Intuitively you know the difference between quality writing and poor writing. One is clear and the other is confusing. One is captivating and the other is uninspiring. The differences are pronounced and make a dramatic difference in whether a message is communicated as intended.
Would you like to write well?
Quality writing resonates with the reader. It conveys meaning with a clear purpose. It is concise yet descriptive. It is logical and persuasive because it is well-supported and follows the rules of grammar.
Writing is communication that provides a permanent record that can be referred to forever – so, write words that are worth reading and remembering.
For quality writing…
Follow these 5 tips describing key characteristics of quality writing.
Tip #1 Write with an audience focus
Effective writing speaks to its audience. Write with the reader in mind. One size does not fit all. What does your audience want and need? What words and illustrations will be meaningful and relevant?
When an audience feels a connection to what you write, the words will resonate with them, they will understand, they will remember, and they will more likely act on your message.
Tip #2 Convey your key ideas clearly
Quality writing has a clear key message and is organized with a logical flow. When someone reads what you wrote they should be able to easily answer the question, “What’s the point?”
Provide clarity. Always begin your writing by determining your key message. Everything else should build on your main point and support it.
Tip #3 Write in the modern style
The modern style encompasses a number of best writing practices. It is clear and concise, it avoids vague or confusing language, and it is written using active voice.
The subject is something that can be easily visualized by the reader and does the action rather than receiving the action. The modern style avoids jargon and is written simply and clearly.
Tip #4 Illustrate and support your ideas
Quality writing supports your key messages with evidence and relevant illustrations. Build your case. Share statistics, research findings, expert opinions, and personal stories.
Describe the strength of the evidence. Are there opposing views? Share them, too. Put the message into context for your audience. Provide examples that apply to their lives.
Tip #5 Be grammatically correct
Quality writing is grammatically correct. Proper grammar maintains the meaning of your writing and is essential to your credibility as a writer. Never accept your first draft. Allow time to elapse between writing and reviewing.
Embrace the editing process. Get feedback. Refine your work. Write. Review. Revise. Repeat.
Download a copy of this tip series.
How do you define good writing?
Do you have additional qualities to enhance our list? Share what quality writing means to you in the comments.
Our next tip series will be a continuation of this one: “Becoming a Better Writer in 5 Steps.”
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“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
