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Writing That Works
Writing That Works will help you say what you want to say, with less difficulty and more confidence. Now in its third edition, this completely updated classic has been expanded to included all new advice on e-mail and the e-writing world, plus a fresh point of view on political correctness. With dozens of examples, many of them new, and useful tips for writing as well as faster on a computer, Writing That Works will show you how to improve anything you write:
Presentations that move ideas and action
Memos and letters that get things done
Plans and reports that make things happen
Fund-raising and sales letters that produce results
Resumes and letters that lead to interviews
Speeches that make a point
Presentations that move ideas and action
Memos and letters that get things done
Plans and reports that make things happen
Fund-raising and sales letters that produce results
Resumes and letters that lead to interviews
Speeches that make a point
193 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 18, 2012
I bought a copy of Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson’s Writing That Works because advertising legend, David Ogilvy, recommended it to his staff at his ad agency, Ogilvy & Mather, in a memo he issued back in 1982.
I write for a living, so I took note.
A lot of what Ogilvy suggested made sense.
And a lot of what’s covered in Writing That Works makes sense, too.
Actually, it made so much sense that I wound up having a really good, constructive conversation with the CEO at work about the direction we ought to be heading in when it comes to writing.
I would argue that, when it comes right down to it, good writing actually means good editing.
(I even now have a post-it note with the editing tips from this book taped up next to my computer monitor — just a little reminder of what to look out for.)
I write for a living, so I took note.
A lot of what Ogilvy suggested made sense.
And a lot of what’s covered in Writing That Works makes sense, too.
Actually, it made so much sense that I wound up having a really good, constructive conversation with the CEO at work about the direction we ought to be heading in when it comes to writing.
I would argue that, when it comes right down to it, good writing actually means good editing.
(I even now have a post-it note with the editing tips from this book taped up next to my computer monitor — just a little reminder of what to look out for.)
November 14, 2017
OK this goes on my 'recommended reading for students' list. Too often do I get emails that are actually three emails weirdly intertwined and after spending 10 minutes untangling the email I have no idea what I'm supposed to do - is there a question or action for me anywhere?
This book is a generic 'how to write' book with a focus on business writing in the form of internal memos. There are tips and helpful advice on writing reports, letters, grant applications, CVs, speeches, and lots on proper etiquette, starting with 'how do I address the recipient?' to CC/BCC behaviours, to 'coping with political correctness' (in a nutshell: you may not like it but 'minorities suffer enough without being labeled with terms they regard as offensive, regardless of what the writer may think of their preferences or their reasons').
I read the 3rd edition from a curious time when e-mails were taking over, yet hand-written memos were still a thing. That's not an issue to the reader as everything written on business memos is equally applicable to business e-mails, lots of cute stuff ('there's ISDN now! So fast!').
Anyway, as I said above, this goes on the recommended reading list pile for students, there's enough knowledge here to remove 80% of my pain with other people's (and my own!) emails.
P.S.: I read this book because David Ogilvy recommended it to people working in his ad agency, as written in The Unpublished David Ogilvy. He did not write that Roman and Raphaelson worked for Ogilvy's agency, and that they both worked on The Unpublished David Ogilvy!
This book is a generic 'how to write' book with a focus on business writing in the form of internal memos. There are tips and helpful advice on writing reports, letters, grant applications, CVs, speeches, and lots on proper etiquette, starting with 'how do I address the recipient?' to CC/BCC behaviours, to 'coping with political correctness' (in a nutshell: you may not like it but 'minorities suffer enough without being labeled with terms they regard as offensive, regardless of what the writer may think of their preferences or their reasons').
I read the 3rd edition from a curious time when e-mails were taking over, yet hand-written memos were still a thing. That's not an issue to the reader as everything written on business memos is equally applicable to business e-mails, lots of cute stuff ('there's ISDN now! So fast!').
Anyway, as I said above, this goes on the recommended reading list pile for students, there's enough knowledge here to remove 80% of my pain with other people's (and my own!) emails.
P.S.: I read this book because David Ogilvy recommended it to people working in his ad agency, as written in The Unpublished David Ogilvy. He did not write that Roman and Raphaelson worked for Ogilvy's agency, and that they both worked on The Unpublished David Ogilvy!
January 3, 2022
Everyone should read the first chapter. The bulk of the rest of the book is outdated.
August 8, 2017
I give it 2 stars because they gave 1 piece of good advice: DON'T MUMBLE.
But then they didn't follow that advice and kept on talking how to write an email. (pro tip: be short and clear)
I know it's an old book, I just wish it wasn't promoted as something evergreen.
Also, it's recommended as a must read by David Ogilvy, which is fun because it was written by people who worked for David Ogilvy.
I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND THIS GREAT BOOK BY MY COLLEAGUE BUY THIS.
But then they didn't follow that advice and kept on talking how to write an email. (pro tip: be short and clear)
I know it's an old book, I just wish it wasn't promoted as something evergreen.
Also, it's recommended as a must read by David Ogilvy, which is fun because it was written by people who worked for David Ogilvy.
I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND THIS GREAT BOOK BY MY COLLEAGUE BUY THIS.
January 29, 2023
Summary of the book's main points:
Office productivity
Use your time well. There is a limited number of hours (some say 2-3) you can use productively per day. Concentrate your energy on the major tasks that will make a difference.
