Fueling Outstanding Learning
Quick Reference Guide
What if I get writer’s block?
“I have absolutely nothing I can write about. Zero.
Zilch. Nada.”
If this is what’s stopping you from writing, then start by telling a personal
story,
or with a fact you find interesting or alarming. Start there and see where it takes you.
What if I get writer’s block?
“I don’t know where to even start!”
Simplicity is the answer. Start at the end—the one key insight or action you want your reader to take away— and work backwards.
What if I get writer’s block?
“I’m NOT a writer! I don’t have an original/interesting/ creative message.”
Don’t let perfectionism stop you from expressing yourself freely. Just write what feels right. Remember, it’s the editor’s job to refine and polish your message.
Why have you given us such tight deadlines and word limits?
We have found that creative constraints help people produce their best work. Deliberately adding this time pressure draws people to the edge of their stretch zones. By enforcing a word limit, we have set a consistent standard. It’s a microcosm of the workplace: a resource and time-constrained world.
The Do’s and Don’ts
Do use personal stories and talk from the heart. Use “I” when necessary. Do stick to the word limit and the time allocated.
Do start with the end in mind. (what is the key takeaway you want to share?).
Don’t try to do too much; keep it simple. Don’t try to edit as you write. Don’t worry too much about making it perfect. That’s what editing is for!
How to write excellent copy
Pick the intended audience
Write with a specific group in mind. There’s a real human on the other side of your writing. Keep focused on this audience to create a well-tailored message.
What if I get writer’s block?
Think about how you want your reader to feel
Ethos: A sense of credibility and authority on the subject matter.
Pathos: Feelings of joy, fear, inspiration or outrage. Use sensory details to evoke feeling.
Logos: Appealing to the reader’s logical side. Prove an idea through data and statistics.
Kairos: A sense of urgency about the relevancy of the topic.
What if I get writer’s block?
Write as a conversation
People prefer conversations rather than lectures. Lectures talk down to them, whilst conversations speak with them on the same level. Speak to the audience in a way that conveys the writer is a real person!
What if I get writer’s block?
Use real-world examples
Real-life examples can be verified by the reader, helping to build trust with the author. When inserting facts or statistics to support the message of the article, ensure to reference properly.
What if I get writer’s block?
There’s no ‘you’ in article, but there is an ‘i’ Share personal experiences through the use of the first-person (I, me, we). This helps to create rapport with the reader and makes the writer more relatable. Avoid using “you” (and your/ you’re/you’ll/you’ve) to address the reader because it comes across as assumptive - or worse, patronizing.
What if I get writer’s block?
Simple is better. What is simple copy?
Direct. Says what it means to say. Gimmick-free. In words and ideas. Varied. Short and long sentences in paragraphs for breathing room. Clear. Crystal-clear communication. Jargron-free. Avoids words that readers won’t understand. Exaggeration-sensitive. Limited use of hyperbole and exaggeration.
What if I get writer’s block?
Have fun with it!
A more enjoyable writing experience makes more a more enjoyable reading experience.
What is a Hack?
1 2 3
Everyone involved in the creation of a product or set of products physically present.
Work completed in sprints, with workload shared, to produce content in an efficient, agile way. Get the work finished, product made, job done. No-one leaves until it’s done. Then celebrate.