[cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 52px 0px 0px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_card animation=”flip-from-top” center_vertically=”true” front_style=”border-width: 4px 4px 4px 4px; border-style: solid; border-color: #db5842; color: #ffffff; background-color: #4293db;” front_image=”http://allc.asia/wp-content/uploads/Written-Communications.jpg” front_image_width=”200px” front_title=”WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS” front_text=”The ability to effectively express thoughts, ideas, and concerns and engage others via written communications.” back_style=”border-width: 4px 4px 4px 4px; border-style: solid; border-color: #4293db; color: #ffffff; background-color: #db5842;” back_title=”DETAILED DESCRIPTION” back_text=”Good writing is that which efficiently and effectively communicates to readers the points and messages you want them to know.” back_button_text=” ” back_button_link=”http:///#x-section-2″ back_button_color=”#ffffff” back_button_bg_color=”#db5842″ padding=”10% 10% 10% 10%”][x_blockquote cite=”Jeremiah 36:2″ type=”center” style=”border:none;”]Take a scroll and write on it all the words which I have spoken to you concerning Israel and concerning Judah, and concerning all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you, from the days of Josiah, even to this day.[/x_blockquote][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section style=”margin: px; padding: 15px 0px 55px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column class=”miniH4″ style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text “]Skilled Characteristics[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_feature_list animation_offset=”50″ animation_delay_initial=”0″ animation_delay_between=”300″][x_feature_box title=”Succinct” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_border=”border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: #43c6db;” graphic_icon=”user-plus” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn” style=”font-size: 1.2″]Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Focused” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_border=”border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: #43c6db;” graphic_icon=”user-plus” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Communicates a clear message or theme[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Impact” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_border=”border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: #43c6db;” graphic_icon=”user-plus” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Can get messages across that have the desired effect or impact[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Interesting/Relevant” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_border=”border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: #43c6db;” graphic_icon=”user-plus” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Writes in such a way that captures the attention of the reading audience and that is relevant to them[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Variety” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_border=”border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: #43c6db;” graphic_icon=”user-plus” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Uses an appopriate variety of communication vehicles to get a message across (i.e. email, newsletters, presentations, brochures, SMS, and social media)[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” class=”center-text ” style=”color:#001123″]”What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.”
– Samuel Johnson[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 15px 0px 55px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column class=”miniH4″ style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text “]Unskilled Characteristics[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_feature_list animation_offset=”50″ animation_delay_initial=”0″ animation_delay_between=”300″][x_feature_box title=”Unclear” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Not a clear communicator in writing[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Unfocused” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]May be hard to tell what the main point of the communication is or what people are being asked to do[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Words” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]May be too wordy (or too short), use poor grammar or spelling, or be boring and un-inspiring[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Not Logical” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]May not organize a logical argument well[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Rigid” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]May not adjust to different audiences; may have a single style of writing[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” class=”center-text ” style=”color:#001123″]”I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.”
– Flannery O’Connor[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 15px 0px 55px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column class=”miniH4″ style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text “]Causes of Weakness[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_feature_list animation_offset=”50″ animation_delay_initial=”0″ animation_delay_between=”300″][x_feature_box title=”Ability” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Lacks writing skills or experience[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Rushed” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Too busy to take the time to think through written communications – doesn’t review what one writes before sending it[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Wordy” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Has a difficult time getting a point across quickly and with few words[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Unfocused” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Unskilled at clarifying the main point of the communication[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Unorganized” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Doesn’t know how to structure a message into an organized and logical format[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Grammar” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Has poor grammar or spelling[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”2nd Language” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Writing in a language that is not one’s first language[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” class=”center-text ” style=”color:#001123″]”The secret to becoming a writer is to write, write and keep on writing.”
