Writing Fails That Distract From Your Content!

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot,”

- Stephen King

Writing seems like one of the easiest things to do right? And if you’re not looking to be an author or a novelist, most of us feel we need not know much about it as long as we can bring the message across. Funny enough we write all the time, be it cover letters, CV’s, emails, memos, presentations, letters and many personal and business documents.

Whilst you’re not vying to be the next J. K. Rowling, how you write matters. There are simple mistakes we make and overlook that distract our readers/audience from what we are trying to say.

Common mistakes usually include (and trust me this is by no means all of them):

1.      DO NOT write the way you speak!

Often, we find that our social circle determines how we speak and the different speech patterns we develop. We get so used to the ‘squad slang’ that even though some words are obviously slang, others become ‘correct English’ in our minds. This is very much reflected in our writing. While your style, tone and voice are your writing footprint or DNA so to say, it is important to always go back to language and writing basics.

2.      Step outside of yourself

Whilst you’re the architect of your work, its significance will be determined by your audience. 

Even though the idea or point you are trying to convey is brilliant, it is important to know WHO you are writing for (No, I don’t mean on a personal level), and how they might perceive your message. You need to look at who your intended audience is, what subject knowledge, vocabulary and biases might they have and exactly how will they use your information. Your message will go a long way if you take some time to think about who you are writing for.

3.      The shorter the better

I for one overlook this more often than not. Fact is, if you can get your point across in 10 words, do not say it in 20. You need to impress your audience with your content, not your vocabulary. Too many words drown your point and forces the reader to come up with their own interpretation. Make sure you have an outline before you write, have a single focus for each paragraph complimented with supporting ideas.  

4.      Grammar and punctuation

This is where most of us have difficulty, but I’ll let you in on a little secret… The reason we’ve been seeing this grammar and punctuation animal since primary school, and sometimes all the way till first year of university, is because practice makes perfect. It takes years to get to where you can punctuate correctly like it’s a reflex. You can’t run away from this. You need to use correct grammar and punctuation so that your reader understands what you are trying to say. These rules include, sentence parts and structure, spelling, how to place punctuation marks and guidelines on word usage. These days we even have online tools to help us (Google is your friend).

And last but not least...

5.      Always review your work

Do not ride on the ‘high’ that comes after completing a body of work. The review aspect is more than just fact checking, grammar and punctuation and making sure your writing is coherent. Have trusted peers or editors go through your work too (people you know will not distort your work or try to change the message). Depending on time sensitivity of your work, take a break before you go through it again, even days after. Looking at your work with a fresh mind might just give you a better outlook and make you certain of what you’re putting out there. Patience is key. 

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There is no such thing as perfect writer. Think of it like working out, the more you do it the easier it gets. With a little self-awareness and determination, you can see great results. So, keep reading and keep writing.