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Newsroom (Index)
1. Working Writers, 2. Fast Cash Freelance, 3. Screenwriting News, 4. Writers Write, 5. Writers in the Sky, 6. Study Student News,7. Freelance Blogging News, 8. Photography News, 9. Graphic Design News, 10. E-Media Tidbits, 11. Bloggers Blog,
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Write Better
The official blog of LousyWriter.com. Reporting on improvements in communication, business writing, and the English language.
• Cover Letter Tips That Will Get You the Job! by Melissa Rubin
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
14 Mar 2010 at 11:34am
Writing a cover letter is one of the most important aspects of getting a job. Your resume shows your work history but your cover letter tells the employer who you are. It highlights your qualifications, guides the employer through the most important parts of your work history, and demonstrates your flawless command of the English language.
Knowing how to write one boils down to grammar, spelling... ( expand article )
Writing a cover letter is one of the most important aspects of getting a job. Your resume shows your work history but your cover letter tells the employer who you are. It highlights your qualifications, guides the employer through the most important parts of your work history, and demonstrates your flawless command of the English language.
Knowing how to write one boils down to grammar, spelling and knowing your audience company. Making sure your the letter uses proper spellings and grammar is huge. If there is a misspelled word, it doesn't matter if you have all the experience in the world- the employer will throw it out.
These tips will really help the structure and flow of your cover letter. There is cover letter help all over the web, but utilizing these steps is the foundation on how to write one perfectly.
1. Tell them why you're writing.
Tell them for what position and where you heard about the opening. For big companies especially this is an extremely important part of separating potential candidates.
2. Tell them how you fit.
Site specific things from your resume and then tell them why that experience fits the opening you are applying for. Best tip is to always link previous experience with the employers needs.
3. Demonstrate your suitability by citing examples.
Same thing as above, but using specific examples of not only how you fit, but specific encounters of how what you did could also be used in this new job.
4. Use their words.
Use the jargon found in the job description to the best of your ability. "Speaking the same language" will make the employer more comfortable with you.
5. Write to a person, NOT a department.
Writing to a department is extremely impersonal and may show the employer you don't have the initiative to research your potential boss's name. If you're applying to a large company send out multiple resume/cover letters to different people.
6. Answer the obvious questions.
7. Keep it brief.
One page letters is the general rule. Also, make sure it is in a business letter form with an address for you and your employer.
8. Stress the positive.
9. Avoid cliches.
Stay away from "in this letter you will find..." and "thank you for the consideration..."
10. Know when NOT to send a cover letter.
In conclusion, always follow up and keep this structure in mind...
Paragraph 1:
* Introduce yourself to the reader.
* Explain why you are writing (either for a specific opening or for a potential opening).
* Explain how you learned about the position.
* Explain why you'd be perfect for the job.
Paragraph 2:
* Show how your qualifications fit the job.
* Demonstrate your suitability by citing examples.
* Expand on one or more items from your résumé that highlight your key qualifications.
Paragraph 3:
* State what the next step is (e.g., you will call in a week to check up).
* Thank them.
Melissa Rubin is a senior copywriter and Web developer at OTO Networks, a digital marketing company located in Baltimore, Maryland. Her primary responsibilities include SEO, link building and creating content for multiple sites. A preview of a site on which she has worked, http://www.gradpower.com/, is available with this article.
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• How to Make Your Writing Short, Sharp and Shiny by Linda Bell
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
14 Mar 2010 at 11:32am
We're all busy so the last thing we need is to waste time reading long-winded articles, confusing website content or rambling blog posts. To make sure you're writing's 'on the money' remember - keep it short, sharp and shiny!
These days readers want information quickly especially on the internet. So don't waste words. After you've written what you want to say - aim to cut your writing in half - ... ( expand article )
We're all busy so the last thing we need is to waste time reading long-winded articles, confusing website content or rambling blog posts. To make sure you're writing's 'on the money' remember - keep it short, sharp and shiny!
These days readers want information quickly especially on the internet. So don't waste words. After you've written what you want to say - aim to cut your writing in half - literally! Cut out half the words. You'll be glad you did. It almost always improves your writing.
Short
Website readers want information and they want it quickly! Short words mean readers can read more in a short time. It's been said that you have eight seconds or less to convince your reader it's worth staying on your site.
Write short sentences and even short lines that don't stretch right across the screen. Then put your short sentences into short paragraphs.
Sharp
Get straight to the point and make it a sharp one! Don't waste your reader's precious time with lengthy introductions. Don't pad your writing out with 'filler' words like 'because' or 'actually' or filler phrases like 'as well as' or 'in fact.'
Just say what you have to say - simple as that. Don't wander off the point - stay focused and sharp.
Shiny
Your writing has to shine! If it doesn't, you've lost your reader - especially on the net. Cut and polish your writing. Choose your words so they say exactly what you mean. Cut out any excess.
Read your work through - be honest. Is it up to scratch? Is it good enough to represent your business as you want it to?
Your website and marketing materials are your 'face' in the world. Make sure your writing does your business justice.
Keep it short, sharp and shiny and your readers will know you mean business.