Avoid shuffling things from one pile to another. Instead, try to handle paper only once. It's hard to do but it works. With easy things, like e-mail, decide what to do on the spot. Answer, file, or delete. With larger tasks that require study, go in-depth. Read actively. Decide what must be done.
Consider a "maturing file" for knotty problems. Many disappear if given time. Others require more thought.
Use empathy in your writing.
Be mindful of your reader and take into account of how much they know. Be it background information, facts, technical terms, etc.
Don't say "No" casually. Explain your reasons. Have empathy for your reader.
When creating a speech or presentation, have one individual in mind, rather then a faceless audience. This helps make your content focused.
Good writing
Separate your writing phase from your editing phase. Writing first drafts is muddy. Editing is for polishing. Don't lose momentum by combining the two.
Cross out what is not necessary and plunge into what you're going to say. This goes for all types of writing.
Write clearly. It is not enough to write so that your readers can understand. Write so that you cannot be misunderstood. For example, use clear language and not jargon or buzzwords, as the latter often tries to impress others rather than getting things done. Also, use plain English even on technical subjects. Get understanding of the clarity of your text by giving lay people early drafts.
Prefer the active voice over the passive. Whereas an active voice reveals the speaker, the passive voice hides him. The active voice makes the writing more energetic and personal. It pushes things forward. It avoids making the reader feels like they're being talked to by an institution. Use an active voice whenever possible.
Good writing use words you would say if you were face to face. It's simple and natural.
Example sentences. Note that these don't say the exact same thing - which is a good thing.
-Bad example1 (verbose and pompous):
Should the supply of manuals sent you not be sufficient to meet your requirements, application should be made to this office for additional copies.
-Good example1 (short, clear, direct):
One office worker meets another in the hall. “Ben,” he says. “If you need more manuals, just ask for them."
-Bad example2
"We regret to inform you that...".
-Good example2
"I know how disappointed you're going to be, but there isn't any way I can do that"
Use time-tested words. New words can distract, which takes away from your content.
It's more professional to emphasize a word or phrase in italics than in bold.
Intelligent readers can sniff out deceptive writing
Resist the urge to exaggerate to support a strongly held position or serve up half-truths as camouflage for bad news. It's also more persuasive to understate than to overstate. E.g., round out numbers conservatively. Don't call 6.7 "nearly 7", but "over 6 and a half."
Gendered language
It can be awkward using gendered language. One way to circumvent this problem is by converting the singular to plural. Another is by switching pronous from the third to the second person.
Examples:
-Instead of "He hopes to win the Pulitzer Price", you can write "All novelists hope they will win the Pulitzer price".
-When an employee receives a message addressed to him or her, you can write “when you receive a message addressed to you.”
Memos
Memos are letters to people whom you work closely with. These can be inside or outside your organization. Write them in a conversational tone. Also note that an informal voice is no excuse for sloppy thinking or careless expression. Confusion slows things down.
How to complain:
Be clear, complete, firm and courteous for best chance of results.
Don't come across as angry, but instead present a cool, lucid statement, with all necessary information, of what went wrong and what should be done about it.
If the initial complaint is not successful, escalate by writing to the head of the organization and include all previous correspondence.
Presentations:
Presentation decks are horizontal pages of bulleted points, presented with as few words as possible. They serve as a framework for spoken elaboration. As such, they are often used to stimulate debate or carry conversation. They lack the nuance of carefully written papers, which is a good thing, as it contains the "pulsing essence that get things done". Good presentations nearly always express a strongly held point of view.
Before creating a presentation, think about who your audience is and what you want to say to them. What are your audience's needs? What do you want them to leave with? Present your content in terms of benefits to your audience. Know also that your audience has not lived with your subject as you have, so must bring them into your subject.
Use numbered headlines (and not labels) to establish your main points. Lead people through your headlines. This makes it easier for your audience to follow your train of tought. Know also that the text on your presentation takes focus from what you say. Condense the text, but read it aloud. You can use interesting visual devices to keep them engaged. Face your audience (and not the presentation) when speaking.
The presentation itself often carries the audience on a flow of logic.
The title itself should contain the promise of a benefit. Why is your presentation worth the audience's time and attention?
Following title, present your subject and the scope (objective) of the presentation. Make this specific and tie every element of the presentation to an easy-to-remember theme. Since your presentation serves a purpose; make the purpose known early. Are you recommending something? Tell your audience in clear language what it is. Your presentation is not a "story with a surprise ending".
Presentations that are persuasive also often contain a section on background. This means earlier decisions or familiar information into which your recommendation fits. These should be relevant and impressive, as they are the rationale for your recommendation and at the heart of your argument. What is the evidence for your recommendation?
In your recommendation section, make your recommendation known clearly. Most recommendations involve some pain or difficult trade-off as it competes with others for finite resources. Just laying out your content is not enough. Instead, see your presentation as selling others on your recommendation. Marshal both the logic and passion behind your facts. Instill confidence in your audience by showing that you have carefully thought through the subject by anticipating their reservations and face them. Sometimes, their questions don't strike at the heart of the problem. In such cases, reframe their question to answer what they're really asking. An example can be:
On a presentation on long copy:
-audience question: "Does anybody read long copy?"
-what they really wanted to know, was "Does long copy sell?".
