend more time on is going back and putting in sub headers and occasionally cut and paste when I’ve added in something that should be somewhere else and doesn’t relate to what is around it! Sometimes I use an outline it my article or post is about something that I need to include several points that need to be explained in detail…actually have a free outline from Zech Smith that is handy or if you like he has an online article writing assistant that lets you fill in an outline template, complete and copy, work done!As always, enjoyed the share. Thanks, C.
Hi Cararta,
Well, editing is a must for any writer you know. When you edit you really shape your article to a more perfect piece just like a sculptor.
I do not use any tool, as I do much better without them, but tools can be helpful to some and I’m glad those are for you.
Thank you for coming, and have a great weekend.
Hi Sylviane!
Clear and concise writing is definitely the best way to connect with readers. My fellow classmates in high school always tried to use big words that they themselves didn’t understand well, so their writing was very effective. Of course, I was guilty of that as well.
When you edit, you clean up the areas that make you stumble as you mentally read, so it’s crucial to do it multiple times as you said. We don’t want our train of thought going over broken railing!
I only just recently found your blog, but every post I’ve read has been so clear and easy to grasp, which allows me to read through them smoothly.
Thanks for such great content!
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It is a very innovative post. It let me to think some new and best ideas to write on my blog. Thanks for sharing.