Linda Bell is a writer who will work with you to make sure your words work for your business. Linda writes articles, website content, e-books and newsletters or she can teach you how to write your own so that you can feel confident to add your own fresh content to your website or blog. Visit Linda now at: http://www.writingthatworks.com.au/ and download your FREE report '20 Tips for Excellent Website Writing' and book a FREE consultation to discuss with Linda how the words on your website can work for your business 24/7.
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• How English Learning Made Easy
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
14 Mar 2010 at 11:25am
The online teacher resource, teAchnology.com provides learning material to teachers that are easy to use and effective in teaching English students how to write, speak, and use the language to their benefit. It will make English language teaching easy by proving over thirty thousand ways of planning lessons. It has search tools that enable teachers to access work sheets that simplify planning l... ( expand article )
The online teacher resource, teAchnology.com provides learning material to teachers that are easy to use and effective in teaching English students how to write, speak, and use the language to their benefit. It will make English language teaching easy by proving over thirty thousand ways of planning lessons. It has search tools that enable teachers to access work sheets that simplify planning lessons and tips on how to go about it. To get access to a free newsletter with great insights on teacher information, teachers have to sign up for it on the website.
If you are just beginning to learn English, you can stay at home and complete your education instead of having to move to an English speaking country. The online course offers lists of vocabulary with every lesson that will increase your knowledge of the language. In the lessons you will learn the correct way to use these vocabulary words. Each grammar lesson comes complete with explanations and examples as well as practice sheets where you can show that you understand the lesson. When you feel comfortable with the new concept then you can take a quiz and receive your grade immediately. This is different than taking a quiz in class where you have to wait for the instructor to grade the quiz.
It will provide a vocabulary set for teachers on how to let students learn English speaking. This will be provided in printable worksheets with a set of the most common adjectives, adverbs, common verbs, common nouns, misspelled words and all vocabulary. Teachers can now plan their teaching classes by subject, which is available on the message board area, one of the most effective tools on the website.
Teaching English learners who have no prior knowledge on the language can be hard but with teAchnology.com, it has become an easy task for the teachers to learn skills and the technical knowhow of imparting lessons to students. Some of the materials that can be downloaded from the site include; different types of writing themes, a guide on how to teach spelling and a workbook that is dedicated to teaching grammar. It goes a long way in ensuring that learning the language does not appear to be so dreadful but a fun loving experience that will usher an individual into a new realm of not only speaking the language fluently but writing it too.
Now to teach English online can never be considered a difficult task again. With constant review of education websites, the provisions of terms that are often used by teachers are available. Teachers can now get to teach their online students by finding easy ways of communicating and relaying the information. With the provision of audio download pronunciation material that can be forwarded to students, it has been made affordable and easily accessible especially for interested learners who do not have time to enroll for classes. This is definitely an all round and inclusive tool for teachers with a cut out plan on what should be taught at what time of the year. It will save the teachers time, is simple to use and just as easy to access at the click of a button.
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• How to Write Business Letters by Fiona Dewitt
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
8 Mar 2010 at 5:00am
A business letter is a formal letter used by professionals in an organization. The need for letter writing has decreased with new technologies, specifically the email. However, there are cases where such a letter may be vital. It is subsequently important that great care is observed when preparing a formal letter. An appropriate formal letter should have the desired effect it hopes to accomplis... ( expand article )
A business letter is a formal letter used by professionals in an organization. The need for letter writing has decreased with new technologies, specifically the email. However, there are cases where such a letter may be vital. It is subsequently important that great care is observed when preparing a formal letter. An appropriate formal letter should have the desired effect it hopes to accomplish. The following instructions covers the essentials involved in good letter writing. Pay close attention to details given about formatting which is a basic part of the entire process.
Required Tools:
An operational computer
A printer
Required Materials:
8½ by 11 high quality printer paper
Instructions:
Begin the letter by placing the return address at the top right-hand corner of the letter. This should be followed by the current date. Align the address so that all the individual lines of the address are in line with each other to one side, preferably to the left side of the address.
Place the address of the recipient to the left of the paper about one space below the address that has been placed to the top right-hand corner of the paper.
The opening salutation of the letter can be typed as Dear Mr. ____:. The "Dear" may be followed by a colon or a comma either will work. If the name is unknown, although it is best to address a formal letter with a name, use "Dear Sir or Madame". Always place an appropriate title before the recipient's name. This may be Ms. Mrs. Miss. Mr or Dr. If you are not sure of a woman's marital status or how she prefers to be called use Ms.
You can now write the body of the letter.
State your intention in the first paragraph. However, be careful not to write "I am writing this letter to", allow the letter to speak for itself with understandable and clear language.
Separate the paragraphs by double spacing and using tabs to indent the beginning of each paragraph or use block style. Try to be concise and only put the relevant information that is necessary in each paragraph.
Conclude the letter with a salutation of choice. "Yours Truly", "Yours Sincerely" and "Yours Faithfully" are all widely accepted closings. Enter your name four spaces below the closing of the letter. Insert a line using the underline tool in the word processor above your name or use the underscore several times.
Print the letter and affix your signature directly and neatly on the designated line.
Tips and Warnings:
Always make use of the spell check and grammar tools offered by the word processor. Proof read the letter once it is finished. To perform a substantial proof read print a mock copy of the letter, most printers allow printing in draft mode. This will ensure that the letter is aligned and print ready and also increases the likelihood that you will detect any mistakes.
