The VERY First Step to Writing a Better Annual Report

AdminBlog, Utility Communications, Utility Stakeholders, Writing

Who are you writing for? Successful writers start by thinking about their audience. Stephen King doesn’t write for the same audience that reads Jodi Picoult or Philippa Gregory. That’s not a dis on any of those oft-published, fabulously successful fiction writers. But it is a restatement of the First Commandment of Writing: Know thy audience! In my experience, that commandment … Read More

2023 Resolutions: Lose Weight, Exercise More, Ban Buzzwords

AdminBlog, Effective, Utility Communications, Writing

“If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance,” goes the old saying, “baffle them with bulls***.” A scan of almost any business communication — printed material, email, job descriptions, even social media — shows an undue reliance on buzzwords, AKA bulls***. Photo Credit: LinkedIn People use buzzwords to sound important, blur meaning, or simply navigate a conversation while on mental autopilot. … Read More

Three Steps, 15 Minutes and Presto — You’re on Your Way to Becoming a Better Writer!

AdminBlog, Effective, Utility Communications, Writing

The best writers never stop practicing their craft. For those of you interested in becoming a better writer, I can recommend three easy steps. Tomorrow morning, when you’re fresh and while you’re waiting for your coffee to cool down, I recommend you do these three simple things that will take you no more than 15 minutes in total. Consider it … Read More