Everybody Writes: Ann Handley
Everybody Writes: Ann Handley
With hundreds of businesses vying for people’s attention, the only way for a brand to survive is through good writing on every available virtual platform. In Everybody Writes, digital marketing pioneer and author Ann Handley argues that everyone can hone their writing skills by using some simple principles for modern business communication. This series will help you sell your brand online by giving you copious tips on getting your message across to your audience.
Communication
Strategy
Personal Development
Content Rating: U
Episodes
1. Welcome To The World Of Writing Better
01:39 min
In today’s virtual world, communication is a critical skill for every working professional. Writing makes a core part of that communication. It is important to be mindful of what you say and how you say it. Learn how you can enhance your writing skills and come across as the competent, clear thinker that you want the world to see.
2. Why Writing Well Is Critical
02:19 min
A lot of the content online is concise and to-the-point. Yet, the argument that good writing skills are no longer critical is trite. Watch this video to see why writing well is more important than ever in today’s business world and why the power of the pen continues to be mightier than hashtags or emojis.
3. Get Directly To The Point
02:13 min
With people’s attention spans dwindling, one of the first lessons about good business writing is to get to the point quickly and catch the reader’s attention. Learn how to do this, in this video.
4. Think Before You Ink
02:28 min
It helps to flesh out your thought before you hit the writing (or key) pad. You can do that by asking yourself three simple questions before you start inking. Find out what they are in this episode.
5. Organize Your Writing
02:05 min
Once you have the ‘what’ and ‘why’, start focusing on the ‘how’ to write. This video offers some suggestions on how you can approach organizing or structuring your piece. Get ideas and find your own framework to begin writing effectively.
6. Embrace The Ugly First Draft
02:18 min
Once you know what and how to write, just start scribbling without worrying about grammar or syntax. Watch this video to see how your first draft, however dissatisfactory, forms the basis of your masterpiece.
7. Become Excellent At Editing Your Own Work: Part I
02:12 min
Not only can everyone write, argues Handley, everyone is also capable of editing their work. The first step is to get the big picture right using the developmental editing skill. This episode explains how.
8. Become Excellent At Editing Your Own Work: Part II
01:47 min
Once the big picture is set in the frame, it is time to get into the details. This video offers a primer on microscopic line editing to cut the clutter.
9. Your Writing Must Be Reader-Centric
02:07 min
Good writing is by definition reader-centric. This video explains how to develop empathy for your readers by swapping places with them, understanding their environment and asking a lot of questions. This video explains why good writing should not preach or hard-sell. Learn why it is key to tread the fine line between being informative and persuasive without moralizing or annoying in this episode.
10. Cut Out The Condescension
01:28 min
In today’s day and age, lies or even exaggerations are easily caught out and can ruin your brand’s reputation. Anne Handley urges you to use facts to persuade customers instead. Learn how to be a ‘brand journalist’ when creating content for your company in this video.
11. Facts Matter
01:54 min
How trustworthy are you? Becoming a person others can trust involves demonstrating integrity in your relationships and exhibiting care for others. Maxwell suggests four ways to live out these behaviors when building relationships with others.