Expert outlines seven simple steps to improve writing

Dec. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- Plainfield, Indiana -- Nearly everyone can improve the readability of their writing by following seven simple steps, advises veteran copywriter and marketing consultant Scott Flood of Scott Flood Writing. "By following a few simple, easy-to-remember bits of advice, you can make everything you write far more communicative and effective," he says.

"First, write to ensure that your message is conveyed and understood, rather than to impress the recipient," Flood says. "Choose familiar language, basic words, and simple sentence structure. That way, there’s less chance that your meaning will be misunderstood."

"Second and third, stop using semicolons and choose words with fewer syllables. Most people misuse semicolons, and shorter words connect with more people than more complicated choices."

Next, Flood advises, keep writing conversational. "Unless you’re creating a term paper for your English Composition class, skip the fancy style in favor of writing the way people talk. It really is okay to start sentences with conjunctions and end them with prepositions, because people do that in conversations." In addition, he says that using the second person, or "you," will help you do a better job of connecting with readers.

"Read your drafts aloud, and if you can get through them without stumbling, it's probably well-written," he adds. And the final piece of advice?" Edit, edit, and edit. Most skilled writers put as much effort into editing as into their first drafts. Each time you read what you’ve written, look for minor changes that will improve it."

Scott Flood Writing (www.sfwriting.com) provides effective print and online copy to companies and other organizations."The Smarter Strategy for Selecting Suppliers" can be downloaded at http://sfwriting.com/freeguide.

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About Scott Flood Writing: We develop effective print and online copy for companies and other organizations.