Excerpted from the Executive Report: Business Writing: A Guide to Clear, Concise and Effective Writing.
It doesn't matter how many letters, reports or memos
you've written. At some point, you'll find yourself staring at a blank screen,
struggling to come up with that first paragraph or sentence.
Try these proven techniques for conquering writer's
block. The methods are different, but their goal is the same - to get you
"unstuck" and writing:
1. Write a headline. Before getting started on your
letter, report or memo, ask yourself: "If this were a news story, what
would be the headline?" Coming up with a headline forces you to identify
the single idea you're trying to get across.
2. Create an outline. We're not talking about a long
drawn-out outline with Roman numerals. Just jot down the major points you want
to make and use it as a guide while you're writing.
3. Write it wrong. When you're working on your first
draft, forget about typos, poorly constructed sentences and awkward
transitions. The sole purpose of your first draft is to get your basic ideas
down on paper. In other words: Just do it.
You can worry about "cleaning it up" later.
4. Take 10. For 10 minutes (time yourself), write
nonstop. Glance at your outline if it helps, but keep writing. Sure, some of it
won't be usable. But you'll find the simple process of continuous writing will
help shape your thoughts.
5. Say it out loud. If you're drawing a blank trying to
write the first sentence, say it out loud. Pretend the person to whom you're
writing the letter is sitting across from you. What's the first thing you'd
say? Now write it.
6. Switch readers. Sometimes writing a letter can be
difficult because you know there's a good chance the reader may be intimidated
or angry about your message. Write your first draft as if you're writing to
someone else - someone who's friendly and receptive to what you have to say.
You can change your tone when you go back to revise it.
7. Pick a card. Stuck on the order in which to present
your points? Get a few index cards and write down one idea per card that you'd
like to include in your letter. Don't worry about the sequence. Once all your
ideas are down on cards, rearrange them so the ideas flow in a logical sequence.
DIGGING DEEPER
The truth is, most of us aren't great writers. One reason is that we try too hard to sound fancy or formal. But concise and conversational does a better job when trying to communicate ideas. For help, get the Executive Report: Business Writing: A Guide to Clear, Concise and Effective Writing.
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