Want to write?

Are you a budding writer? If you answered yes, then you have found yourself in the right place.

Writing to communicate is easy enough, but it is in the small details we often find ourselves confused, or lacking know-how. By following our simple tips and tricks, you will soon be able to write with confidence and find those second-guessing-yourself moments disappear.

The way we write is different to how we speak, and it allows us to think about how we decide to convey ourselves and our emotions. Putnis and Petelin present a number of reasons as to why we decide to 'put pen to paper' which include: expressing ourselves, articulating or developing ideas, aiding memory, enhancing or maintaining relationships, stimulate, persuade, share, and ultimately communicate with each-other. 

We can write academically or professionally, we can write creatively or we can write to communicate a thought, event or moment in time. In turn, each circumstance dictates the way we write - whether it be formal, conversational or slang.

Writing in an academic or professional context:

Before writing in this context, there are three main things that you will need to consider:

1. Sensitivity to your purpose, your readers and your context
2. Understanding of English sentence structure and common formats in academic/professional writing
3. Ability to research, structure and sequence your information

If you stick to these three tips, your academic or professional writing will be second to none. Sensitivity to purpose, readers and context simply means you will need to identify why you are writing, who will be reading it, and what format it will be received in. The second tip can be learnt over-time, but simply explained on websites such as Academia Writers , and blogs such as Business Writing Advice for Professionals. Finally, the ability to research, structure and sequence your writing, assures your document will be legitimate, legible and understandable.

How to improve your writing:

So now you've read the tips, and are probably thinking 'how can I improve my writing?', don't worry - we've got that covered too. It has been noted that in order to learn writing skills you can:

1. Read more frequently and extensively, to improve writing composition skills
2. Plan your writing
3. Write frequently and receive feedback from peers

Reading more books, newspapers or articles across different genres will develop your 'eye' for good writing, and establish your skills without you even knowing. Pretty cool, aye?
Planning your writing is an essential stage, as it weeds out the relevant information, eliminates waffle and helps the writer recognise the repetitive nature of writing without sounding plain boring. Lastly, writing frequently is fairly obvious - but necessary! If you don't take the time to write and improve your self, how are you going to get better? Getting feedback from peers is a good way to see how you've improved, and if your writing relates to others. 

So there you have it, the tips and tricks to consider before your start writing. Now - go and grab your pen, paper, tablet or laptop, and get writing!

 

Putnis P & Petelin R, 1996, 'Writing to Communicate', in Putnis P & Petelin R's (eds.), Professional Communication: principles and applications, Prentice Hall, Sydney, Australia, pp. 223 - 263.