I write only as a hobby. I have never taken any formal training in it and don't pretend to be any expert authority when it comes to writing skills. But after years of writing, even if only as an intermittent hobby, I had a slightly higher opinion of my work until recently; when I did some research on the subject and was quite appalled to find the number of mistakes in my own write-ups.
Well, life's all about continuous learning, so here are some key findings based on my research. Most of these things seem common sense and yet, as I realised, are very easy to forget while writing. I hope the tips below help you. Feel free to add or correct; since this research is by no means all-encompassing.
Good Writing
The underlying purpose of any piece of writing is to get a point across. Good writing does so without putting the readers to sleep.
Good writing is often confused with correct writing: correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. Infact,at the heart of good writing lie ideas that are interesting and relevant; and the journey of writing a good article begins with identifying those ideas. So before picking up the metaphorical pen, ask yourself: What do I want to write about (i.e. what is my idea)? Why do I want to write about it – am I stating facts, providing analysis or trying to spark a debate?
Answering the above two questions often helps answer the third and perhaps most important one: who am I writing for? It is this last question that primarily dictates the writing style. An effective article is always personal and relevant to the target reader(s).
Following are a few points that came up repeatedly during my research on the subject. Keeping them in mind while writing will go a long way in producing an impactful write-up.
Tips for Formal Writing
Editing
For any write-up, editing is the most important part.
Resources
Below are some resources I found during my research. They provide examples, important tips and common mistakes made in written English. I hope you find them useful, please feel free to add to the list.
Grammar tips and common errors
Writing an executive summary
On a closing note, writing is a combination of art and science that rarely comes naturally to anyone and no one ever reaches perfection. But like most other skills, it can be acquired and improved through continuous practice. So keep writing!
Well, life's all about continuous learning, so here are some key findings based on my research. Most of these things seem common sense and yet, as I realised, are very easy to forget while writing. I hope the tips below help you. Feel free to add or correct; since this research is by no means all-encompassing.
Good Writing
The underlying purpose of any piece of writing is to get a point across. Good writing does so without putting the readers to sleep.
Good writing is often confused with correct writing: correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. Infact,at the heart of good writing lie ideas that are interesting and relevant; and the journey of writing a good article begins with identifying those ideas. So before picking up the metaphorical pen, ask yourself: What do I want to write about (i.e. what is my idea)? Why do I want to write about it – am I stating facts, providing analysis or trying to spark a debate?
Answering the above two questions often helps answer the third and perhaps most important one: who am I writing for? It is this last question that primarily dictates the writing style. An effective article is always personal and relevant to the target reader(s).
Following are a few points that came up repeatedly during my research on the subject. Keeping them in mind while writing will go a long way in producing an impactful write-up.
- Good writing has a clearly defined purpose. It makes a clear point and then supports it with specific information.
- The information is logically connected and flows coherently.
- The choice of words and voice (formal vs. casual) is customised to the target reader.
- The sentences are concise and precise. They say exactly what they mean and nothing else.
- For fact-based articles, move from the general to the specifics fairly quickly and reference the sources.
- For opinion based articles, pre-empt objections by building your case with supporting theories and facts.
- Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling are an absolute must irrespective of how formal or casual the article is.
- Writing takes time. Good writing takes even more time.
- Good writing also needs thorough research, even if its just a blog post. Most successful novelists spend years researching for their next piece of fiction.
- Finally, as my Professor used to say often, keep it short! If it isn’t directly relevant to the core idea, it doesn’t belong in the article.
Tips for Formal Writing
- Avoid jargon – especially in executive summaries and smaller write ups
- Proper formatting prevents jarring effect in the reading experience, and conveys professionalism to a great extent. Therefore,
- Use consistent fonts, justified text, page numbers and margins etc.
- Use headings, sub-headings and bullet points to give it a better structure
- Use charts for trends and visual-aid diagrams for complex concepts
- Use standard templates and company logos where applicable
- Create a summary for any report exceeding four pages. Write the summary after you write the main report, and keep it up to 1/10 the length of the main report.
- Organize the main points in the summary in the same order they appear in the main report
- Write simple sentences. Add supporting explanations and technical jargon only when necessary
- Get the summary reviewed by a non-technical person, see if they understand it and find it interesting
Editing
For any write-up, editing is the most important part.
- Revise the write-up at least twice. The first draft is always a work in progress.
- Take a break between two revisions. The length of the break should be enough to take your mind completely off the article.
- Print it and proof read it. Mistakes often glare back at you from paper
- Have someone else read it out loud. Many mistakes are picked up only when they just don’t sound right.
Resources
Below are some resources I found during my research. They provide examples, important tips and common mistakes made in written English. I hope you find them useful, please feel free to add to the list.
Grammar tips and common errors
- Guide to Grammar and Writing
- Common Grammar Traps
- Grammar Lessons
- Common Grammar Errors
- English Grammar Mistakes
Writing an executive summary
- Crafting a powerful Executive Summary
- http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/report/4bi1.html
- http://www.astia.org/resources/How_to_write_an_execsummary.pdf
On a closing note, writing is a combination of art and science that rarely comes naturally to anyone and no one ever reaches perfection. But like most other skills, it can be acquired and improved through continuous practice. So keep writing!
