Editors are inundated with opinion pieces and space considerations prevent them from publishing most submissions, even ones they like. Avoid the overstated and non-specific what-to-do’s found in most guidance on getting an op-ed published, and focus on what not to do.
The English – and American English – language is livelier than ever. New words, taken from the way we talk, are regularly coming into use. Read on for the benefits of embracing new language and even incorporating slang into your writing.
Read about the exceptional campaigns of this year’s winners in the Lobbying, Grassroots and Communications categories.
Did you know that standup comedians are among the best editors? They have to be stingy with their words if they want to hit comedy gold. Read how one of the best in the business has “squeezed every wasted word out of his act.”
Who knew that a bag of granola would carry what might be the most admirable example of branding extant? But there it is, on a BE-KIND product: “Ingredients you can see and pronounce.” Learn how to apply this “simple and direct” approach to your writing.
We’ve all been told that stories need a beginning, a middle and an end, but that advice can leave a lot of holes. Learn about a “story hack” inspired by the creators of South Park that applies a more helpful framework for your comms work.
Random House editor Benjamin Dreyer says very is a “dull adverb and encourages duller adjectives.” More often than not, it detracts from the word you’re trying to strengthen. Keep reading for examples of more “Throat-Clearers” and “Wan Intensifiers” to avoid in your writing.
The Association for Accessible Medicines’ senior director of marketing has enjoyed a career traversing four states that finally brought her to D.C. Read how Klinger fused her visual arts background with cause marketing and how she spearheaded grassroots engagement and growth at AAM.
To help today’s communicators perfect their messaging and news channels, the Axios editors wrote a book offering tips for clear and concise writing. Yet the concept of “smart brevity” isn’t new. Learn more about the best books for writing guidance.
Writing about numbers may seem straightforward, but the pursuit of accuracy can sometimes translate to TMI. Read on for tips on how to avoid a soup of digits and vary language to communicate effectively with numbers.
The power of a well-written memo cannot be underestimated. Considered by many to be a dying art, developing a concise memo (or talking points) gives you the “power to frame the issue the way you want.” Read our tips for how to do it right.
Best-selling author Stephen King shares common-sense writing tips in his new memoir, asking us to stop already with the self-conscious pursuit of colorful synonyms and annoying phrases. Keep reading for an excellent example of how to write in the active voice rather than the passive.
There’s a good chance you’re fluent in “yogababble” and aren’t even aware of it. That’s because it’s been “codified” into corporate culture. Keep reading for how to quiet the babble.
The 2022 Innovation Award winners were honored during The Advocacy Conference in Austin! Read about their winning campaigns.
The winners of the 2022 Innovation Awards relied on heart and hard work to communicate new resources for people struggling with mental illness, to reach out to underserved communities with voter registration information, and to advocate for a travel sector ravaged by the pandemic.
Impact Editor Alan Crawford recommends a fresh look at the sage writing advice of a literary master. And the annoying word of the month is too exhausting to contemplate.
More insights from the late comedian George Carlin, this time on why politicians have to speak the way they do to ensure that they don’t “inadvertently say something.”
He was a controversial comedian, but he was also an ally in the ongoing struggle against bad writing — and in particular the mindless preference for euphemisms.
Ever feel patronized by the tone of studied informality when listening to public radio? You’re not alone. And the annoying word of the month will leave you feeling less than “super.”
Blithesome Christmas and a Fortuitous New Year! Sometimes it’s OK to be cliché to keep your writing clear and concise.
It’s best to cut language that’s abstract, vague and impersonal. Our Impact editor explains why some euphemisms need to kick the bucket.
From working in strategic communications to running a farm to owning her own business, the American Forest & Paper Association’s communications manager isn’t one for downtime! She’s spent her career helping farmers better communicate and explains why the public’s perception of agriculture isn’t always accurate.
If good writing is “clear thinking made visible,” then we should avoid words and phrases that are “needless and bombastic.” Check out this writing advice before you choose your next turn of phrase.
