Blog
Tips, observations and reflections on better writing, editing and communications planning…
Something is different about annual reports this year
If you’re in a Commonwealth agency, your annual report may look a little different this year. Do you know what you need to do?
How to write effective subheadings
Effective subheadings are like signposts for your readers. They add value to any type of writing, from business and government to promotional, technical and online.
They also help you stay on track—by maintaining focus and logical flow when you’re writing.
Here are some tips for super subheadings.
How to make your point without being rude
I had a strange experience recently. A tradesman who was about to do a large project for me rang quite late one evening and berated me for sending him a note confirming the details of the job. I still don’t understand what he was angry about. His point was obscured by his rude and irrational manner. This tradesman clearly didn’t realise it, but there are ways to make your point, even stand your ground, without offending people. Here are some tips.
What to ask at the start: understanding the brief for better results
Did you see the story about the somewhat embarrassing oversight in the design for Japan’s 2020 Olympic stadium? Um, it seems the cauldron is missing. So, how could the centrepiece of the opening ceremony have been left out of the brief?
Honesty, hogwash and the truth about doughnuts
From stock markets dropping their bundle, to doughnuts being bad for you and people leaving Tassy off maps: how honesty in communication is important (and good for a laugh sometimes too).
Say more with less: deciding what to leave out
Have you ever worked on a document that got bogged down in its own content? Where your message was lost in the detail? Some background information is necessary for context. But how much is enough? Here’s a checklist to help you avoid content quick sand and decide what to leave out.
Get animated with infographics
Infographics are all the rage. Our brains like them because they are more engaging and easier to process. But while their simplicity might be one of the reasons why we like and share infographics, a lot goes on behind the scenes to get it right.
It’s the vibe: the importance of intangibles in communications
What’s the hidden secret to successful communications?
Sometimes no matter how technically accurate we are, no matter how confident or prepared we are, or how much we want to impress—success comes down to the intangibles.
It’s the vibe…
Is there an ideal sentence length?
Do you know what happens when your sentences are longer than 40 words?