Basic Writing Tips for Memos and Letters

♦ Begin sentences with subjects and verbs when appropriate.

♦ Place strong words at the beginning and at the end of each sentence.

♦ Use powerful verbs that signify action and save words.

♦ Use concrete adverbs to clarify the meaning of verbs.

♦ Use the simple present or past tense.

♦ Don’t hesitate to use long sentences where appropriate.

♦ Learn the basic rules of punctuation.

♦ Delete any unnecessary words. A clear, compact message has more impact.

♦ Use the simple over the technical. Use shorter words, sentences, and paragraphs when dealing with complex points.

♦ Experiment with words. Choose words the average reader understands. Use the thesaurus judiciously.

♦ Use concrete and specific details to illustrate and clarify your messages.

♦ Pay attention to names to personalize and to offer a complete picture of the situation you are addressing.

♦ Avoid using cliches.

♦ Vary sentence length and variety.

♦ Vary the lengths of paragraphs.

♦ Learn when it is most appropriate and efficacious to show, when to tell, and when to do both.

♦ Read your drafts aloud to better assess their clarity and coverage of essential information.

♦ Develop a plan for each piece of writing before beginning composing the message.

♦ Build your work around a key question, issue, or problem.

♦ Don’t be reluctant to repeat important points.

♦ Polish your work for clarity of purpose.

♦ Draft a clear mission/action statement for your work.

♦ Read for both form and content and revise as necessary.

♦ Break long pieces into discreet parts for manageability before writing them .

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A DISTINGUISHED AUTHOR’S INSIGHT ABOUT WRITING

“All writing should be selective in order to drop every dead word.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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QUEST WRITING SOLUTIONS 

Quest Means Business: Excellence in Communication

Mo Guernon, Ed.M. / Writer & Consultant

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CONTACT 

Phone: 401.965.8350

E-mail: QuestWritingSolutions@gmail.com

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