Write well. Start writing now. | Adam Benn | TEDxVitoriaGasteiz

TEDx Talks

16 May 202211:55

Summary

TLDRThe speaker emphasizes the importance of effective written communication in our increasingly digital world, where first impressions are often made through emails or online interactions. They highlight that writing is a skill often underdeveloped and overlooked, despite its significant impact on personal and professional success. The speaker debunks the myth that one must be a professional writer to write well and stresses that clear, concise, and correct writing is achievable for everyone. They offer practical advice on improving writing skills, including adhering to the 'three C's' (clear, concise, correct), revising drafts, and practicing daily writing. The talk concludes with the Latin adage 'vox audita perit, littera scripta manet' to underscore the enduring power of the written word.

Takeaways

😀 First Impressions Matter: The way we present ourselves verbally and in writing is crucial, as it sets the tone for our interactions.
💻 Online Communication: In the digital age, written communication is more important than ever, as it often precedes face-to-face meetings.
📝 Impact of Writing: Writing can significantly affect our personal and professional lives, shaping how we are perceived by others.
📉 Cost of Poor Writing: Poor writing skills can lead to significant economic losses, with businesses in the U.S. losing nearly $400 billion annually due to lost productivity.
🤔 Perception of Writing: Many people fear writing or underestimate its importance, often due to a lack of confidence or understanding of its impact.
📖 Writing vs. Speaking: Writing is a more challenging form of communication because it lacks the non-verbal cues present in speech.
🎯 Importance of Clarity: Effective writing requires clear and direct communication, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.
✍️ Writing as a Skill: Writing is a skill that can be developed and honed, and it does not require one to be a professional writer to do it well.
🔄 Revision and Feedback: Never settle for the first draft; always seek fresh perspectives and feedback to improve your writing.
📚 Practice Makes Perfect: Regular writing practice, even in simple forms like shopping lists, can enhance your overall writing ability.
📚 Read to Improve: Reading regularly can significantly improve one's writing skills by exposing you to different styles and techniques.

Q & A

What is the main point of the speaker's opening remarks about communication?
-The speaker emphasizes that non-verbal cues like the way one walks, looks, or dresses can influence first impressions, but in an online context, written communication becomes crucial for making a first impression.
Why is written communication more important today than ever before?
-The speaker points out that with the increasing prevalence of online interactions in work and personal life, written communication is often the first and sometimes only interaction people have with each other.
What are some examples given where written communication is essential?
-Examples include submitting resumes online for job applications, filling out bios on dating apps, registering children for school, and applying for bank loans.
What is the cost of poor writing to businesses in the U.S. annually, according to the speaker?
-The speaker mentions that poor writing costs businesses nearly 400 billion dollars a year in lost productivity.
How long do HR managers spend on average scanning a resume?
-HR managers spend an average of 10 seconds scanning a resume to decide a candidate's fate.
What is the speaker's advice regarding the permanence of content posted online?
-The speaker advises that what is posted online stays online and can have long-term consequences, so one should be cautious about what they write, especially on social media.
Why does the speaker suggest that people should not underestimate the importance of writing?
-The speaker argues that writing is a skill that can dramatically impact one's life, and yet many people either fear it or do not develop it adequately.
What is the speaker's perspective on the relationship between speaking and writing?
-The speaker believes that while speaking comes with natural aids like tone, pace, and body language, writing is an exercise in isolation where the writer must be precise and clear.
What are the 'three C's' of writing that the speaker suggests to improve communication?
-The 'three C's' are being clear, concise, and correct in one's writing to ensure effective communication.
What is the speaker's second tip for improving written communication?
-The speaker's second tip is to never be satisfied with the first draft and always get fresh eyes on your text for feedback and improvement.
How does the speaker recommend practicing writing skills?
-The speaker recommends writing every day, starting with simple tasks like making shopping lists or to-do lists, and also emphasizes the importance of reading to improve writing skills.
What is the Latin expression mentioned by the speaker, and what does it mean?
-The Latin expression is 'vox audita, perit; littera scripta, manet,' which translates to 'the spoken word perishes, the written word remains,' highlighting the enduring impact of written communication.

Outlines

00:00

📝 The Impact of Writing in Digital Communication

The speaker begins by highlighting the importance of first impressions in communication, particularly in the digital age where written communication plays a significant role. They emphasize that people often form opinions based on appearance, but in written interactions, one's choice of words and message clarity become the primary means of impression. The speaker points out that writing is a skill that is frequently underdeveloped and can have a substantial impact on various aspects of life, including job applications, online dating, school registrations, and financial transactions. They mention the cost of poor writing to businesses and the brief time HR managers spend reviewing resumes, urging the audience to take writing seriously and not to underestimate its importance.

