Bad Writing is like Bad Breath
“Bad Writing is like Bad Breath. Most people won’t say anything to your face about it.” — Thomas Baldrick
It’s bad news if this comes as breaking news. Telling your stories well is important in business and in life. What is the quality of your writing? Does it help you or hurt you? Do you know or just hope? Bad writing could be hurting you and your business.
“Bad Writing is like Bad Breath. It could be turning people away, and keeping them away.”
You can always learn. You can always improve. Yes, this includes writing. I had written hundreds or thousands of hours worth of content which aired on TV. I also authored two books among my many other writing projects. Still, a few years ago, I had the gift of working closely with “Radar” Roy Reyer. and the legendary Joe Sugarman (creator of Triggers). Their input, advice, and criticism made me a better writer, much better. Plus, I now enjoy writing more than ever. Thank you sirs. I’m forever grateful.
Back to the business at hand. If you want to stop bad breath right now…I suggest Listerine or Altoids. If you want to stop bad writing right now…here’s a hint not a mint. I suggest you take a look at these 12 Tips for Writing Success. I hope one or all 12 of these I’ve come up with may be of assistance to you.
12 Tips for Writing Success
12. Think about your audience. Who is going to read your writing? Who is the ultimate end user or ideal customer? Think about this person. Picture this person in your mind. Write to this person. Write for this person.
11. Focus on benefits. What does the reader want? Why are they reading your writing? Why do they care about the topic? Appeal to the benefits they seek. Benefits. Benefits. Benefits. This will get you the best results.
10. Most people don’t read in groups. Most people read as individuals. Most people use the internet as individuals. Why try to write for the masses? Write to your ideal end user or customer for ideal results. Hopefully, you’ll reach the masses.
9. Use shorter sentences. They are most effective, especially for the internet. Think instant gratification. Think short attention span. Think of “hooking” readers.
“Bad Writing is like Bad Breath. People won’t appreciate it or you.”
8. How do you like THAT? Take notice the word “that” is a dead word. It is overused on the internet. You’ll learn quickly it can often be removed from a sentence without any loss of value.
7. We all make mistakes. “Check before Send” is a wise motto which prevents showcasing your writing mistakes.
6. I enjoyed a long successful career in television. If I missed writing deadlines but made excuses I’d have quickly become yesterday’s news.
5. If you can, find your own writing system and stick to it. By writing system I mean how you write, where you write, when you write, etc.
“Bad writing is like Bad Breath. People will remember, and won’t want to get too close to you any time soon.”
4. When is the best time to write? Any time you can. Any time you are inspired. Writing gets easier with practice. Relax. Every writer gets “writer’s block.” If you don’t wait until the last minute, you’ll give yourself time to brainstorm, and time to walk away from writing if necessary. Doing something for fun or to relax often clears your block and helps you focus on great writing.
3. You don’t want to waste your time writing. You don’t want to waste anyone else’s time either. Give your readers accurate content with real value.
2. Don’t dare plagiarize. Unlike having bad tuna breath, people will call you on it.
1. Find your voice. Take pride in your writing. Like it or not, you sign your name to it.
“Bad writing is like Bad Breath. It’s bad for your personal brand. It’s bad business.”
Leave a comment. Add one of your writing tips. Write on My Friend!
By Thomas Baldrick Google +
Emmy Award-Winning Writer, Author, and Passionate WordSmith.
Linkedin: Thomas Baldrick
Twitter: Thomas Baldrick
Facebook: Thomas Baldrick
