10 tools to write, clarify and communicate

“The two words ‘information’ and ‘communication’ are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through.”, Sydney J. Harris

We’re all the hero on our individual journey.

It’s because the hero, storytelling and communication are a basic part of being human. The simple story is that a community looks up to a hero to protect, communicate and lead to a better world.

Hero has it roots in the Greek hērōs meaning “demi-god” and Pre-Greek *ser meaning “to protect”.

As a hero we all communicate the big picture, the action and excitement. Video and song capture the initial attention yet anything longer than a few minutes needs words to provide the detail. Words provide the nuance and direction to clarify and communicate.

Words evolved from simple marks to pictures on stone (hieroglyphics) or screen (emoji). An alphabet is a complete set of complex marks (or symbolic characters) that allow us to build up words with the superpower of communication.

Character is derived from the Greek kharássō meaning “I engrave”. Its meaning of ‘a mark of distinctive quality’ can be seen in its usage within the alphabet and the quality of an individual.

In summary, as a hero we can protect, communicate and lead our ‘tribe’ by using words and their inherent quality and good character.

In a diverse world we all have something we need and something else we can provide. It’s a big world that has shrunk with technology so it’s important to be heard. A hero can make their mark leaving a unique signature using these 10 tools.

1. Value

WIIFM? (What’s in it for me?) is the question we’re all asking, so know the value of what you provide. It will help define your strategy and place in the world with customers and competitors.

2. Purpose

We all have a purpose yet it needs to be clear. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, know what you’re trying to do (aim), why you’re doing it (values) and how it’s used (use).

3. Goal

There’s a difference between being busy and productive. Whether you call it a target, milestone or KPI (key performance indicator), know the right direction and when you’ve arrived.

4. Journey

There are many ways to get to your goal. Whether you call it a map, plan or process, know if you’re moving forwards, backwards or just in circles.

5. Vehicle

The journey is always longer, harder and more tricky than you think. Whether it’s “my way or the highway” use technology, logic and creativity … it could be the internet, the wheel or your imagination.

6. Engage

It’s obvious we need someone to listen and buy. Whether your audience is a nation, community or tribe, they won’t follow if the previous tools haven’t been used and not abused.

7. Content

We‘re happy when we’re satisfied with something of substance … that’s why they call it ‘Content’. Whether it’s physical or psychological, real or virtual, it’s all about providing understanding and fulfilling a desire.

8. Connections

When you’ve found your audience and produced the content, know how to bring the two together. A journey without connections is a lonely place.

9. Conversations

There’s a difference between a nod, a chat and a conversation. Whatever the medium, it’s meaningless when there’s no sharing and comparing of ideas, opinions and values.

10. Resources

To deliver the above takes energy, time and will power. Whether it’s internal or outsourced, the hard work still has to be done … it’s accepting this and choosing who does it.

In real life we don’t have Iron Man’s armour, Wonder Woman’s bracelets or Thor’s hammer. We can’t call on Ladybug’s Miraculous, the Incredibles or X-Men. We have to rely on other tools, so whatever your product or service you need the superpower of communication.

Communication is an essential of civilisation, and writing is a tried and tested method. Unlike many methods it is preserved in a simple format which is understandable and provides detail, focus and nuance. It does not diminish or degrade over time and is cost effective. It is used to support other media such as video, images and sound and can be produced with the simplest of tools.

Contact me by DM or [email protected] to explore writing, the journey and the connection process.

Are you “getting through or just giving out”?

Who’s your hero?

What tools do they use?

Copyright ? 2021 Peter Ning, All Rights reserved

#communicationtips, #communicationskills, #communications, #storytelling, #blogging, #contentwriter, #copywriting, #slowmessage

References

Character: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/character

Hero: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero

Traveller (Tuesday) Post: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/petercning_slowmessage-truth-fakenews-activity-6785085916710019073-8SaJ