Always adopt a polite tone when writing a formal letter regardless of the possible negative situation that the letter addresses.
Please visit these links for more information on How to Write a Business Letter: How to Write a Business Letter-I and: How to Write a Business Letter-II.
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• Business Blogging - Keep it Simple and Informative by Tami Stodghill
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
8 Mar 2010 at 4:58am
It's pretty much been established that blogging is important in network marketing. To quote a popular Business Week article: "Blogs Will Change Your Business-Look past the yakkers, hobbyists, and political mobs. Your customers and rivals are figuring blogs out. Our advice: Catch up...or catch you later". Blogs offer an abundance of information from an even bigger variety of sources. They are ge... ( expand article )
It's pretty much been established that blogging is important in network marketing. To quote a popular Business Week article: "Blogs Will Change Your Business-Look past the yakkers, hobbyists, and political mobs. Your customers and rivals are figuring blogs out. Our advice: Catch up...or catch you later". Blogs offer an abundance of information from an even bigger variety of sources. They are generally-if done well-honest and provide insights that are tougher to absorb sometimes through news articles and news reporting. The right blog can answer questions you may have in regard to any number of topics related to your business. Subscribing to blogs you find informative is a must. I do. I have perused the internet for bloggers who seem to speak to me and offer another view of things that I hadn't thought about. And we should never stop learning or being open to receiving new information.
When I was previously in the work force putting in my 8-5 hours, blogging was part of my responsibility as a Press Relations specialist. It was also part of my freelance writing career. I was able to write about software in a way that offered easy reading and a view from a "real-world" user of that software. And now that I own my own business, I approach it from the same way. I write what I know was important for me in my learning how to be successful in my business and I want to offer it to others in the way I perceived it. I write every entry hoping what I write will change someone's life and help them to better understand what it takes to be their own boss. I take the attitude that if I can help even one person change the level of their success, then I'll know I've contributed.
I get contacted by people who ask me things such as "what do I blog about?", or "what do I say?", or "what if no one thinks I'm interesting?". And over-thinking and analyzing what you want to say in your blog can actually detract from its effectiveness. If you sit down and expand on one thing that happened to you, or that you learned from, you will, most certainly, have appropriate blog content. That said, however, you should also put it out there in a way that is readable, understandable and appropriate. Thus, the importance of writing skills...
No one is a perfect writer. And writing styles vary person to person. That's why one person likes Nora Roberts and the other lives for Stephen King novels. And comments, if you receive them, should be received with the attitude that you value the input and will grow and learn from that input. The more you write, the better you will become at it. And there are many people whose blogs I read even a year ago, that I revisit now and am taken aback at how inspirational their content has become. The best writing, to me, is done in a conversational style. If you can say what you want to say the way you would to a friend through your writing, you will reach people.
Ideally, your blog subscribers or readers should feel you there talking to them, and welcome the content as offering a value in it's information. It should also be simple and follow a clear train of thought. No matter what you are covering, it should be read, and reread before you put it out there as your own.
Sometimes, I will write a blog and read it the next morning and decide the best place for it is in a file. It wasn't what I wanted representing me and it didn't offer content that I would have read myself. That's the true test. Ask yourself, "Do people really need this information?" And if they do, are you including content that is actually supporting the point you are trying to make? Is it guiding your subscribers and readers to the conclusion you want them to come to? When you read it, if it sounds redundant, edit your work. Keep what you need to make your point, and do away with fluff or unnecessary content.
I started a habit a long time ago of keeping a small pad and pen with me wherever I go. If I'm out and about and think of something that changed the course of my day, or try something that I experience success with, I jot down a few words to remind me about that thought. At any given time, I may have 10 topics that are pending as possible topics for my blog. Some may never be used. Others, I can't wait to write about and they are crossed off the next day. It's a great habit to get in and will provide you with content to expand on. Even things people say to you or something you read in a book can be a spur for a great blog idea.
The important thing is to get started. Once you do, you will find it comes easier with each entry. Worst case, you find out you need to improve your writing skills and utilize a grammar/spelling checker to help you out initially. Best case, you may discover that you have a hidden talent and actually might have fun doing it.
Tami Stodghill
Owner: Wealthy Way Of Life
http://www.wealthywayoflife.com/
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• The Value of Writing Using Good Grammar by Marjorie J McDonald
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
8 Mar 2010 at 4:55am
Grammarians celebrate! Some fun tips to help you with your writing.
Today is National Grammar Day. More than just a silly holiday, Grammar Day serves as a good reminder to communicate clearly, using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. How you write and speak is a reflection of who you are, and giving a presentation riddled with spelling errors or poor grammar can take away from the messag... ( expand article )
Grammarians celebrate! Some fun tips to help you with your writing.
Today is National Grammar Day. More than just a silly holiday, Grammar Day serves as a good reminder to communicate clearly, using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. How you write and speak is a reflection of who you are, and giving a presentation riddled with spelling errors or poor grammar can take away from the message you're trying to impart to others.
Take a look at some common grammar mistakes and how you can avoid them:
Me, Myself and I
Knowing when to use me, myself or I depends on whether you're the subject or the object of the sentence. An easy way to remember which word to use is to take the other person out of the equation. So, if you're going to the bank with Mr. Fargo, you'd say, "Mr. Black and I went to the bank." Why? Because if you take Mr. Black out of the sentence, you wouldn't say, "Me went to the bank."
