Have you ever noticed that some people need rules?
- They need structure
- They need organization
- They need molds
That’s not a bad thing.
When you take it to extremes, it becomes old – like mold.
Molds for business writing are great tools – just don’t let them get moldy.
Molding Success
Do you watch Cupcake Wars on the Food Network?
Contestants compete in three rounds of baking cupcakes.
- The first round uses strange ingredients and is judged on taste
- The second round requires three themed cupcakes that are judged on taste and presentation
- The last round requires 1,000 cupcakes presented on an originally designed display that supports the theme
None of those cupcakes would make it to the final round without cupcake molds.
So, for those of you who like rules –
Rule #1 = Don’t throw out the mold.
There are times when “Write like you talk” is not the best advice.
If you have a tendency to ramble, like I do, a little structure in writing helps. Tips like one idea per paragraph offer a great editing tool.
In poor business writing, the mold is not the problem – it’s the execution.
Rule #2 – Spice it up.
Figurative phrases, like metaphors, spice up your writing.
- It makes the mundane interesting
- It paints a picture on the mind’s canvas
- It’s fun to read
The XYZ product sizzles with possibilities.
Rule #3 – Tell a story.
There is a mold to storytelling. There is a beginning, middle, and end.
But, it has to be a well-told story.
- Keep it simple – so readers understand the point
- Keep it clear – so the story supports your message – and is not a distraction
- Keep it uniquely yours – what is different about your story?
Keep on Baking
You have to bake a lot of cupcakes to find your signature cupcake.
The same is true with your writing.
- Set up the mold
- Pour in the content
- Sample it
- Adjust the recipe
Structure, organization and molds sometimes get a bad rap. When used as support, they produce tasty results.
What’s your recipe for success?
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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.
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