Writing

(1) Fewer words. The fewer the words the better. Be concise. Never use two words when one will do. The tendency (this author is not exempt!) is to be verbose. Make your statement simply, plainly, and then stop writing.

(2) Write like you speak. Having trouble coming up with a phrase or description? How would you talk to someone about it? Write as you speak. This method makes for a more casual style, but it can also come off as friendly and inviting. Do you ever catch yourself thinking, "I want to just say, 'Come and join us'"? Well, just say it--I mean write it.

(3) Grammar is important--most of the time. Check your spelling and clarity specifically. But here's something no English teacher will tell you, yet in modern practice works just fine. Forget the "whoms" and the "therefores." It's okay to use contractions. Nobody cares if you start a sentence with "and." Or if it's really a sentence. The number of documents that are formal enough to require precise wording and diction are few and far between. For most applications, if it makes sense to the reader, even if it doesn't conform to every rule in the Chicago Manual of Style, it's just fine.

(4) Read it and have it read. Never distribute your writing without having it read and proofread. Read it yourself--the whole thing from beginning to end. Let others read it for message and clarity. If they say something isn't clear, whether you think it is or not, examine it to see if they have a point. Don't be afraid to edit based on others' opinions. Someone who takes the time to read and critique your text will almost always improve rather than inhibit your writing.