Writing Tips Webinar

Getting Started Write what you know Research

Work the details Sensory details bring a scene clearly to mind. Most of us rely on sight, so visual details are most common in writing. But use other senses, too. Psychologists tell us the most evocative sense is smell. Give evidence for your point of view. Anecdotes, quotes from reputable sources, statistics – all add credibility. Use specific names for things.

Work the Details Show, don’t tell Telling: Small business is the engine of economic growth. Showing: Last year we served 100 businesses; they created 127 jobs.

Good Writing is Active Use active voice Active - The boy hit the ball. Passive - The ball was hit by the boy. Avoid starting a sentence with ‘There’ There are five employees in this business.

Good Writing is Active Use strong verbs Avoid the verb to be (am, is, are, was, were) Ex/ He was waiting waited for four hours. Use one verb: I am helping to try to set up a meeting. I am setting up a meeting.

Good Writing is Active Use strong verbs (cont’d) Avoid Lazy Verbs Have – We have a contract for three ovens. Get – We get three ovens. Make – They make pies

Good Writing is Active Use descriptive nouns Be wary of adverbs and adjectives The boy ran to the store. The tall, tanned boy ran quickly to the store. The surfer raced to the store. Lazy words: very and really

Grammar Tips Use parallel structure Keep reading, accept these tips, use them, and become a stronger writer

Grammar Tips Example Micro-businesses are everywhere in California - the organic tomato farmer at the Saturday market, the childcare center at work, the technology service guy, your favorite neighborhood restaurant, or the new sophisticated ice cream truck.

Cut, cut, cut Avoid ‘There’ construction –There was a grant made to our organization. –A grant was made to our organization. (passive) –Our organization received a grant. (active) Avoid to be and -ing Avoid just, only, ever

Always Proofread Use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar Resources: google - "Strunk and White" Print out a hard copy Read your work aloud ‘Form’ vs ‘from’ mistake Awkward places or unclear references Find an editor