2009-03-13 

This article is replete with tips on how to improve and punch up text. Some rules you already know, others are obvious but most will serve as food for thought.  Click on the title to access.

Sincerely,

Peter Hercky

"Ask yourself obvious questions over and over as you write. The answers will sharpen your thinking and writing," assures Don Bates, instructor and founding director of the master's program in strategic public relations at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management.

For example: "Why is this word or phrase or statement appropriate? What difference would it make if I left it out? Is what I'm writing really true?" offers Bates, who recently created what he called "Writer Fighters," an extended network of "good writers who care about good writing" that he contacts occasionally for ideas regarding best writing practices. In addition, he suggests asking, "How can I make it more credible? Is this the best example I can give? Is there a better way to make my point? Does this quote really add something meaningful or is it just puff? Have I addressed their interests or only mine? How can I make this half as long?"