WRITING EFFECTIVELY REGION ONE DEMOLAY

WRITING EFFECTIVELY – WHAT WE WILL LEARN Topic 1 Have the basic rules of writing gone out the window since the main mediums for information distribution have transitioned online? Topic 2 How do we create effective messages when writing online articles? Topic 3 I’m not a good writer. Where do I go for help?

BASIC RULES Have they gone out the window?

BASIC RULES

If anything, basic writing skills have become even more important for online media, because the primary method of message distribution is with the written word. So what is effective writing? Three principles guide effective writing: Readability Clarity Efficiency Conciseness Predictability Consistency (Let’s call them the Three C’s)

BASIC RULES - AUDIENCE The needs of your audience are your primary concern. WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?) Keep in mind the following about them: Who are they? What do they know already? What do they expect and/or want to know? Is the language and tone of your message appropriate for the situation? Other factors: Time Constraints, Intentions, Scanning, Interactivity

BASIC RULES – RECAP

BASIC RULES - RECAP What are the “Three C’s?” What does WIIFM stand for? Have the Basic Rules for writing changed?

CREATING EFFECTIVE MESSAGES Use meaningful headings and sub-headings, not “witty” ones. Use white space! Highlight the key words you want to share. Use bulleted lists to organize information. Use consistent formatting, design, font size, etc. Use short paragraphs, one idea per paragraph.

WRITING EFFECTIVELY Be sure to convey the following information about your topic: Who? What? Where? When? Why? (if applicable) How (much)? Since most of our articles on DeMolay websites are about our events, this last point is particularly important. If we convey these points while using basic rules, our articles will be well written.

WRITING EFFECTIVELY - EXAMPLE

WRITING EFFECTIVELY – WHERE DO I GO FOR HELP?

WRITING EFFECTIVELY

WRITING EFFECTIVELY - RECAP What type of headlines should you use? What are the six points you should always convey in an article? What is the name of Strunk & White’s Grammar book you should get?

WRITING EFFECTIVELY REGION ONE DEMOLAY