I occasionally have the privilege to sit in classes taught by people who have decades more experience at writing and marketing than I do—and it’s always a privilege to learn from them. Today’s course was given by a man who works for a radio station in New Jersey. Here are a few of his key lessons:
Good writing begins in the heart, and reaches the heart.
Noble themes lead to noble words.
To be a better writer, be a better reader.
Be less boring—leave out filler words, predictable phrases, and unsubstantiated claims.
Write to help your reader grow.
People’s brains are fast. Let them fill in their own details.
Cut your adjectives, double your verbs.
Less words equal greater impact.
Don’t mistake style for substance.
Write to your audience like you’re sitting at a table in Starbucks over a latte.
Build word pictures—don’t just spew a bunch of details.