People usually don’t expect to do things perfectly the first time. That’s why we invest in lessons for everything from violin to dance to cake decorating to golf. And we know we have to practice, whether that means going to the batting cage three times a week or rehearsing a sales presentation over and over.
Writing is no different. It is a skill that can be mastered with practice.
If you struggle with writing, this bit of wisdom should encourage you! Writing is not some mysterious talent that a few chosen individuals have. You can learn to do it, but you do have to practice. If you practice enough, you might actually enjoy it!
Ray Bradbury, author of Fahrenheit 451, once declared, “Quantity produces quality. If you only write a few things, you're doomed.”
Here are a few ways you can incorporate writing practice into your daily or weekly routine.
- Plan everything you write. Whether it’s an email to a colleague or an incident report for your boss, take a few minutes to map out the document. Consider your audience and purpose. The planning will become second nature.
- Ask for feedback. Ask co-workers and readers to offer their opinions on your documents, no matter how simple the documents are. Find out if they truly grasped your main objective.
- Read critically. Read reports, articles, or correspondence, with a critical eye. Decide what’s effective and write notes in the margins. Think about how you would approach the subject differently.
Writing is a skill that can be improved with a little dedication. And if you improve your writing skills, then you’ll also increase your value as an employee. Visit our Resource Center for more helpful information for your writing projects.