Rehearse your speech
It takes a lot of preparation to deliver speeches that appear natural and effortless. So rehearse the speech until you know it almost by heart. This makes you sound more spontaneous and confident.
Face your audience to create a better connection with them.
Communicate your speech with a sense of energy.
Improve your ability to deliver speeches by recording yourself.
Office productivity
Use your time well. There is a limited number of hours (some say 2-3) you can use productively per day. Concentrate your energy on the major tasks that will make a difference.
Avoid shuffling things from one pile to another. Instead, try to handle paper only once. It's hard to do but it works. With easy things, like e-mail, decide what to do on the spot. Answer, file, or delete. With larger tasks that require study, go in-depth. Read actively. Decide what must be done.
Consider a "maturing file" for knotty problems. Many disappear if given time. Others require more thought.
Use empathy in your writing.
Be mindful of your reader and take into account of how much they know. Be it background information, facts, technical terms, etc.
Don't say "No" casually. Explain your reasons. Have empathy for your reader.
When creating a speech or presentation, have one individual in mind, rather then a faceless audience. This helps make your content focused.
Good writing
Separate your writing phase from your editing phase. Writing first drafts is muddy. Editing is for polishing. Don't lose momentum by combining the two.
Cross out what is not necessary and plunge into what you're going to say. This goes for all types of writing.
Write clearly. It is not enough to write so that your readers can understand. Write so that you cannot be misunderstood. For example, use clear language and not jargon or buzzwords, as the latter often tries to impress others rather than getting things done. Also, use plain English even on technical subjects. Get understanding of the clarity of your text by giving lay people early drafts.
Prefer the active voice over the passive. Whereas an active voice reveals the speaker, the passive voice hides him. The active voice makes the writing more energetic and personal. It pushes things forward. It avoids making the reader feels like they're being talked to by an institution. Use an active voice whenever possible.
Good writing use words you would say if you were face to face. It's simple and natural.
Example sentences. Note that these don't say the exact same thing - which is a good thing.
-Bad example1 (verbose and pompous):
Should the supply of manuals sent you not be sufficient to meet your requirements, application should be made to this office for additional copies.
-Good example1 (short, clear, direct):
One office worker meets another in the hall. “Ben,” he says. “If you need more manuals, just ask for them."
-Bad example2
"We regret to inform you that...".
-Good example2
"I know how disappointed you're going to be, but there isn't any way I can do that"
Use time-tested words. New words can distract, which takes away from your content.
It's more professional to emphasize a word or phrase in italics than in bold.
Intelligent readers can sniff out deceptive writing
Resist the urge to exaggerate to support a strongly held position or serve up half-truths as camouflage for bad news. It's also more persuasive to understate than to overstate. E.g., round out numbers conservatively. Don't call 6.7 "nearly 7", but "over 6 and a half."
Gendered language
It can be awkward using gendered language. One way to circumvent this problem is by converting the singular to plural. Another is by switching pronous from the third to the second person.
Examples:
-Instead of "He hopes to win the Pulitzer Price", you can write "All novelists hope they will win the Pulitzer price".
-When an employee receives a message addressed to him or her, you can write “when you receive a message addressed to you.”
Memos
Memos are letters to people whom you work closely with. These can be inside or outside your organization. Write them in a conversational tone. Also note that an informal voice is no excuse for sloppy thinking or careless expression. Confusion slows things down.
How to complain:
Be clear, complete, firm and courteous for best chance of results.
Don't come across as angry, but instead present a cool, lucid statement, with all necessary information, of what went wrong and what should be done about it.
If the initial complaint is not successful, escalate by writing to the head of the organization and include all previous correspondence.
Presentations:
Presentation decks are horizontal pages of bulleted points, presented with as few words as possible. They serve as a framework for spoken elaboration. As such, they are often used to stimulate debate or carry conversation. They lack the nuance of carefully written papers, which is a good thing, as it contains the "pulsing essence that get things done". Good presentations nearly always express a strongly held point of view.
Before creating a presentation, think about who your audience is and what you want to say to them. What are your audience's needs? What do you want them to leave with? Present your content in terms of benefits to your audience. Know also that your audience has not lived with your subject as you have, so must bring them into your subject.
Use numbered headlines (and not labels) to establish your main points. Lead people through your headlines. This makes it easier for your audience to follow your train of tought. Know also that the text on your presentation takes focus from what you say. Condense the text, but read it aloud. You can use interesting visual devices to keep them engaged. Face your audience (and not the presentation) when speaking.
The presentation itself often carries the audience on a flow of logic.
The title itself should contain the promise of a benefit. Why is your presentation worth the audience's time and attention?
Following title, present your subject and the scope (objective) of the presentation. Make this specific and tie every element of the presentation to an easy-to-remember theme. Since your presentation serves a purpose; make the purpose known early. Are you recommending something? Tell your audience in clear language what it is. Your presentation is not a "story with a surprise ending".
Presentations that are persuasive also often contain a section on background. This means earlier decisions or familiar information into which your recommendation fits. These should be relevant and impressive, as they are the rationale for your recommendation and at the heart of your argument. What is the evidence for your recommendation?