– Ken MacLeod[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 70px 0px 0px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text man” style=”font-size: 2.5em;”]Advice[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”30px”][cs_text style=”margin: 0.5em 0 2em; font-size: 1.5em;” text_align=”none”]Review the simple application steps below and choose 1 or 2 things you can do to spur yourself on to further growth.[/cs_text][x_feature_list animation_offset=”50″ animation_delay_initial=”0″ animation_delay_between=”300″ class=”noH4″][x_feature_box title=” Outline” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]OUTLINE: Preparing an outline before you write. What’s your objective? What are your main points? Outline your main points to support the overall objective. What are five things you want your audience to know and remember about each main point? Who is your audience? How much do they already know that you don’t have to say? How much background information should you include? What questions will the audience have when they read your writing?[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=” Write” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]WRITE: Follow your outline. Clearly state your main message or purpose in the first paragraph. Think of a 3-step writing process. 1) Tell them what you are going to tell them – using a brief introductory paragraph. 2) Tell them what you want them to know – expanding out and using examples to demonstrate each of your main points. 3) Tell them what you told them – using a final summarizing paragraph. Think of a creative way to grab the readers attention in the first paragraph. Coud you use an interesting, funny or shocking story, fact, comparison, quote, photo, or cartoon? Try to cover no more than 3-5 main points. More than that will prove difficult for your audience to remember.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=” Remember” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]REMEMBER YOUR AUDIENCE: You may have to adjust the length, tone, pace, style, and even the message and how you present it for different audiences. For example, if you are writing something for a senior leader, they often prefer things to be brief and to the point. Financial supporters might need details matched with stories. Your team may need things explained using examples. Your lawyer or accountant may need lots of details.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=” Readability” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]READABILITY: Don’t provide more details than your readers need. It will bore them. Use easy to understand words and wording. Most people don’t like to have to think too much to be able to comprehend what you are trying to say. Re-read your writing before you send it and consider having someone else proofread it for you. Spelling and grammar mistakes are a major turnoff for most readers, although readers are usually more understanding of second language people. Replace common words like ‘very’ or ‘great’ with more creative words or consider if the words are needed at all. Make sure your sentences aren’t too long. Using multiple commas in one sentence is an indication.[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][x_gap size=”50px”][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 85px 0px 55px; ” bg_color=”#ffffff”][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto 30px; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text man”]Resources[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”30px”][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″][x_accordion][x_accordion_item title=”Books ” open=”false”]
- On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction – William Zinsser
- Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life – Anne Lamott
- Writing That Works, 3e: How to Communicate Effectively in Business – Roman & Raphaelson[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Assessments and Tools” open=”false”][/x_accordion_item][/x_accordion][/cs_column][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″][x_accordion][x_accordion_item title=”Online Resources” open=”false”]
- Principles for Effective Writing – YWAM
- Writing Newsletters – YWAM
- Writing Emails – Mindtools
- Writing Skills – Mindtools[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Training” open=”false”][/x_accordion_item][/x_accordion][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_gap size=”50px”][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section class=”developMe” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 85px 0px 0px; ” bg_color=”#ffffff”][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto 30px; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text man”]Develop Me[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”30px”][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″][x_button size=”jumbo” block=”true” circle=”false” icon_only=”false” href=”http://allc.asia/goals” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” style=”text-shadow: none;”]Set a Goal[/x_button][x_gap size=”40px”][x_button size=”jumbo” block=”true” circle=”false” icon_only=”false” href=”http://allc.asia/evaluate” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” style=”text-shadow: none;”]Evaluate / Followup[/x_button][/cs_column][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″][x_gap size=”50px” class=”x-hide-xl x-hide-lg x-hide-md “][x_button size=”jumbo” block=”true” circle=”false” icon_only=”false” href=”http://allc.asia/plans” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” style=”text-shadow: none;”]Develop a plan[/x_button][x_gap size=”40px”][x_button size=”jumbo” block=”true” circle=”false” icon_only=”false” href=”http://allc.asia/connect-me” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” style=”text-shadow: none;”]Find a Mentor / Coach[/x_button][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][cs_text]Photo credit[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section]