The word "myself" should only be used sparingly, and only for emphasis. It is not a substitute for "me." You might say, "I love working for Willis Company, myself." But don't say, "Myself and Henry Willis ate lunch together."
Affect vs. Effect
Affect is a verb. To remember this, look at the "a" in affect and think "action." The movie greatly affected her.
Effect is a verb or a noun. It's most commonly used as a noun. The movie had an effect on her. As a verb, effect means to bring something about, especially a change. As a general rule, you should always think twice about using effect as a verb-you can usually find a clearer way to communicate if you just think about your words.
Use Your Dictionary!
Often in the corporate world, words are invented, but your dictionary is filled with realwords, so use them. Make sure you're not making up something new like "solutioning" or "planful" to sound important. Often, using a made-up word has just the opposite effect.
More Than or Over?
Over is a spatial reference. More than is a numeric reference. So, if you're "over the hill," you might be "more than 40 years old." In other words, use "more than" when talking about numbers and amounts, and use "over" when you're talking about the location of something.
Is it Insure or Ensure?
Insure and ensure are sound-alike words with slightly different meanings. Sometimes even the best writers and editors mix these up. Remembering definitions for each is a way to keep the two straight:
» Insure means to protect against risk.
» Ensure means to make certain.
Use "insure" when you're talking about things that are related to insurance. Use "ensure" in most other cases. And, just to complicate things further, a similar-sounding word-"assure"-means to convince someone or make someone confident. Are you still with me?
i.e. vs. e.g.
These two show up frequently in business communications, and many times the terms are used interchangeably. Here's the difference between the two so you don't make this mistake.
» i.e. stands for id est (that is). Use it when you're explaining something. I like cats and dogs, i.e., animals you can have as pets in your home.
» e.g. stands for exempli gratia (for example). You can remember this by pretending that e.g. stands for example given. I like big dogs, e.g., Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.
And, don't forget to use commas before and after using either one in writing.
Unnecessary Verbiage
According to the dictionary, "verbiage" means "more words than are required for clarity or precision." When you're writing or speaking, try to cut down on the words and phrases you use that just aren't necessary. If something "goes without saying," then don't say it. Adding tired clauses or clichés to your speech only helps people tune you out.
Then or Than?
When one event follows another, it's correct to use "then." For instance: The machine turned on, then she entered her ATM card.
When two things are being compared, use "than." Her credit balance is higher than his.
And now I invite you to join me for a series of writing exercises to help you discover your areas of interest in writing as well as increasing your creativity. You may access these exercises by visiting http://www.freecreativewritingstrategies.com/ You also may enjoy visiting my blog at http://www.creativewritingmadeeasy.com/
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• How to Create Your Internet Business Press Release by Tyrone Shum
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
28 Feb 2010 at 5:04am
The Secret Is In Preparation! The key to dealing with the media is demonstrating your ability to act quickly and to have information ready when people ask for it. Before reaching out to the media, develop the following:
1. A good media release (some hints follow)
2. A few backup ideas, in case the first one you present is knocked back by the journalist
3. A one-page biography of yourself highlig... ( expand article )
The Secret Is In Preparation! The key to dealing with the media is demonstrating your ability to act quickly and to have information ready when people ask for it. Before reaching out to the media, develop the following:
1. A good media release (some hints follow)
2. A few backup ideas, in case the first one you present is knocked back by the journalist
3. A one-page biography of yourself highlighting your experience and capabilities, which shows them you are a credible source
4. A list of sample questions for the journalist to ask you (this can be especially helpful when working with radio stations, particularly the smaller or underfunded ones)
5. A digital image of yourself, such as professional photos available for download at 300dpi
6. Samples of your product (or if you're providing a service, testimonials from customers who have tried it)
By providing a journalist the information they need, it makes the process of writing a story very easy for them and they will appreciate your efforts.
Simple Rules For Writing A Great Press Release:
* Have a great headline - a compelling headline hooks in reporters and editors, just as it does regular readers
* One page only - longer releases might not get read
* Do not share your whole story in a media release. Grab their attention and demonstrate a clearly defined angle
* If your angle is strong, they'll want to know more about you
* Formatting isn't critical, but most releases use 12 Point, Times New Roman, with generous left and right margins
* Use short, sharp paragraphs and avoid long sentences
* Add a quote to the story from someone
* Include your contact details, including your mobile phone number
* Check your spelling and grammar, and check it again before you contact your target
Sending Your Press Release
The best way to send a press release is to follow these steps to ensure a greater response:
1. Study the publications you'd like to be featured in, and learn the names of the journalists who cover companies or subjects like yours. Then call that journalist
2. Be prepared with a 20 second pitch that introduces yourself and gives the journalists a little taste of your story. Here is an example: "Hi, my name is Tyrone Shum from Internet Business Path. I have a great story about a young entrepreneur who has developed several internet ventures. Would you be interested in doing a story?" Usually the journalist would ask for more information. If they say yes, ask them for their email address and send them the story. If they say no, offer another angle, which you would have prepared beforehand as mentioned in the "Preparation" section
3. Once you have sent your press release via email, allow for 48 hours before contacting them to follow up. Usually journalists would contact you for an interview if they like your story. Be prepared to have all the information mentioned above.
