If you want to
become a better writer, look back to 1946. That was the year British novelist
and essayist George Orwell penned the essays "Why I Write" and
"Politics and the English Language." Both essays, which extoll the
importance of simple, precise writing, have become staples of writing courses.
Whether you are writing
an email to a client, a blog post or an article for a local newspaper, writing
is an important skill for financial advisors.
"Writing is a
craft," says Sara Gilbert, founder of Strategist in Montreal. "For
advisors, the shorter and punchier, the better."
While technology
and social media may have changed the way you and your readers receive
information, Gilbert says, there is still a case to be made for good, clear
writing.
You don't have to
be an author of George Orwell's calibre to write effective prose. It just takes
time, effort and loyalty to a few basic rules.
Here are some
helpful tips, courtesy of Orwell and Gilbert:
> Avoid cliché
Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech you are used to hearing or seeing in print, Orwell wrote.
Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech you are used to hearing or seeing in print, Orwell wrote.
You might use
phrases such as "toeing the line" or "thin as a rake" in
your day-to-day conversations. However, avoid using them in your newsletters or
other marketing communications.
Instead, try using
more concrete and simple terms that explain or describe clearly the idea you
are trying to express. Instead of using "thin as a rake," you can
simply say "extremely thin" or "very thin." This way, your
readers won't get lost in what you are trying to say.
> Never use a long word
where a short one will do
Employing simple language is essential to great writing, Orwell often said.
Employing simple language is essential to great writing, Orwell often said.
Resist the urge to
impress your clients with your excellent vocabulary. It is best to stick to the
basics of language.
Being able to
communicate complex ideas to your clients in simple terms, Gilbert says, is the
sign of a great communicator.
> Write lean
If you can cut a word out, always cut it out. This rule again reinforces that simplicity in writing makes for effective communication.
If you can cut a word out, always cut it out. This rule again reinforces that simplicity in writing makes for effective communication.
"Sometimes
less is more," Gilbert says.
> Always use the active
voice
The active voice is present when the subject of the sentence is performing the action. For example, "Michael bought an insurance policy."
The active voice is present when the subject of the sentence is performing the action. For example, "Michael bought an insurance policy."
The passive voice
is much like the inverse; the subject receives the action. For example,
"The insurance policy was bought by Michael." Or, worse:
"Several insurance policies were bought."
> Avoid jargon
Although you might be well versed in industry-specific terms, you must assume that your readers are not.
Although you might be well versed in industry-specific terms, you must assume that your readers are not.
So, next time you
are blogging about RDSPs, DPSPs or LIRAs, use the long form. Explain what
registered disability savings plans, deferred profit sharing plans or locked-in
retirement accounts are — in simple terms.
Author: Brent Jolly
Source: http://www.investmentexecutive.com/-/sharpen-your-writing-skills
