Not too long ago, putting your thoughts to paper was a privilege that only a few could enjoy. When people were not lucky enough to voice their thoughts and views, a pen or a quill in the past came to their rescue.
Like how each brush stroke on the canvas can enlighten an artist’s soul and create a masterpiece, each word is mindfully thought out and jotted down by the writer, ultimately forming a story in which the author’s love is infused clearly.
After all, writing has not hurt anyone but rather given an insight into the world of great writers and their era through their eyes , be it Anne Frank’s diary or Shakespeare’s poems; they have successfully evoked emotions and reminded people why writing is, indeed, an art. Read more to explore the tips and tricks to make the reader tune into your thoughts and lose themselves in your words.
1. Put yourself in their boots.
The primary step before writing or even developing an idea to write is to initially understand your target audience so that you leave a lasting impact on their minds. This will make it easy to make the content relatable and funny.
Review mining can be one way to analyse and incorporate your audience’s demands which can be done by using specific expressions, slang, and mannerisms.
2. Devise a catchy headline or title.
Contradicting ‘Never judge a book by its cover,’ the title of the book is what can make an individual stop and stare. The choice of a mere five to six words can be detrimental in capturing their attention, prompting them to flip through the pages for an inquisitive look into the chapters. Therefore, ensure your title is captivating and relevant to your content.
3. Improve your vocabulary
Reading has been an unconscious habit for everyone since their schoolyears, additionally, reading can provide unlimited knowledge, improve one’s vocabulary, build confidence and self-esteem, etc. Additionally, referring to various other resources like thesaurus, manuscripts, and old letters, can be immensely helpful in updating oneself about the history, trends, current affairs, etc.
4. Use active voice and write in the present tense.
The first and foremost way to write simple and clear sentences is to use an active voice, which not only refrains you from beating around the bush but also makes your content more direct, lively, and up to date. Which in turn reduces the total number of words. Another healthy practice to maintain the use of active voice is by limiting the use of idioms and phrases, and restricting the use of metaphors to only when necessary. Such practices ensure that the reader is not confused while consuming your content.
5. Avoid unnecessary additions
Eliminate irrelevant or unnecessary words that will not add value or meaning to the context. In fact, this can confuse the reader and unintentionally create a misconception, weakening your impact and potential. Having clarity in your words can greatly impact the effectiveness of your content
6. Breaking barriers
Language has been an issue faced by many people around the world for decades. The inconvenience of not understanding the opposite person unintentionally can be frustrating. Hence, write in a language which is universally comprehensible. Try incorporating everyday language that the reader can relate to and easily share and spread awareness about.
7. Bridging the gap
Most readers treasure clear and concise writing as it ultimately uplifts the impression and potential of the content written. Therefore, adding conjunctions and transitions can help set a cohesive link and ensure smooth context flow.
8. Create a coherent structure to maintain consistency
Improper content includes signs of inconsistency, inaccurate information, and poor expression of the intended message/sentiment. This can be corrected by adapting to a mix short and long sentences and using different types of sentence structures, such as declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory. This legitimate process can create rhythm and balance and generate interest.
9. Use statistics wherever possible.
People today have developed trust issues when believing anything and everything over the internet therefore, providing proof and evidence has enriched accountability and responsibility.
When it comes to writing, attaching statistics in terms of numbers or images can be valid for maintaining transparency and developing a faithful bond.
10. Proofread and formatted accordingly.
Before making your content public, it is essential to fact-check and verify it by proofreading it and making the necessary edits to make it post-worthy. This includes checking for grammatical errors, rectifying grammar, spotting blunders, and, most importantly, eliminating inconsistencies and weaknesses. It is ready to be published if it answers all the 5Ws and 1H, which is a universal motto to factcheck any type of content.
11. Market your content
Understanding your niche audience and interacting with the masses by marketing it according to their interests can easily create a word of attraction. For example, utilising words or phrases that are personal and relatable can attract the reader quickly.
Another way is the largely used technique known as ‘Negative marketing,’ which involves risking your reputation in the name of publicity. However, it can be an effective way to gain popularity quickly.
Minimalist over maximalist
Writing is known for passing on information, conveying a message, or even spreading awareness about a certain issue. The simpler and shorter your phrases, the more effective the impact is, especially if they relate to hard news.
- Sets a hook
- Showcases your creativity and talent
- Voices out your thoughts instead of bottling up
- Educates and creates a awareness between people within your niche community
- Encourages effective communications and uplifts connections
Simplicity at its best
In the era of glorification and sensationalism, simple writing has lost its charm or is on the verge of extinction The beauty of disseminating words in their simplest form can loosen up effective communication, make it easier for people to understand, and keep them updated without any misconception, widely known as ‘creative writing’ which is an imaginative or inventive way, which can be fictitious or non-fiction, can include different forms, such as poems, stories, scripts, letters, etc.
Key takeaway
It is as hard as it is to believe that writing is a natural art form. It can move people, change their perceptions, and allow them to discover how others feel. For many, this is the fundamental nature of art and can open a realm of opportunities.
Today, many fields depend on mere words such as social media, restaurant menus, product labels, etc. A mere word can hold the utmost power and shape the reach of a particular idea or material. Hence, it is a skill many people have tried to master and failed, but again, ‘Practice makes a man perfect,’ which concludes this blog with the importance of practising these techniques to peak your writing experience overall.