Once you have successfully sent numerous press releases to different media outlets, you would be on your way to establishing greater credibility. By having this credibility we need to leverage it through the different marketing avenues to build traffic to your e-commerce website.
http://www.internetbusinesspath.com/
Tyrone Shum is an internet marketer helping you enhance your internet business through his weekly podcasts, tips and resources.
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• Journalists' Use of Social Media Is Surging
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
28 Feb 2010 at 5:00am
Use of social media tools by journalists is surging, growing in double-digit percentages in some cases. This is among the key findings of the 2nd Annual Middleberg/SNCR Survey of Media in the Wired World, conducted by the Society for New Communications Research team of Jen McClure, SNCR founder and president, and SNCR Senior Fellow, Don Middleberg. The study was made possible in part by Marketw... ( expand article )
Use of social media tools by journalists is surging, growing in double-digit percentages in some cases. This is among the key findings of the 2nd Annual Middleberg/SNCR Survey of Media in the Wired World, conducted by the Society for New Communications Research team of Jen McClure, SNCR founder and president, and SNCR Senior Fellow, Don Middleberg. The study was made possible in part by Marketwire.
Major objectives of the study included an examination of:
The impact of new media and communications tools on the way journalists workOnline resources and social media that are considered the most valuable tools and how they are being used by journalistsThe frequency of use and preferences for a variety new media and communications tools and technologiesAttitudes of journalists toward the impact and value of these new tools and trends in journalism
Another goal of the study was to provide insights as to how public relations professionals can understand these changes in order to work more effectively with journalists, and provide more value to the journalistic community.
Three hundred forty one journalists participated in the survey. Top findings include:
Nearly 70% of journalists surveyed are using social networking sites, a 28% increase since the results of the 2008 Survey of Media in the Wired World were released48% are using Twitter or other microblogging sites and tools, a 25% increase since 200866% are reading blogs48% are viewing videos online25% are listening to podcastsNearly 80% of journalists surveyed believe that bloggers have become important opinion-shapers in recent years91% of journalists surveyed agree that new media and communications tools and technologies are enhancing journalism to some extent
When asked to share their thoughts about how social media is changing the profession of journalism, participating journalists provided a wide range of responses. One respondent answered, "Social media is changing the profession. It has enhanced the dialog between audience and writer and expanded the scope of those who can participate in disseminating news." Another commented, "It is full of peril and promise."
"This study indicates that there is now a large and growing percentage of journalists who view social media and the participation by the public in the journalistic process to be a necessary, and in most cases, positive step in the evolution of journalism," said Jen McClure, founder and president, Society for New Communications Research. "They understand the future of journalism to be a highly participatory, collaborative and dynamic process."
SNCR Senior Fellow Don Middleberg, CEO of Middleberg Communications, added, "While companies are increasingly paying more attention to social media for revenue generation, employee productivity and enhanced consumer loyalty, many do not yet understand the true scope and depth of these new communications tools for journalistic usage. As a result, some companies are losing share of voice among journalists to their competitors. Social media presents a new opportunity to communicate and develop relationships with a whole new generation of journalists through these new channels of choice."
"The definitions and roles of journalists and public relations practitioners have changed significantly over the past few years," commented Paolina Milana, EVP, Marketing/Editorial Operations/Media Relations at Marketwire, corporate sponsor of the study. "Social media is immediate, it is accessible, and it has irrevocably changed the relationship between makers, reporters and consumers of news. The more that all journalistic participants understand each other's needs, how they use various media channels at their disposal, and how they want to work with PR professionals, the better the entire communication process will be."
The research findings will be shared in a complimentary web briefing hosted by the Society for New Communications Research and Middleberg Communications, sponsored by Marketwire. The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 10:00 am PT/1:00 pm ET. For more information and to register, visit http://sncr.wufoo.com/forms/sncr-research-briefing/.
The final results will be highlighted in the SNCR's Journal of New Communications Research and published in a full report, which will be available later this month.
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• Professional Writing Skills Book Offers Solution To Poor Writing Skills Plaguing Nation
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
28 Feb 2010 at 4:56am
Write It Well, a Bay Area-based training and consulting company that helps people improve their business writing skills, has just published a new edition of its popular book about writing for business. Professional Writing Skills: A Write It Well Guide now includes expanded sections on e-mail, grammar, and punctuation. The book addresses a fundamental yet largely overlooked skill in every caree... ( expand article )
Write It Well, a Bay Area-based training and consulting company that helps people improve their business writing skills, has just published a new edition of its popular book about writing for business. Professional Writing Skills: A Write It Well Guide now includes expanded sections on e-mail, grammar, and punctuation. The book addresses a fundamental yet largely overlooked skill in every career level of business: how to write business letters, e-mail, and other documents that communicate clearly and effectively. Poorly written documents can sabotage careers, threaten productivity, and negatively affect a company's image, while effective written communication increases productivity and improves the workplace environment.
Employers should take note. A Write It Well survey found that nearly 75 percent of people think that they could make better use of their writing time. Wasted time affects a company's overall productivity. In today's increasingly global economy, companies rely on written documents and e-mail to allow large teams to work together efficiently across time zones. Poorly written documents and e-mail can be detrimental to a project's results and deteriorate team dynamics, both of which directly affect a company's bottom line.
