Writing that works

Introduction

"Writing that Works" by Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson is a practical guide that aims to improve professional writing skills. It covers various techniques and principles that can be applied to different types of business writing. The book is designed to be a handy reference, providing actionable insights to help readers write more effectively.

Key Takeaways

1. Active Writing: The book emphasizes the importance of writing in an active tense, making the content more engaging and direct.
2. Avoiding Common Mistakes: The authors highlight common mistakes that people often make in professional writing and provide guidance on how to avoid them.
3. Practical Guide: Unlike theoretical writing manuals, this book serves as a practical guide that can be kept on the desk and referred to as needed. It offers specific techniques and examples that can be directly applied to various writing tasks.

Personal Reflection

I found "Writing that Works" to be a confronting yet invaluable resource, as I realised I was making many of the mistakes mentioned in the book. However, with a growth mindset, I embraced the learning opportunity and found the techniques, especially writing in an active tense, to be very helpful. The book has become a go-to guide for me, and I assure you that it can be a very helpful tool for anyone looking to improve their professional writing skills.