In your recommendation section, make your recommendation known clearly. Most recommendations involve some pain or difficult trade-off as it competes with others for finite resources. Just laying out your content is not enough. Instead, see your presentation as selling others on your recommendation. Marshal both the logic and passion behind your facts. Instill confidence in your audience by showing that you have carefully thought through the subject by anticipating their reservations and face them. Sometimes, their questions don't strike at the heart of the problem. In such cases, reframe their question to answer what they're really asking. An example can be:
On a presentation on long copy:
-audience question: "Does anybody read long copy?"
-what they really wanted to know, was "Does long copy sell?".
Rehearse your speech
It takes a lot of preparation to deliver speeches that appear natural and effortless. So rehearse the speech until you know it almost by heart. This makes you sound more spontaneous and confident.
Face your audience to create a better connection with them.
Communicate your speech with a sense of energy.
Improve your ability to deliver speeches by recording yourself.
March 19, 2019
If your day job involves communicating to other people (almost certainly it does), give this book a try. It uses several representative examples to come upon its thesis that effective communication is the paramount to business/job success.
March 17, 2021
A classic that is helpful for anyone who wants to become a better writer. I believe that many recommendations are timeless, and well worth to remind oneself of from time to time. Will insert my notes below.
Advertiser David Ogilvy has recommended everyone read Writing That Works at least three times. One of the main recommendations in the book is that when you know what you want to write – just write it. The one who mumbles gets less attention than the one who speaks in plain language. For busy people to act, your text must go to the heart of what matters. Most of the texts are unclear, carelessly written and confusing.
”If language is not correct, then what is said is not what is meant, if what is said is not what is meant, then what ought to be done remains undone” – Confucius
LESS IS MORE. Understand the three most important things the reader needs to know – then just say it. Use short paragraphs, short sentences and short words. That’s a rule of thumb used by Wall Street Journal editors to make the text easier to read. Many people also mistakenly believe that better writing is the same as writing more. Often the opposite is true.
HEADING IS IMPORTANT. Five times more people read the headline than the entire text. If the headline is not interesting, you have wasted a lot of time.
”If you are lucky enough to have some news to tell, don’t bury it in your body copy, which nine out of ten people will not read. State it loud and clear in your headline. And don’t scorn tried-and-true words like amazing, introducing, now, suddenly”
THE THREE PARTS OF THE TEXT. A longer text must be divided into (1) introduction, (2) intermediate part and (3) conclusion. The introduction should capture the readers’ interest. There should be an unspoken promise to the reader that it is worth continuing to read. The middle part is the body of the text and shows where the author is going and contains important information, sometimes controversial and entertaining conversations – preferably with frequent examples from life, ideas and anecdotes. The conclusion should result in a lingering thought in the reader’s head. The first and last impression leaves traces – put a lot of focus on these.
BE WELL-READ. H.L Mencken has said ”Most people write badly because they cannot think clearly”. Ignorance often manifests itself in generalities, which means that the reader has to guess what is meant. Understand enough to be specific. Do not write “very overspent” when you can write “overspent by 10,000 dollars”. Write “two days late” instead of “something according to the schedule”. Avoid vague adjectives and adverbs.
FIGURATIVELY ONLY IF IT HELPS. Do not expect the reader to be able to read your thoughts: “Take into account how much you can assume your reader knows – what background information, what facts, and what technical terms”. Figuratively language works well if it is very successful, such as George Bernard Shaw’s opinion as a music critic “I did with my ears what I do with my eyes when I stare”. Most often, however, figurative language becomes confusing.
“If you have distilled your thinking to its essence, you will probably be able to express it in simple words”
WRITE THE WAY YOU SPEAK. Do not write like a lawyer or a bureaucrat. The best thing is to write the way we speak. Use a down-to-earth and humble language. There is always a simple and humble way to say the same thing as the “show off” word. Avoid exaggerations as a single exaggeration in an otherwise well-argued text can cause suspicion for the whole point.
EDIT YOURSELF. Skilled writers view editing as part of the writing process and not just as a necessary evil. Write first and then edit. Go through the text once with the question in your head “what should I delete?”. Good writers also change a lot in the text – the presentation order affects the understanding. Also, read the text for inaccuracies in the facts and holes in your arguments and to get a sense of whether the tone is right.
”Writers should strike out every third word on principle: you have no idea what vigor it adds to style” – Mark Twain
GOOD E-MAIL. The authors’ four-step rocket to a good e-mail is: (1) write a clear and appealing line of subject matter that gives attention and a sense of content, (2) get to the point and cut out unnecessary text, not only to save the reader’s time but also for to get the core points, (3) be clear with your purpose and message and (4) be specific with the next step and if you want your email to lead to action – get it in your last paragraph. If you have nothing to say that is more than a formality, stop writing.
Advertiser David Ogilvy has recommended everyone read Writing That Works at least three times. One of the main recommendations in the book is that when you know what you want to write – just write it. The one who mumbles gets less attention than the one who speaks in plain language. For busy people to act, your text must go to the heart of what matters. Most of the texts are unclear, carelessly written and confusing.
”If language is not correct, then what is said is not what is meant, if what is said is not what is meant, then what ought to be done remains undone” – Confucius
LESS IS MORE. Understand the three most important things the reader needs to know – then just say it. Use short paragraphs, short sentences and short words. That’s a rule of thumb used by Wall Street Journal editors to make the text easier to read. Many people also mistakenly believe that better writing is the same as writing more. Often the opposite is true.
