Thursday, 6 November 2014

Your Mum taught you to think before you speak, but did she tell you to think before you write?

In my life I have had the serious misfortune of being extremely clumsy with words, particularly when speaking. Friends have often teased me that I am 'wangling my turds' which is code for 'tangling my words', and I was always strongly encouraged to have a properly formed sentence prepared before I opened my mouth. Considering writing also involves sentences, shouldn't this same principle apply?

In a book titled 'Professional Communication: Principles and applications', Putnis and Petelin (1996, p.224-225) detail some essentials to consider when writing professionally, something we all need a reminder of every now and then.

1 // Being considerate of the intended audience, purpose and context.

Personally, I think this is quite obvious. In writing for publication, we put our personal stamp on the work leaving our computer. Therefore, for our own legal peace of mind, it is best to avoid saying anything offensive, racist or politically incorrect. Lawsuits aside, your intended audience will only be interested in your writing if you have written it for them. Without a gun to their head, no one will read something they're not interested in, so you have to make it interesting for your readers.

2 // Build up an understanding of how readers 'take in' a document.

Do your readers enjoy humour? Or images? Or prose? What is the best way of connecting to how your readers learn? Setting out of a document can aid in this, particularly if you have a lot of information to relay. Listen to the KISS principle, and for Pete's sake, Keep It Simple Stupid.

3 // Know how to research and structure your argument.

This takes me back to my English teacher drumming into my mind the structure of an essay. But the reason an essay is structured with an introduction, argumentative paragraphs and then a conclusion? Because it makes a lot of logical sense. Follow this classic set up in all of your writing, and your readers will love you.

4 // Learn how to speak your own language.

There is nothing more painful than watching proudly as an Australian Olympian wins the gold medal, stands on the podium and struggles through the words of their own national anthem. If you're going to the Olympics as a proud Australian, then show the world that you are a proud Australian. The same principle applies here: if you claim to speak English, then learn how to write in English properly.


Those are just a few of the many tips that Putnis and Petelin could give you, and despite the age of their book, I recommend picking up a copy if you're interested in improving your communication skills. It can't hurt.



Putnis and Petelin 1996, 'Writing to communicate', Professional Communication: Principles and applications, Prentice Hall, Sydney.





.

No comments:

Post a Comment