One of the things I enjoy most about working as a writing coach is the chance to immerse myself in other people’s writing: to learn their expressions, their words, their turns of phrase, to get familiar with the things that trip them up and the things that they’re spectacularly good at – often without realizing so. And when I see something that works I enjoy figuring out what made it an interesting and enjoyable read, so I can learn from it, and then pass that learning on.
Two of my clients delighted me with some draft pieces in the course of the last week, examples of what I would describe as engaging writing. Somehow or another they’d managed to switch off their critics (and whether that’s a negative boss or a fearsome inner editor we all have a critic in one shape or another) and write a light, enjoyable and engaging piece. They had found a way to be most hospitable writers – and I wanted to pick out the how. To learn for myself, to feed back to them, and to share with you in this week’s podcast.
Engaging your readers (2 mins 47) talks you through 5 things you can do to be a hospitable writer:
Invite your readers in: make it easy for your readers to join you, start somewhere interesting, don’t take forever getting ready
Don’t forget to turn up: be present in your own writing, include your personal take on things
Be hospitable: Make it easy for your readers to zip through your writing with a clear structure and signposts, and plain simple language
Offer some refreshments: give your readers something to take away – information, facts, humour… delivered with with a refreshing, light touch
Let them get away again: don’t witter on, make it easy for your readers to beat a hasty retreat. Stop when you’re done and quit while you’re ahead (and it’s probably sooner than you think)
Thanks for the inspiration guys – and the refreshment!
Great post! Thanks for the tips.
Hi Melissa, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Part of me wanted to develop the idea further with a whole cocktail party theme to hospitable writing but I ran out of time (maybe just as well!)
Joanna
Great points, Joanna!
Personally, I often have difficulty with the last one, tending to write rather long, involved posts; though I do try to make them scannable by adding headings and white (or, in my case, blue) space to help readers quickly find the info that’s of interest to them.
Thanks for the reminders!
Jeanne
Hi Jeanne
Scanning does help – and although your posts might be long it’s because you’re including a lot of info (like the recent one on the scam you uncovered for example)
But don’t forget the ‘let them get away’ point – and remember it’s bound to be quicker than you think it is!
Joanna