HEADING IS IMPORTANT. Five times more people read the headline than the entire text. If the headline is not interesting, you have wasted a lot of time.
”If you are lucky enough to have some news to tell, don’t bury it in your body copy, which nine out of ten people will not read. State it loud and clear in your headline. And don’t scorn tried-and-true words like amazing, introducing, now, suddenly”
THE THREE PARTS OF THE TEXT. A longer text must be divided into (1) introduction, (2) intermediate part and (3) conclusion. The introduction should capture the readers’ interest. There should be an unspoken promise to the reader that it is worth continuing to read. The middle part is the body of the text and shows where the author is going and contains important information, sometimes controversial and entertaining conversations – preferably with frequent examples from life, ideas and anecdotes. The conclusion should result in a lingering thought in the reader’s head. The first and last impression leaves traces – put a lot of focus on these.
BE WELL-READ. H.L Mencken has said ”Most people write badly because they cannot think clearly”. Ignorance often manifests itself in generalities, which means that the reader has to guess what is meant. Understand enough to be specific. Do not write “very overspent” when you can write “overspent by 10,000 dollars”. Write “two days late” instead of “something according to the schedule”. Avoid vague adjectives and adverbs.
FIGURATIVELY ONLY IF IT HELPS. Do not expect the reader to be able to read your thoughts: “Take into account how much you can assume your reader knows – what background information, what facts, and what technical terms”. Figuratively language works well if it is very successful, such as George Bernard Shaw’s opinion as a music critic “I did with my ears what I do with my eyes when I stare”. Most often, however, figurative language becomes confusing.
“If you have distilled your thinking to its essence, you will probably be able to express it in simple words”
WRITE THE WAY YOU SPEAK. Do not write like a lawyer or a bureaucrat. The best thing is to write the way we speak. Use a down-to-earth and humble language. There is always a simple and humble way to say the same thing as the “show off” word. Avoid exaggerations as a single exaggeration in an otherwise well-argued text can cause suspicion for the whole point.
EDIT YOURSELF. Skilled writers view editing as part of the writing process and not just as a necessary evil. Write first and then edit. Go through the text once with the question in your head “what should I delete?”. Good writers also change a lot in the text – the presentation order affects the understanding. Also, read the text for inaccuracies in the facts and holes in your arguments and to get a sense of whether the tone is right.
”Writers should strike out every third word on principle: you have no idea what vigor it adds to style” – Mark Twain
GOOD E-MAIL. The authors’ four-step rocket to a good e-mail is: (1) write a clear and appealing line of subject matter that gives attention and a sense of content, (2) get to the point and cut out unnecessary text, not only to save the reader’s time but also for to get the core points, (3) be clear with your purpose and message and (4) be specific with the next step and if you want your email to lead to action – get it in your last paragraph. If you have nothing to say that is more than a formality, stop writing.
August 10, 2022
It's interesting, but for a book with such a title and quite short (180+pp in paperback) it was difficult for me to went through it -took more than a week while I expected to finish it in a day or two.
For some reason, their writing did not work for me. And besides a good advice "don't mumble" not a lot of interesting things and examples are lackluster.
E.g., they recommend to put your goal(s) on top of your resume -but after that, as an example, they have a resume which does not have it. Can't you spend time and create a resume in accordance with your guidance, not just share a random CV which somehow "worked"? And so on.
For some reason, their writing did not work for me. And besides a good advice "don't mumble" not a lot of interesting things and examples are lackluster.
E.g., they recommend to put your goal(s) on top of your resume -but after that, as an example, they have a resume which does not have it. Can't you spend time and create a resume in accordance with your guidance, not just share a random CV which somehow "worked"? And so on.
May 1, 2013
This book would have done better to focus on one area or two. By attempting to cover email, presentations, resumes, proposals, and a swath of other areas in 180 pages, the book ultimately fails. What's more, I found the material to be pretty basic. I hate to be critical, but presentations require separate texts. This book just covers major areas in a rather perfunctory manner.
March 18, 2015
A great book about how you ca improve your writing skills, in particular your business writing skills. The book has many recommendations for
* better e-mails
* better presentations
* better proposals
Some sections were a bit boring (improve your resume for example), but I've enjoyed a lot the one about Presentations & Speeches.
* better e-mails
* better presentations
* better proposals
Some sections were a bit boring (improve your resume for example), but I've enjoyed a lot the one about Presentations & Speeches.
September 8, 2021
This is a great book for anyone who wants to become a better writer!
And a good book for anyone who wants to become a better overall communicator.
One of the best parts is that it provides a lot of great examples which illustrate the principles that are being shared.
If you are struggling to get people to buy-in on your ideas, reply to your emails, pay attention to your presentations, or any other communication-related challenged, this will be a great resource for you.
It will also be a great resource for experienced writers.
Flow: 5/5
Actionability: 5/5
Mindset: 4/5
Some of My Highlights:
"One executive suggests a discipline - putting down first what you want the reader to do, next the three most important things the readers needs to understand to take that action, then starting to write."
"If you are ambitious, it won't hurt to make life easier for people above you."
"It takes time to write well."
"This kind of discipline sets aside the time for the truly important as opposed to the merely urgent."
"Mumblers command less attention than people who speak up."
