W is for… Writing Skills

What are Writing Skills?

Writing Skills are another important communication skill to have. Written Communication skills can help you with your written engagement and getting your point across in writing to your colleagues, your client and contacts and your audience.

As with your verbal communication skills, going back to basics can be a great way to improve your writing skills. Reading more and even listening to others can improve your communication skills and in turn your writing skills.

Skill Development Plan

There are many different ways that you can improve your writing and written communication skills (and improving your communication skills generally will also improve your written communication). Here are some suggestions:

• Read more – reading more can improve your vocabulary which will help you to express ideas clearly.
• Take your time and ask someone to double-check -if you have the time to prepare multiple drafts and ask someone to read your work and ask for feedback – it is worth doing.
• Listen – Listening more can make you a better communicator.
• Develop a style of writing – experiment and develop a style of writing that you are happy with. You can then build on this.
• Develop better habits – identify your personal bad habits and work on making these better to help make you a better communicator
• Ask for training/coaching/take a class.

Action Point: Come up with a plan for improving your communication skills.

WFH Action Point: Learn from others and expand your skills by reading more, listening to podcasts and watching videos.

Further Reading:

• A is for… Active Listening
• I is for… Interpersonal Skills
• V is for… Verbal Communication