Whether you are writing an email, a report, a letter or a novel - there are a few basics that, if followed, result in writing people read.

I once worked with a guy who evidently took a college course in 5 syllable words. His vocabulary was impressive and frequently he sent you running for a dictionary to determine his point.

Those talents served him well when playing scrabble, but fell flat in all of his written communications. In fact, parts of my job duties were to rewrite his communications so they could be read.

When you think of Shakespeare, you think Olde English, twisted phrases and challenging content, and yet his most profound words are simple, emotion-filled and to the point: "To be or not to be."

The Bible, one of the most translated and read books in history, cuts to the chase in the New Testament with "Jesus wept."

Kurt Vonnegut, author of such novels as "Slaughterhouse-Five," "Jailbird" and "Cat's Cradle" offers suggestions on how to communicate your message with style which being true to your personal style in his article, "How to write with style."

Although he offers multiple suggestions and fantastic advice, a couple points that he makes really ring true for me:

Don't be afraid to cut, and
Sound like yourself.

Frequently we write out our message - using big words, rambling sentences and more details than anybody will ever read. Be brutal with editing. Actually set aside your writing and come back with fresh eyes and think like the reader. Then narrow the text down to the truly important facts.

Sounding like you helps the reader relate to the words. That's why a conversational tone is preferred. My tag line is Words People Read for a reason. Why spend the time writing something no one has the patience to wade through?

Check out Kurt's article for more on how you can write with style.

Deborah Chaddock Brown
Professional Writer, Motivational Speaker and Lover of Shakespeare
www.allwriteink.com