Here's how you can advance your career through effective written communication.

Remember that grammar is a construct. It evolves just like language or slang. So pay attention to your business' communication. Understand that keeping it simple, clear and concise is the foundation to communication.

Focus on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Consider using tools like Grammarly to catch mistakes. Familiarize yourself with different writing styles (formal, informal, technical) to match the context of your communication. Read widely to improve your language skills and expand your vocabulary, helping you express ideas more clearly.

Clarity is key. Using Grammarly and Hemmingway for basic grammatical checks makes a difference. Use white space, headings, bullet lists or numbers over blocks of text so it's easy to consume.

This step goes well beyond writing. Always know your audience in all communication. In addition, a good rule of thumb is to avoid internal jargon as well. An example: don't send emails referring to PDP unless you know definitively that the recipient is on the same page. (This acronym has about 16 different meanings.)

What kind of information, tone, jargon, and phrases do they understand or relate to? How do they talk and engage online? You want to change the tone based on your audience.

Use simple, concise language to ensure your message is easily understood. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Organize your content with clear headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to enhance readability. Start with a strong opening that grabs attention and end with a clear call-to-action, guiding your reader on the next steps.

Use data and evidence to support your arguments and make your case more compelling. Appeal to your reader's interests and needs by highlighting how your proposal or idea benefits them. Use storytelling techniques to make your message more engaging and memorable, creating an emotional connection with your reader.

Never be afraid to start over and always review. Keep in mind your message and read through it. The beauty in writing is not the initial construction, but the careful crafting that comes after. Let your crafting of words elevate your company's impression of you. Taking care of what you say embodies many core values (attention to detail, investment or engagement to name a couple).

NEVER skip this step. Read and re-read your email. If you are replying to someone, be sure you answered all their questions too. It's a huge pet peeve of mine when I ask a-b-c, and the responder only answers "a".

Share your drafts with colleagues or mentors to get constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement. Participate in writing groups or workshops to gain different perspectives and refine your skills. Regularly review and reflect on feedback received to continuously improve your writing and communication effectiveness.

?? Effective written communication is crucial for advancing your career and can have significant financial implications, as illustrated by Rogers' million-dollar payout due to a single comma!! Can you imagine that? A workplace where clear and precise written communication leads to fewer misunderstandings and greater success? When we value the rules of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation, recognizing their impact on both lives and business outcomes. To excel in your field, understand the importance of mastering the language and discipline-specific ways of communicating. Invest in your written communication skills to enhance your career and contribute to your organization's success. It WILL make a difference! （￣︶￣）↗

Read, read, read. If you want to write well and have this skill elevate your career, read. You can never read enough. All great authors were and are voracious readers.