"Summary: Make an outline; use your outline to help your reader; number and underline section headings; summarize."
"The old rule is simple: Don't use 'like' in any case where 'as if' or 'as though' would fit comfortably."
"Take into account how much you can assume your reader knows - what background information, what facts, what technical terms."
"If you must use abbreviations, define them the first time they appear in your paper."
"The more technical the material, the less likely your reader will understand it unless you put it into the language we all speak."
"You should develop a logical and easy-to-remember system for your file names."
"There are times when nothing beats a conversation to solve a problem, or when courtesy calls for a nicely typed or handwritten letter."
"Busy executives tune out, delete, or simply don't respond."
"It's worth studying newspapers, particularly The Wall Street Journal, to understand what kinds of headlines convert scanners to readers."
"Try to make clear at once which readers your message is for, e.g., Schedule for rocket-launch team."
"Don't automatically keep old titles on replies that have both nothing to do with the original subject, or on correspondence that goes back and forth endlessly with the same title, so it becomes impossible to distinguish one note from another."
"If you're sending several messages on unrelated topics, it's often better to send separate e-mails."
"But a greeting of some sort, especially if you're originating the correspondence, can help start things on the right foot."
"Reply all may be the most dangerous button on the screen. Count to ten before you unleash this plague on your victims."
"Voice mail is often abused, with messages that are too long and repetitive yet not complete."
"List names of those receiving copies alphabetically. If you list them in order of importance, you often run into complications."
"There is no need for the written equivalent of small talk."
"If you want to add a personal touch, make sure that what you say is personal, and something you mean."
And a good book for anyone who wants to become a better overall communicator.
One of the best parts is that it provides a lot of great examples which illustrate the principles that are being shared.
If you are struggling to get people to buy-in on your ideas, reply to your emails, pay attention to your presentations, or any other communication-related challenged, this will be a great resource for you.
It will also be a great resource for experienced writers.
Flow: 5/5
Actionability: 5/5
Mindset: 4/5
Some of My Highlights:
"One executive suggests a discipline - putting down first what you want the reader to do, next the three most important things the readers needs to understand to take that action, then starting to write."
"If you are ambitious, it won't hurt to make life easier for people above you."
"It takes time to write well."
"This kind of discipline sets aside the time for the truly important as opposed to the merely urgent."
"Mumblers command less attention than people who speak up."
"Summary: Make an outline; use your outline to help your reader; number and underline section headings; summarize."
"The old rule is simple: Don't use 'like' in any case where 'as if' or 'as though' would fit comfortably."
"Take into account how much you can assume your reader knows - what background information, what facts, what technical terms."
"If you must use abbreviations, define them the first time they appear in your paper."
"The more technical the material, the less likely your reader will understand it unless you put it into the language we all speak."
"You should develop a logical and easy-to-remember system for your file names."
"There are times when nothing beats a conversation to solve a problem, or when courtesy calls for a nicely typed or handwritten letter."
"Busy executives tune out, delete, or simply don't respond."
"It's worth studying newspapers, particularly The Wall Street Journal, to understand what kinds of headlines convert scanners to readers."
"Try to make clear at once which readers your message is for, e.g., Schedule for rocket-launch team."
"Don't automatically keep old titles on replies that have both nothing to do with the original subject, or on correspondence that goes back and forth endlessly with the same title, so it becomes impossible to distinguish one note from another."
"If you're sending several messages on unrelated topics, it's often better to send separate e-mails."
"But a greeting of some sort, especially if you're originating the correspondence, can help start things on the right foot."
"Reply all may be the most dangerous button on the screen. Count to ten before you unleash this plague on your victims."
"Voice mail is often abused, with messages that are too long and repetitive yet not complete."
"List names of those receiving copies alphabetically. If you list them in order of importance, you often run into complications."
"There is no need for the written equivalent of small talk."
"If you want to add a personal touch, make sure that what you say is personal, and something you mean."
April 3, 2024
A guide for learning how to say what you want to say in a succinct and clear way. The book focuses on how to write memos, letters, presentations, speeches and the like that have impact and get things done.
This book wasn't really my choice to read, it was one on a list of "Professional development" books that we could read, and I do a lot of writing at work so I thought I'd give it a go.
For starters though, this book was first written in 1981, and its last revision was in 2000. Anyone seeing a slight issue here? If not, I'll just go ahead and point it out. It is seriously out of date.
Don't get me wrong, there are some valuable nuggets in there, like if you're having a bad day, sure go and write a snarky response, but don't send it. Come back to it later and see if you still want to send it. Or, don't put a whole lot of fluff and waffle in a memo (or email these days) because people won't read it and your point will be missed.
But there's no mention of anything social media related, likely because the book is too old. And the talking points on presentations are, don't use bright colours or too many images, and now it's like well actually, people talk in emoticons so having a visually appealing slide deck is the way to go.
Or, resumes, make them plain and boring - no fancy text, no bullet points - so that scanners can read them properly and maybe have a chance at making them searchable. Sorry guys, if it's plain and boring, it's probably not going to get much of a look in now because it wouldn't look to me like you've put much effort into getting a job. I do agree though, that you have half a page to tell a hiring manager who you are and why you're the best, then my eyes are going to glaze over and I'll move on. So don't start with giving me your education history like they did in the book, I don't care. Unless you're fresh out of university, I'm more interested in your work history.
