Improve Your Writing: 6 Steps for Millennials

Think you’re an inexperienced writer? Think again.

You create cover letters, blog posts, tweets, texts, emails—sometimes all in one day. Our ability as millennials to switch between platforms makes us accomplished writers; with all the different tools we use, we’re poised to become the most dynamic communicators of any generation.

But there’s a little problem: nobody really reads your cover letters, blog posts, or tweets. While you may be an experienced writer, you may not know the basics behind what makes writing good—and that keeps readers from giving you more attention.

You could improve the hard way, like I did—earn a writing degree, work a dozen different jobs as a writer and editor, read style books, and bear criticism for your work—or you could just read what I learned below. Here are the quickest ways to upgrade your writing:

Read everything

Break away from Twitter and blogs! Read newspapers, print magazines, books, ads, catalogues, and anything else you can get your hands on. Think about what makes each one different and compare your writing to other examples in each genre; if you write cover letters like novels or compose emails like texts, for instance, people may not take your work seriously. If your writing strays too far from conventions, it’s time to make changes.

Get to the point

Redundancy spoils writing. Phrases like “this global company operates around the world” or “time-savers that free up your schedule” add unnecessary words and clog up your work—readers will think you just don’t care. Instead of cramming jargon or filler into every sentence, write in a clear and simple voice.

Proofread

Spelling and grammatical errors will drain your credibility. Ask someone to proofread your writing, or take a break before you publish and reread your work with fresh eyes—better to catch your own mistakes than someone else.

Get expert advice

If you need help writing a specific piece—say, a resume—then look up how others wrote it successfully. Pick a writing style, and the internet will give you infinite resources for tackling it; the few minutes you spend Googling them instead of “winging it” will pay off.

Ask yourself questions

What am I really saying? Am I communicating something useful? Am I including unnecessary information? Would anyone actually want to read this?

Connect the dots

The rainbow-bright wonderland you created on paper may sound beautiful, but it might also make no sense at all. If you make claims, back them up with articles, examples, or experiences. If you use statistics, cite your sources. If you discuss a complicated topic, break it down into manageable concepts. Make your writing easy to understand, and readers will love you for it.

You already know how to write—now you have the extra tools to make it shine.

Want to add a writing tip to the list? Leave a comment!