"It's very important to write clearly, concisely, and professionally if you want to be competitive in today's business environment," says Amanda Noguera, Regional Sales Director, AVOKE Caller Experience Analytics, BBN Technologies.
Even with so much at stake, more professionals are entering the workforce without the ability to express themselves clearly in writing. According to The National Commission on Writing for America's Families, Schools, and Colleges, more and more schools and colleges today neglect to teach students the essentials of writing. As a result, many college graduates enter the workforce with poor writing skills. Yet writing is a fundamental business skill. In fact, a recent survey by the Commission found that half of all companies assess writing abilities during the hiring process and promotion decisions.
The solution is for companies to invest in business writing skills. "Most of our employees – engineers, developers, product managers, marketing staff – were never taught how to write professionally; they were just thrown into it," says Jocelyn King, Director, Worldwide Marketing Operations, National Semiconductor Corporation. "Professional Writing Skills: A Write It Well Guide offers people what they need to get their point across clearly and present a professional image of themselves and of our corporation in everything they write."
Designed for use by individuals, teams, or as part of classroom training, Professional Writing Skills: A Write It Well Guide is a cost-effective and flexible solution. " The book's for anyone, really. It answers many of our everyday writing questions in simple language without getting bogged down by daunting grammar and style rules. And it offers clear plans of action for those who might get overwhelmed by the writing process," says Michelle Meyers, Associate Editor, CNET News.
Professional Writing Skills: A Write It Well Guide, ISBN 9780982447116, will be available at Amazon.com and bookstores nationwide for $37.00. Visit http://www.writeitwell.com/ for more information about Write It Well's books, on-site training, webinars, and facilitator guides
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• Writing Vocabulary 2010 by Rosalinda Martinez
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
21 Feb 2010 at 10:38am
Writing skills are developed through consistent practice and guts. It entails a lot of editing and revisions. Sometimes one is not satisfied at all. But then, there are many ways to improve writing.
Like speaking, reading, and listening; writing involves the work of the senses. Moreover, it needs more than just looking, but going beyond and imagining. Details are crucial because there are hundr... ( expand article )
Writing skills are developed through consistent practice and guts. It entails a lot of editing and revisions. Sometimes one is not satisfied at all. But then, there are many ways to improve writing.
Like speaking, reading, and listening; writing involves the work of the senses. Moreover, it needs more than just looking, but going beyond and imagining. Details are crucial because there are hundreds of readers. It is the writer's responsibility to give good and helpful materials to everyone.
Ideas are generated from journal writing, mapping, clustering words, brainstorming, listing examples, word prompts, or free writing, among others. Now, because of modern technology visuals create varied ideas for new materials.
Check this out: 10 writing words frequently used:
1. Journal
A journal is a written account of any event, place, or person. It can be a web log, a diary, a lecture, schedules, and /or an academic notebook. Take note of Virginia Woolf's and Anne Frank's diaries. Live journals are also available online. Journals will be helpful for writing practice.
2. Feature article
Something that is informative, helpful and novel is the standard feature article. In today's global community, the feature article is one of the most in-demand-commodities. A good feature article must conform to the basic standards of grammar and writing structure. Check out the latest on "Ezine Articles.com."
3. Fiction
A fiction is a short story that is a product of imagination. The fiction story roots from an idea that involves a theme, a plot with conflict, a climax and a denouement, characters, point of view, setting, and dialogue and symbols.
4. Creative nonfiction
Creative Nonfiction is the art of writing facts. It includes: journals, biographies, essays, book reviews, and film reviews, among others. Creative Nonfiction can be considered part of fine art, just like fiction.
5. A news story
A news story answers the question words: what, when, where, why and how. The first paragraph of the news is called the lead paragraph. It contains the exact details of a story that is timely/ current.
6. Testimony
A testimony is that part of nonfiction that tells about an event, especially in a person's life that makes a turning point. A testimony serves as inspiration to readers. A testimony must be candid.
7. Sentence
A sentence is a group of words that has a complete idea. The simple sentence has a subject and a predicate.
8. Monologue
A monologue, in drama, is a speech by a single actor. It is a speech you make to yourself. Laugh, and think about talking to yourself.
9. Film
The art or business of moving pictures. The film involves scriptwriting and dialogues. Just like fiction, the film starts from an idea.
10. Writer
A writer is someone who is involved in the craft, business, or art of writing.
Make sentences from these words. Practice. We shall write.
http://rfvietnamrose09.blogspot.com/
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• Teaching a Foreign Language? Best Teach in the Accent of the Listener
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
21 Feb 2010 at 10:29am
Perception of second language speech is easier when it is spoken in the accent of the listener and not in the 'original' accent of that language, shows a new study from the University of Haifa. The study was published in the Journal of Psycholinguistic Research.
Many adult schools teaching second languages insist on exposing their students to the languages in their 'original' accents. However, t... ( expand article )
Perception of second language speech is easier when it is spoken in the accent of the listener and not in the 'original' accent of that language, shows a new study from the University of Haifa. The study was published in the Journal of Psycholinguistic Research.