Other than that, I found the format a bit confusing, it seemed to overlap and contradict itself through out. And their use of sub-headings was also confusing. Like maybe back then there wasn't a thing such as Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3, etc (I can't remember). But there would be headings that were a numbered list and then in the same font and size a different heading that wasn't numbered, and then back to the numbered list.
So for a book about writing that works, it didn't really work for me, so I'd give it two out of five stars.
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This book wasn't really my choice to read, it was one on a list of "Professional development" books that we could read, and I do a lot of writing at work so I thought I'd give it a go.
For starters though, this book was first written in 1981, and its last revision was in 2000. Anyone seeing a slight issue here? If not, I'll just go ahead and point it out. It is seriously out of date.
Don't get me wrong, there are some valuable nuggets in there, like if you're having a bad day, sure go and write a snarky response, but don't send it. Come back to it later and see if you still want to send it. Or, don't put a whole lot of fluff and waffle in a memo (or email these days) because people won't read it and your point will be missed.
But there's no mention of anything social media related, likely because the book is too old. And the talking points on presentations are, don't use bright colours or too many images, and now it's like well actually, people talk in emoticons so having a visually appealing slide deck is the way to go.
Or, resumes, make them plain and boring - no fancy text, no bullet points - so that scanners can read them properly and maybe have a chance at making them searchable. Sorry guys, if it's plain and boring, it's probably not going to get much of a look in now because it wouldn't look to me like you've put much effort into getting a job. I do agree though, that you have half a page to tell a hiring manager who you are and why you're the best, then my eyes are going to glaze over and I'll move on. So don't start with giving me your education history like they did in the book, I don't care. Unless you're fresh out of university, I'm more interested in your work history.
Other than that, I found the format a bit confusing, it seemed to overlap and contradict itself through out. And their use of sub-headings was also confusing. Like maybe back then there wasn't a thing such as Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3, etc (I can't remember). But there would be headings that were a numbered list and then in the same font and size a different heading that wasn't numbered, and then back to the numbered list.
So for a book about writing that works, it didn't really work for me, so I'd give it two out of five stars.
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December 10, 2023
2023 review: got this book from a now retired boss and yes it is outdated but the principles in writing are still as relevant and useful!
Key takeaways:
- write first, format later to avoid analysis paralysis.
- have a structure/outline first. It’ll save you soo much time instead of thought dumping here and there.
- first hand observations are valuable when reporting on something. Get out there, meet people, and then you’ll have an awesome story.
- try put yourself in your readers shoes. Think of either your sister reading your material. Will they understand it??
- Cover letters make you stand out in the job market.
- start with what the company needs, and continue with how your skills can meet those needs
- two major rules in editing: let it sit for a day or so. Get a fresh pair of eyes.
Some fave quotes: “reading good writing will help you more than reading about good writing. Plus it’s more fun!!” “Clarity of writing usually follows clarity of thought.”
Key takeaways:
- write first, format later to avoid analysis paralysis.
- have a structure/outline first. It’ll save you soo much time instead of thought dumping here and there.
- first hand observations are valuable when reporting on something. Get out there, meet people, and then you’ll have an awesome story.
- try put yourself in your readers shoes. Think of either your sister reading your material. Will they understand it??
- Cover letters make you stand out in the job market.
- start with what the company needs, and continue with how your skills can meet those needs
- two major rules in editing: let it sit for a day or so. Get a fresh pair of eyes.
Some fave quotes: “reading good writing will help you more than reading about good writing. Plus it’s more fun!!” “Clarity of writing usually follows clarity of thought.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2019
Many of the approaches in this book could be regarded as good advice on clear writing; many of the specifics are outdated. However, that doesn't diminish the value of this book because they authors explicitly argue that readers should always be adapting to the audience and that past usage may no longer be appropriate. The chapter on political correctness was a particularly good example in this respect, because it encourages writers to appreciate the views of the audience, especially minority groups, and then provides a list of terms which it would be "loony" to believe offensive — and many of the terms on that list would no longer be good choices for business communications.
The book adheres to its own principles; concise and readable. Additionally, an interesting view into corporate culture in the late 1990s.
The book adheres to its own principles; concise and readable. Additionally, an interesting view into corporate culture in the late 1990s.
February 28, 2018
The author's approach on business writing is quite astonishing given such a dull topic to cover. It's quite an eye opening for someone who almost frequently wrote a semi-journal kind of email including business email as well and I've been doing it for the past few years. It's a good start with all the business emails I've been sending out this past few weeks. The part where the author talk about Mark Twain removing a word for every 3 words sounds like a thing to try next time. Taking a break every few drafts is a good advice to anybody who actually wrote an essay or report like me. Highly recommended for anyone looking to improvise their business email writing
June 19, 2022
David Ogilvy in his decalogue on How to Write suggests reading this book and then reading it two more times.
I understand why, and I agree.
It's brief and full of essential guidelines on effective writing for several different occasions. I read the first edition, written before the internet and it's amazing how the principles it describes still stand - they are just named differently today.
There's "know your audience" that describes what we now call a persona. There's "test" for sales letters that can be translated to today's A/B testing of email campaigns. And there's the evergreen "write for the layman".
A must read for every professional.
I understand why, and I agree.