05:02

🎯 Enhancing Writing Skills: The Three C's and Revision

The speaker discusses the challenges of writing as opposed to speaking, noting that writing lacks the non-verbal cues and real-time feedback that come with verbal communication. They stress the need for precision and clarity in writing, as there are no second chances to make a first impression. The speaker introduces three key principles to improve writing: clarity, conciseness, and correctness. They advise against assuming that readers can infer meaning and to keep writing simple and to the point. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of revising drafts and seeking fresh perspectives to refine the written work, suggesting that even professional writers rely on editors to polish their work.

10:02

📚 Cultivating a Writing Habit and the Power of Reading

The speaker concludes by advocating for the daily practice of writing as a means to improve one's skills. They suggest starting with simple tasks like writing shopping lists or to-do lists, which can also have practical benefits like saving time and money. The speaker also encourages reading as a way to enhance writing abilities, as exposure to well-written content can inspire and educate. They leave the audience with a Latin adage emphasizing the enduring nature of the written word compared to spoken language, encouraging them to start writing and to make their words impactful.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡First Impression

The term 'first impression' refers to the initial opinion or image one forms about someone or something based on early interactions. In the script, it is emphasized that in the digital age, written communication often forms the basis of our first impressions, as it is how we present ourselves before we are seen or heard in person. The importance of clear and effective writing is underscored, as it can significantly impact professional and personal relationships.

💡Written Communication

Written communication is the act of conveying information, ideas, or messages through written words. The script highlights that in today's increasingly online world, written communication is more prevalent than ever, with emails, resumes, online profiles, and social media posts serving as primary means of interaction. The quality of one's writing can influence perceptions of trustworthiness, professionalism, and education.

💡Professional Image

A professional image is the impression of competence, reliability, and expertise that an individual projects, often through their appearance, behavior, and communication. The video script discusses how written communication, such as a well-crafted email or resume, can help establish a professional image, which is crucial for job applications and business interactions.

💡Productivity

Productivity refers to the efficiency with which work is done and goals are achieved. The script mentions that poor writing skills can cost businesses nearly 400 billion dollars a year in lost productivity. This is due to miscommunication and the need for clarification, which can lead to wasted time and effort.

💡Resume

A resume is a document used by individuals to summarize their skills, work experience, and education for potential employers. In the script, it is pointed out that HR managers spend an average of only 10 seconds scanning a resume, which underscores the importance of clear, concise, and impactful writing to make a strong first impression.

💡Social Media

Social media refers to websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or participate in social networking. The video script discusses how social media has redefined interaction and that people often check one's online presence before meeting them, which includes reviewing past posts and comments. This highlights the long-lasting impact of written content online.

💡Writing Therapy

Writing therapy is a psychological practice where individuals express their thoughts and feelings through writing as a means of self-reflection and healing. The script mentions that psychologists use writing as a therapeutic tool, suggesting that the act of writing can help individuals gain perspective and clarity on their experiences and emotions.

💡Three C's

The 'Three C's' mentioned in the script refer to the principles of clear, concise, and correct writing. These principles are essential for effective communication, ensuring that the message is easily understood, not overly lengthy, and free from errors. The script provides an example of an email that violates these principles and then contrasts it with a much shorter, more direct version that adheres to the Three C's.

💡First Draft

A first draft is the initial version of a written work, which is often subject to revision and improvement. The script advises not to be satisfied with the first draft and to seek fresh perspectives through feedback or revisiting the text after a break. This process is crucial for refining writing and ensuring clarity and effectiveness.

💡Practice

Practice refers to the act of repeatedly performing an activity to improve skill and proficiency. The video script emphasizes the importance of daily writing practice to hone writing skills, comparing it to other skills that require regular practice for improvement. Examples given include writing shopping lists, to-do lists, keeping a journal, or writing reviews.

💡Reading

Reading is the process of interpreting written text to extract meaning. The script suggests that reading regularly can improve one's writing skills, as it exposes the reader to different styles, structures, and vocabulary, which can then be incorporated into their own writing.

Highlights

The importance of first impressions in written communication, especially in an increasingly online world.

The impact of writing on job applications, dating apps, school registrations, and bank loans.

The underdevelopment of writing skills despite its prevalence in daily life.

The cost of poor writing to businesses in the U.S., nearly 400 billion dollars a year in lost productivity.

The average time HR managers spend on scanning resumes and the importance of clear writing.

The role of social media in shaping our online presence and its impact on first impressions.

The misconception that tweeting is not considered writing and its potential consequences.

The fear and underestimation of writing as a form of communication.

The comparison between speaking and writing, and why we should not assume they are the same.

The necessity of writing to be clear and direct, without the aids of tone and body language.

William Zinsser's quote on writing as thinking on paper and the clarity of thought it requires.

The three C's of effective writing: clarity, conciseness, and correctness.

An example of an ineffective email and the importance of brevity and relevance.

The advice to never be satisfied with the first draft and the value of fresh eyes.

The recommendation to write every day as a practice to improve writing skills.

The importance of reading to enhance writing abilities.

The Latin expression 'vox audita perit, littera scripta manet' emphasizing the permanence of the written word.

The final call to action to start writing and make an impression with one's words.