Writing Skills – Who Cares?

- Kafui (@qaphui)

Do you care now?

Written Communication involves expressing yourself clearly, using language with precision; constructing a logical argument; note taking, editing and summarising; and writing reports.

Definition

How to improve one’s writing

Practice makes Perfect!

Elements of Writing

Structure

Simplify your thoughts and understand the purpose for writing

Identify the key facts and themes, and decide on logical order of what you want to say.

Write a captivating introduction, and a compelling ending.

Distinguish key points from other content : headings, bulleting, etc.

(How your content is laid out)

Elements of Writing (Cont’d)

Style

Make your content neat, and elegant

Ensure that you are concise. (If in doubt, cut it out!)

Ensure that your content is simple, direct and coherent.

Are your paragraphs too long? Is there a blank line between paragraphs to aid clarity?

(How your content is written)

Elements of Writing (Cont’d)

Content Is your content positive and

constructive?

Are your main points concealed by your details?

Edit! Edit! Edit!

Leave your writing overnight. A fresh view is inevitable in the morning.

(What EXACTLY are you writing about?)

Ensure your argument has been developed in a logical way.

Have a clear objective, with well-thought out points.

Have you shown an interest in your reader?

“The four basic premises of writing are clarity, brevity, simplicity, and humanity.” - William Zinsser

Hint!

Activity: Steps for Writing a Press Release

Start with a title that could be used as a headline for your story

Your first paragraph is the most important

Following your introductory paragraph which sets the scene, include two or three additional paragraphs that explain the story in more detail, then a quote from someone senior in the organisation saying what effect it will have.

Write a concluding paragraph that sums up the main message

Check out a Sample