It's brief and full of essential guidelines on effective writing for several different occasions. I read the first edition, written before the internet and it's amazing how the principles it describes still stand - they are just named differently today.
There's "know your audience" that describes what we now call a persona. There's "test" for sales letters that can be translated to today's A/B testing of email campaigns. And there's the evergreen "write for the layman".
A must read for every professional.
March 25, 2018
More theory less examples
The thoretical aspect of the book was fine, you can get the two cents from the book. A lot more is required in terms of situational examples. The book is priced at a much higher price point than the information that it supplies. It's worth a quick reading which would lead you to use the hooks provided in the book to do a lot more research of your own. I would have expected everything to be there in this book so that it becomes my one source and then I practise and adjust. Sadly it's not there yet. In the end not worth the price I paid for it.
The thoretical aspect of the book was fine, you can get the two cents from the book. A lot more is required in terms of situational examples. The book is priced at a much higher price point than the information that it supplies. It's worth a quick reading which would lead you to use the hooks provided in the book to do a lot more research of your own. I would have expected everything to be there in this book so that it becomes my one source and then I practise and adjust. Sadly it's not there yet. In the end not worth the price I paid for it.
November 10, 2017
This book has good tips. It provides guidelines and good suggestions for how to write something that is professional, understandable, and, hopefully, effective. It is dated though. It was written in 2000 and you can tell. E-mail is discussed, but there is significance placed on other forms of communicating not used often anymore. Other than that limitation, it is a useful book and worth the quick read by anyone that writes professionally.
March 27, 2020
I have read this book and it is extremely helpful. This book is a brilliant sample and a guide about how to prepare a speech. I have to prepare a speech for the conference. I'll present my research project. I think it will impress everyone but I really want to learn how to present it in the best way. My speech with the presentation will based on tips and thoughts of the author of this book. I will write the result later.
January 5, 2017
While some of the examples might be dated, most of the advice in this book is timeless and commonsense. In 13 concise chapters, the authors recommend the most effective practices for getting your writing read, understood, and acted upon. I will be using this as a handy desk reference for years to come.
May 3, 2018
First of all, it's an outdated book. The authors have revised it but still, it doesn't talk about the world with millennials. I wish the book had more language and stile discussion instead of explaining to write a report.
On the other side, I believe it to be a good book for a start. It brings good points about speech, resume, and revisions.
On the other side, I believe it to be a good book for a start. It brings good points about speech, resume, and revisions.
November 26, 2019
Useful recommendations that can be applied immediately.
This book is a must-read. Most companies would increase their effectiveness and efficiency if all their people read this book. Those who read it and apply it will be a step ahead from the competition. Very easy to read, the authors clearly walk the talk.
This book is a must-read. Most companies would increase their effectiveness and efficiency if all their people read this book. Those who read it and apply it will be a step ahead from the competition. Very easy to read, the authors clearly walk the talk.
May 30, 2020
Outdated. Ma asteptam sa fie la un nivel mai apropiat celui atins de On writing well (William Zinsser), care ramane in continuare cea mai buna din ce am citit pana acum in jurul acestei teme. A mai fost foarte buna si chiar recomand Razboiul povestilor (Jonah Sachs - Ed. Black Button Books), mai ales pentru recomandarile privind structurarile.
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August 29, 2020I used this book to improve my writing when establishing elite score writers, and this review should serve to assist others.
For example, "the purpose is to persuade somebody - or more often a number of people - to approve a recommendation or proposal, and agree to put it into action" is an idea that I found extremely helpful.
For example, "the purpose is to persuade somebody - or more often a number of people - to approve a recommendation or proposal, and agree to put it into action" is an idea that I found extremely helpful.
May 25, 2022
Although there are timeless suggestions inside this book, some ideas are unfortunately outdated. I read the third edition, I wish there would be a newer one in my hands.
As someone who is writing documents and emails regularly as part of their job. My take aways from the book will help to improve my communication skills
As someone who is writing documents and emails regularly as part of their job. My take aways from the book will help to improve my communication skills
January 11, 2019
Don't let the rating fool you: this is a fantastic book. Much of the material, however, is familiar to me and the book often read like a series of lists. One thing I especially liked is how they analyzed the structure of effective letters as a series of actions.
October 8, 2020
Some good, classic nuggets of advice here but this book is in desperate need of a new edition to speak to updated & now universally accepted technology, as well as a better chapter on respecting your audience than "Coping With Political Correctness."
October 15, 2020
A good book for most people
If you are an experienced writer and communicator, you probably won't find too much in this book. For everyone else, this is gold. Follow the tips and recommendations religiously, and your effectiveness in corporate communication will benefit immensely.
If you are an experienced writer and communicator, you probably won't find too much in this book. For everyone else, this is gold. Follow the tips and recommendations religiously, and your effectiveness in corporate communication will benefit immensely.
June 17, 2022
Great advices for the writter that really wants to improve!
Super helpful and practical. Loved the examples and easy read. This will be a great manual to come back to when we want to make sure the message is clear!
Super helpful and practical. Loved the examples and easy read. This will be a great manual to come back to when we want to make sure the message is clear!
November 30, 2022
Due to its age it's hit or miss. Many sections are not relevant to today's work world, particularly if you work in a technology literate organization but the parts of the book that do apply are helpful and could benefit many people.
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