Yesterday morning, we got a call from Mom’s dementia-care facility: My 96-year-old mother was lying in the fetal position, nonresponsive, with a fever, unable to take fluids. The nurse who called sobbed, “I’ve seen a lot of COVID-19 cases. This is bad.” Within 30 minutes, I was under the covers with a half pound of […]
One thing I liked about a recent COVID-19 update I received from American Airlines: the length. The whole email weighed in at 172 words. One thing I didn’t like about their message: It focuses on what American Airlines put into these efforts, not on what I’ll get out of them. Instead of writing about what […]
Editor’s Note: Some might have expected an extended home stay to be the perfect chance to finish an ongoing writing project or other creative endeavor. And yet, as our days become increasingly fluid, that expectation has flown out the window, making way for an anxious, distracted and disorganized writing environment. Below, writing coach Ann Wylie […]
Editor’s Note: With global audiences stuck at home—and glued to their devices—the competition for time and attention is steeper than ever. Below, Wylie Communications president Ann Wylie shares how to measure and structure written content to match the average reading time, whether readers are checking out your social media copy, blog or e-letter. Wylie offers […]
“When should you use humor in a speech?” a young speaker asks an experienced orator. “Only when you want to get paid,” the veteran answers. When should you use creative material in your social media messaging? Only when you want your readers to pay attention. Creative material: Grabs attention. Meet your Broca’s area—a small part […]
It never fails. When I talk in my writing workshops about the importance of making copy easy to read and understand, there’s always one person who can’t believe the advice applies to her. “Are you kidding?” she gasps. “I’m writing to executives/pharmacists/school district superintendents/telecomm engineers/financial planners/horse breeders. These folks are superbly educated, brilliant and divine. […]