Many adult schools teaching second languages insist on exposing their students to the languages in their 'original' accents. However, this new study, carried out by Dr. Raphiq Ibrahim and Dr. Mark Leikin of the University of Haifa's Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Center for the Study of Learning Disabilities, Prof. Zohar Eviatar of the Department of Psychology and Prof. Shimon Sapir of the Department of Learning Disabilities, found that this system is not necessarily the best and certainly not the most expeditious.
The present study set out to reveal the level of phonological information that the adult learner requires in order to identify words in a second language that had been learned at a later age, and whether the level of phonological information that they require varies when the words are pronounced in different accents.
The researchers recorded four Hebrew sentences in which the last word was a noun pronounced in a different accent: Hebrew, Arabic, Russian and English. These sentences were electronically encoded on a computer system and applied to the "gating" paradigm, in which participants are exposed to increasing amounts of a speech stimulus (40 milliseconds), and at each 'gate', are asked to identify the stimulus. This procedure allows the identification of the point at which a word is recognized.
The sentences were played to 60 participants aged 18-26; 20 of the participants were native Hebrew speakers; 20 were new adult immigrants to Israel from the Former Soviet Union who had learned Hebrew only after moving to Israel; 20 were Israeli Arabic speakers who began learning Hebrew at age 7-8.
The findings show that there is no difference in the amount of phonological information that the native Hebrew speakers need in order to decipher the words, regardless of accent. With the Russian and Arabic speakers, on the other hand, less phonological information was needed in order to recognize the Hebrew word when it was pronounced in the accent of their native language than when they heard it in the accent of another language.
"This research lays emphasis on the importance of continuing investigation into the cognitive perspectives of accent in order to gain a better understanding of how we learn languages other than our native tongue. In Israel and in other countries where the population is made up of many different language groups, this understanding holds great significance," the researchers conclude.
Adapted from materials provided by University of Haifa.
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• BLOGGING FOR MORE BUSINESS
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
11 Feb 2010 at 12:08pm
Today there are more than 133,000,000 million blogs while an estimated 77% of active Internet users read blogs. Yet, there are still a lot of business owners and leaders who wonder, "Should we be blogging?"
What possible benefits come of spending time and money sending thoughts into an already jam-packed "blogoshpere?"
To help businesses answer this question, Red Rocket Media Group has just relea... ( expand article )
Today there are more than 133,000,000 million blogs while an estimated 77% of active Internet users read blogs. Yet, there are still a lot of business owners and leaders who wonder, "Should we be blogging?"
What possible benefits come of spending time and money sending thoughts into an already jam-packed "blogoshpere?"
To help businesses answer this question, Red Rocket Media Group has just released, "Why You Should Be Blogging for Your Company." The article summarizes recent "State of the Blogoshpere 2009" information from leading blog site Technorati while adding valuable insights based on experience.
Marketing Director Aaron Brown said the article, "tries to let businesses know that, yes, you should definitely blog." He said that many businesses hesitate to join the crowd because they think it will be a waste of time or just a "me too" effort. Some businesses also worry that blogging would be too time consuming and that they wouldn't be able to control what's posted on the blog.
However, the October 2009 Technorati survey found that, 74% of those self-employed said they are blogging more often lately because, "It has proven to be valuable for promoting my business."
The article from Red Rocket gives readers three solid reasons to blog how to find that value.
Anyone can get the blogging article at http://www.redrocketmg.com/seo-blogging.asp.
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• Health Stories by Experts More Credible Than Blogs
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
11 Feb 2010 at 12:07pm
Health information written by a doctor is rated as more credible when it appears on a website than in a blog or a homepage, according to a study of college students.
The findings highlight the relative importance of different online sources to people who seek health information on the Internet.
"Most people look for health information online by keying disease symptoms into various search engines,... ( expand article )
Health information written by a doctor is rated as more credible when it appears on a website than in a blog or a homepage, according to a study of college students.
The findings highlight the relative importance of different online sources to people who seek health information on the Internet.
"Most people look for health information online by keying disease symptoms into various search engines," said S. Shyam Sundar, distinguished professor of communications, Penn State. "But the results of that search could range from experts at the Mayo Clinic to somebody's personal blog."
Sundar and his colleague Yifeng Hu, lead author and assistant professor of communications, College of New Jersey, Ewing, N.J., study how people evaluate and act on online health information.
"We are looking at accuracy and believability," explained Sundar. "We want to see how people act on the advice they receive, and whether they recommend it to others or forward it to friends online."
Researchers found that study participants were more likely to believe -- and make use of -- information on a website from a source identified as an expert than from a layperson. Health information on the websites of TV, radio, and newspapers was not included in the study.
Participants also believed that editors and moderators help websites present accurate and complete information. Blogs, homepages, and social networking sites were seen as lacking such gatekeeping. The findings appear in the February issue of Communication Research.
Sundar and Hu presented 555 college students with screenshots of one of two health articles, attributed either to a doctor or to a layperson. Students received these articles as either from a formal website, individual homepage, a blog, a bulletin board -- a chat site where people can post messages -- or were simply told that they came from the Internet.
The first article discouraged the use of sunscreen to avoid Vitamin D deficiency, while the second advocated the consumption of raw milk over pasteurized milk.
"We wanted to find out if users differentiate between various sources of online information and how that choice impacts their decisions," said Sundar. "The health topics were controversial enough to raise questions of credibility among readers."
