I just finished coaching a client today. And, like any mentor, I was thrilled to hear that she “gets it.”
Gets what?
Gets that organizing her thoughts is not only possible but essential for creating content with maximum impact.
In her case, she was presenting a recommendation that would impact an entire division of her company.
Her first draft was mired in backstory details that would baffle even the most astute reader.
Her rewrite, however, was clear, concise and direct.
She nailed it.
Here’s what she learned that might help you, too.
- Start with the answer. Before writing the first word, you should be able to tell someone in one sentence what you want them to know. Write it down in big, capital letters. Filter everything to come through that one sentence. Does what you have to say lead you to the answer? If not, it doesn’t belong.
- Create the “bones.” Create a mindmap, an outline or a brain dump, but begin to formulate how to get from A to B to C. What three main points can you introduce that will support the starting answer? More than three? Okay, you can go to five. But no more. Otherwise, you muddy the message.
- Make the connection. Now it’s time to connect the answer to the bones by creating a bridge. What analogy, metaphor, story or comparison can you include that will make the bones come to life and lead you to the answer? This is the fun part so get creative — even in business communication.
- Bring it to a conclusion. Include a brief recap of key points (without regurgitating your introduction) and answer the age-old question: So, what?
While cookie-cutter writing isn’t what you’re after, there’s nothing wrong with following a simple framework like this. Try it. You’ll like it.