Communication Archives

4 Tips for Effective Communication: The Bezos Blueprint

How do Amazon employees pitch product ideas? Should you use slides when you present? How can you respect your audience’s precious time? In The Bezos Blueprint, business communication expert Carmine Gallo explains how to improve your communication by internalizing the principles that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos uses in his writing and speaking. We’ve organized these principles into four practical tips for effective communication. Keep reading if you’re ready to become a better communicator in both writing and speech.

How to Edit Your Own Writing: Step #2 in the Writing Process

Should you edit your own writing before someone else does? What’s the difference between developmental and line editing? After you’ve gotten your ideas down on paper in your first draft, it’s time to move on to the editing stage. Ann Handley, in her book Everybody Writes, explains how to use developmental editing and line editing to move your draft from rough to decent. Continue reading to learn how to edit your own writing.

Rules for Writing: What to Know (& When to Break the Rules)

Which writing rules should you follow? Which ones may you break—and when should you break them? The editing process includes applying writing “rules” to your piece, but Ann Handley emphasizes that the rules are secondary to your purpose and that you can always break the rules if it suits your piece. She does, however, list a few rules that you’d be wise to follow. Keep reading to learn about these rules for writing.

Debates on Social Media: How to Come Out a Winner Every Time

Do you find debates on social media edifying and worthwhile? Do you recommend them to everyone? Want to have one right now? If you answered “No” to the above questions, you’re not alone. Engaging in debates on social media platforms can be painful, and they often feel like a waste of time or worse—you fail to change anyone’s mind, and you end up hating life just a smidge. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Keep reading to learn three benefits of debates on social media and four tips for getting the most out of them.

How to Improve Team Communication Like an Expert

Want to know how to improve team communication? How do the greatest leaders communicate with their teams? According to leadership expert and author Jocko Willink, the key to being a good leader is putting others before yourself. In Leadership Strategies and Tactics, he explains how to improve team communication by building quality relationships, trust, and taking radical responsibility for problems. Keep reading to learn how to improve team communication, according to Willink’s advice.

How to Write a First Draft: Just Get Your Ideas on the Page

How should the writing process start? How many drafts should you write? What should your first draft accomplish? In Everybody Writes, Ann Handley discusses what elements to include in your writing and how to write for different formats. Then she gets down to the nitty-gritty of the practical writing process. She recommends writing four drafts. Keep reading for Handley’s advice on how to write a first draft.

Writing for Video: Focus on the Story & Use Punctuation Wisely

How is writing for video different from other writing formats? Does grammar matter? How should you punctuate the text? In Everybody Writes, bestselling author, speaker, and digital marketer Ann Handley offers a comprehensive guide to writing everything you need to write in today’s business world. The book’s main focus is on writing for marketing purposes, and she discusses how to write for video. Continue reading to learn these practical tips that are useful regardless of the type of video you’re writing for.

Brené Brown: Connection Is the Key to Preventing Shame

Why does Brené Brown encourage connection between people? How does connecting with others stop toxic shaming? I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t) gives different practices for developing empathy and combating shame, one of which is connection. Brené Brown claims that connecting with others helps you establish mutual support. Let’s dive deeper into the beauty of connecting with others and how it creates a positive environment.

Writing for Social Media: Keep Your Voice & Change Your Tone

What tone should you use in social media posts? Should you take a stand on social issues? In Everybody Writes, Ann Handley offers a comprehensive guide to improving your writing and reaching your audience. When it comes to writing for social media, she discusses how to keep your brand voice consistent while adapting your tone. Keep reading for Handley’s tips as well as some advice about commenting on social causes.

The Importance of Creative Writing—Whatever Your Purpose

What’s the best way to evoke emotions with your writing? How can you balance creativity with credibility when you write? Whether you’re emailing your colleagues at work, posting on social media, writing papers for school, or writing content for marketing, creativity matters. In Everybody Writes, Ann Handley discusses why it’s important and how to achieve it. Continue reading to learn about the importance of creative writing for all types of content.