Statistical analyses of student questionnaires suggest that screenshots of both health topics were seen as significantly more reliable when attributed to a doctor and featured on a website rather than on a blog, individual homepage or a bulletin board.
"It tells us that young people are actually differentiating between different online sources when evaluating health information on the Internet," said Sundar.
Students were also significantly more likely to follow up on the advice they had received through websites and bulletin boards -- compared to blogs and homepages -- by acting on it and sharing it with friends.
Sundar believes that additional use of expert sources could help online bulletin boards gain greater credibility.
"It is the future of how health information will be distributed over the Internet," said Sundar. "If doctors are serious about disseminating health information, they should do it on a bulletin board instead of a homepage."
The Korea Science and Engineering Foundation supported this work.
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• MARKETING LURE TO ANALYZE HOW SLOPPY WRITING INFLUENCES BUYER BEHAVIOR
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
11 Feb 2010 at 12:05pm
One error in a resume can be the kiss of death for a job hunter, but can writing errors hurt businesses, too? That is the question Marketing Lure wants to answer with a new, online survey.
The idea came to business owner Sue Anderson-Lenz after reading a story in TIME magazine. In it, the columnist mentioned that a neighbor was canceling her subscription to a major newspaper because it contained... ( expand article )
One error in a resume can be the kiss of death for a job hunter, but can writing errors hurt businesses, too? That is the question Marketing Lure wants to answer with a new, online survey.
The idea came to business owner Sue Anderson-Lenz after reading a story in TIME magazine. In it, the columnist mentioned that a neighbor was canceling her subscription to a major newspaper because it contained typographical errors. Wondering if newspapers are held to a higher standard than other businesses, Anderson-Lenz created a survey to understand the link between writing and sales.
The survey has sparked a debate on several social networking sites, with opinions split into two camps. Some people argue that businesses should be judged on substance, not structure. Purists, however, contend that sloppy writing can be an indicator of deeper problems at a company.
The short, five-question survey will measure how poor writing influences buyers’ decisions and whether opinions vary for different mediums. Participants can remain completely anonymous, or submit their e-mail address to receive survey results.
Marketing Lure will keep the survey open until February 28, 2010 and publish findings during the March/April timeframe in the Marketing Lure blog. To take the survey, go to http://bit.ly/grammar-survey.
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• Don't Let Language Rules Hamstring Your Business Writing and Business Communications by Dave Griffiths
by noreply@blogger.com (Brian Scott)
31 Jan 2010 at 9:53am
"From now on, ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I shall not put."
- Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
I love that thought from the old statesman/historian/blowhard because it illustrates a collective affliction in the way we use our native tongue. Not only do we fall unthinkingly into copying each other when it comes to the latest trite phrase; we also adhere rigidly to... ( expand article )
"From now on, ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I shall not put."
- Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
I love that thought from the old statesman/historian/blowhard because it illustrates a collective affliction in the way we use our native tongue. Not only do we fall unthinkingly into copying each other when it comes to the latest trite phrase; we also adhere rigidly to grammar shibboleths such as "proper" sentence closure.
In the business writing classes that I teach for federal agencies, nonprofits and private firms, otherwise intelligent men and women admit to hang-ups that have bedeviled them all the way back to that blue-haired high school English teacher diagramming sentences on the dusty blackboard.
Don't get me wrong. I've got nothing against rules - if they make sense. Take capitalization and spelling. If you casual email communicators can't exert the effort to capitalize the first letter of the first word in a sentence, I assume you're just as indolent in the "thinking" that goes into the message itself. By the same token, if you rely solely on "spell-check" and blissfully ignore the distinction between "their," "they're" and "there," or fail to edit your writing for proper name spelling, I have a perfect right to ask: "What else is wrong with this email (or white paper, memo, proposal, etc.)?" Or worse: "I thought this guy was a professional."
No, the "rules" that trouble me are the imagined ones, such as not ending a sentence with a preposition, or avoiding "And" to start a sentence, or placing commas. My advice: Lighten up and be yourself. Back in my Washington journalism days, when I was struggling with the transition from covering civil and military aviation for a trade publication to covering the Pentagon for a lay readership at Business Week magazine, I got some great advice from an editor: "Write as if you're having a conversation with an intelligent friend."
Try it. When you talk to your boss, a colleague, a vendor, etc., I guarantee you already end your sentences on a preposition and start the next sentence with "And." And when you actually write, try saying the words out loud. Reach a natural pause, and it's comma time. Try it. The key here is to keep process from hamstringing product, to avoid focusing on form so much that content suffers.
Please visit my website at http://www.davegriffithscommunications.com/, where you'll find that I've worked with a variety of government, nonprofit and private-sector clients on business communication skills -- from effective writing to presentation skills to media training. I travel widely to do writing skills training and media and presentation skills training for federal agencies and businesses that need help with technical writing and written sales proposals.
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Newsroom (Index)
1. Working Writers, 2. Fast Cash Freelance, 3. Screenwriting News, 4. Writers Write, 5. Writers in the Sky, 6. Study Student News,7. Freelance Blogging News, 8. Photography News, 9. Graphic Design News, 10. E-Media Tidbits, 11. Bloggers Blog,
12. Creative Freelancing, 13. Copyright Law, 14. Book Deals,
15. Book Publishing News,16. Readers Read, 17. Literacy News,
18. Write Better, 19. Horror Fiction News |
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