Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/18157
IMPROVE YOUR WRITING TO IMPROVE YOUR PROJECT OUTCOMES The third time you read, use your “literal” brain. The setting has been fixed so it will update your machine. If you have trouble with it please let us know. What does “it” in the second sentence refer to: the setting, the machine, or the whole process? For clarity we can change the second sentence to “If you have trouble with the setting, please let us know.” FIND A FRIENDLY EDITOR You may have a peer or colleague that can read important bits of writing for you. Ideally, your friendly editor is a stronger writer than you so that he can point out unclear passages or jargon that need clarification. At the very least, a second set of eyes will help catch typos. PREPARE FOR LAUNCH One of the hardest parts of writing is getting started. Begin with writing down your target audience and the core message you need to communicate. Then briefly list or outline your main points, starting with why members of your audience should care and how they will be affected. The document will start writing itself. Voltaire said, “The perfect is the enemy of the good.” Apply that to writing and it means get it done and move on to what is next, because if you try for perfection, you will never finish. No communication is flawless; and fortunately, with all the communication tools available today, it is easy to invite people to ask questions. CONCLUSION Keep your writing strong and concise, and remember your audience. Tell your audience how what you are communicating affects them and why they should care. Clear writing in your e-mail messages, project plans, business plans and scope documents will help establish your credibility as an effective communicator and perhaps even open up unexpected opportunities for you. For more tips on how to improve your writing, read the book The 10% Solution: Self-Editing for the Modern Writer by Ken Rand. ILTA WRITERS WANTED iltanet.org/write www.iltanet.org Project Management 41