Assignment: Talk to retirees about their simple pleasures
Never underestimate the value of simple pleasures! Even savouring a steaming cup of freshly roasted coffee with a friend can strengthen a relationship, stimulate your brain and reduce feelings of isolation. It can also spark a moment of joy, which may be in short...
Increase understanding with super similes (in July Wordnerdery)
When it comes to explaining complicated material, one helpful tool is what I call “expressive writing.” That’s using analogies – similes and metaphors – to spark an “aha” moment of understanding. (And couldn’t we all use a shortcut to understanding...
Interviewing, quoting and more writing tips in links you might have missed
I’m always looking for reminders about good writing, and here’s another collection of advice. While I’ve shared these on social media, what are the chances you happened to be on X or Facebook or LinkedIn at the right time to see them? There are 12 basics of...
How communication professionals can be better allies to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community (in June Wordnerdery)
Many communication professionals have just marked Pride Month by showing how their companies support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. If that’s you, good for you. But are you also carrying out those activities the rest of the year? Unfortunately, June is...
11 tips to make the most of attending a conference
Summertime, and the networking is easy. Well, it’s easy at the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) World Conference. In my experience, its professional development is also great, the social events are terrific and the people are warm and...
Pick short words for a shortcut to understanding (in May Wordnerdery)
The easier we make it to read what we write, the more people actually will read it. Even more important, they’ll understand and remember it. That’s a key part of plain language: Helping readers find what they need; understand what they find; and use what they find to...
Writing and storytelling tips in links you might have missed
Welcome to another roundup of links you might have missed from posts I’ve shared on social media! In this edition, you’ll find plenty of writing tips, including some specific to storytelling, and one fascinating story about squirrels. STORYTELLING How to turn numbers...
Be clear to keep it confidential (a ‘Before & After’ in April Wordnerdery)
A non-disclosure agreement or NDA is a common contract between contractors and large companies. It’s kind of a prenup covering the relationship, where we writers and other contractors promise not to divulge the secrets to be shared with us. You can bet the lawyers...