Writing For Success

Take a moment to read this email from the purchasing manager at a construction company in Virginia:

"E-mails - that are received from Jim and I are not either getting open or not being responded to. I wanted to let everyone know that when Jim and I are sending out e-mails (example- who is to be picking up parcels) I am wanting for who ever the e-mail goes to to respond back to the e-mail. Its important that Jim and I knows that the person, intended, had read the e-mail. This gives an acknowledgment that the task is being completed. I am asking for a simple little 2 sec. Note that says 'ok', 'I got it', or Alright.'

Is there an easier way to say that? Of course there is: "Please let me know that you've received our emails."

Sad to say, that sort of writing is all too common -- slapdash, hurry-up writing that takes absolutely no account of the reader. Worse, the "writer"
didn't even bother to edit before hitting the "send" button. You can only imagine the snickering and grumbling that that email elicits among the recipients.

Welcome to my newsletter. I'm going to keep each issue brief and to the point, and try to help you understand the need for clear communications, whether writing to a customer or trying to get a point across to the news media.

Upcoming editions will focus on knowing your audience, editing and revising what you've done (quality control) and liberating yourself by following the credo that "Writing is Thinking."

I will also help you understand the basics of media relations -- framing your message, understanding how reporters and broadcast producers work, the potential for mutual gain in any media encounter, "dos and don'ts" in front of the camera, crisis communications, and much more.

I'll be in touch.

Dave