Ok, so you have just read the title. You know what the article is about. Your expectations have been set. And, it has been pretty straight-forward thus far hasn’t it?

Over the past few months there have been a number of different articles debating whether we (in the US) are getting better or worse in our writing. The debate is often pretty black and white. One side cites examples of how Twittering (with its 140 character limits), SMS (phone texting with its 160 character limits), Instant Messaging, and the like are all promoting poor writing. The other side cites examples where people (particularly our younger generations) are incredibly effective at adjusting their messaging to suit the medium, and, how with all these new mediums—we are writing more than we ever have.

Regardless of which side your views fall on, there is still a need to maintain some level of effectiveness when writing. Providing answers to the basic questions (Who? What? When? Why?) is a good guideline. Yet, it seems to elude many these days.

Titles

For instance, when writing a blog post (or news article), it is fine to use creative titles. I would recommend it actually. If the title is boring, why is anyone going to want to read the article accompanying it? The title, no matter how creative, should at least give a hint as to what follows.

From today’s email bag, consider these real-world titles:

• “Small business in New York City”
• “How to bring traffic top networks?”
• “might be useful for you, your business, or a client of yours”
• “Introduction”
• “Free Webinar”
• “Enterprise Technology Management”

One has to wonder if they’re really serious about drawing you in. Is the writer serious about motivating you to click the link or look down beyond the 18 point title font? How much more effective might these titles have been:

• “Small business in New York City is Doing Something“
• “How to Bring Top Traffic to Your Networks?”
• “This Thing might be useful for you, your business, or a client of yours”
• “Introduction to Something“
• “Free Webinar for This Topic of Interest“
• “Enterprise Technology Management, And What It Means to You“

An effective title can add so much more value to you, the reader. And, can be more effective in getting each of us to do whatever-it-is-they-want-us-to-do. Go figure.

Structure

What we write, what we say, how we say it, and, how we present it is a direct reflection upon each of us. This is something many writers seem to overlook. For instance, every email should be treated as a letter. Sure, we might skimp if it’s to someone we’re really close to—but I’m sure they may still appreciate the courtesy.

Basic email components:

• Subject:
  What is it about, why should you/I/we care? In today’s age, an email without a subject is almost certain never to be read. If a SPAM filter doesn’t delete it, the recipient (especially if they’re busy) is likely to.
• Greeting:
  Hi Bob, Hi Sue, Dear Whomever…
• Body
• Closing Salutation
  Sincerely, Respectfully, Thank you…
• Signature
  Who is this from?

Most people will feel this is remedial, basic, perhaps beneath them. Yet I encounter numerous people, for instance job seekers, sending out email (representations of their workmanship) that neglect a subject, greeting lines, and email signatures. If you wish the recipient to respond to you, letting them know how in your email signature can be helpful<g>.

Tools like Twitter, IM, SMS, and email are fabulous tools. We need to guard against their casual nature from eroding effectiveness, courtesy, or professionalism.

Possibly Related

• Why Should I Hire You? There Are Only (2) Reasons.
• 11 Things To Do—If You’re Only Allowed 5 Hours a Day
• The Leadership Fit
• So, You’re Considering a Move to
  
  Cloud Computing
• Challenge Institutional Knowledge
• Getting the Services You Paid For?
• The ‘Business’ in TBC
• Martyrdom Ain’t What It’s Cracked Up to Be
• Nasty Mudslinger: To Be or Not To Be
• Capturing Boomers’ Knowledge

Comments are closed.