Are Writing Skills Really That Important?

Are Writing Skills Really That Important?

 

Not too long ago, I used to look down on writing.

At first, I didn’t know why.

Later, I knew why.

 

Around the time, I was public speaking at Toastmasters.

I had gradually worked my way up from a guest, to the recruitment chair, to the vice president of my club.

 

I got cocky and thought:

‘Writing? Why would I possibly write? I walk on stage, use my body, voice and much more. Why sit on my ass & move a pencil??’

 

I viewed writing as a skill set for the lazy.

Big mistake.

 

Over the years, I have learned that writing skills are not just a little important.

It is highly important.

Don’t talk like a robot.

Instead, learn to write like you talk.

Write it like you talk it…

 

Why Are Writing Skills Important?

 

My younger self was pitting speaking against writing.

Nowadays, I realize the 2 are meant to work together!

 

The more you write, the better you speak.

The more you speak, the better you write.

 

The reason we pit the 2 against each other is because of the ego.

The ego loves to choose sides and articulate which side it chose.

 

If you find yourself pitting speaking against writing, the best question to ask is:

‘Why not both?’

 

That’s when you’ll learn that writing allows you to:

  • Think creatively.
  • Solve problems in depth.
  • Make eye contact with your mind.
  • Express your ideas in a coherent way.

And much more.

 

Writing Like You Talk

 

You may have a rigid view of writing.

The type of writing that we were taught growing up.

 

‘Expository or narrative writing style, Armani?’

That’s what my teacher, Ms. Smith, would always preach.

‘Armani, I can’t tell if you wrote an expository or narrative. Redo this trash!’

 

Her stiff view of writing killed my perception of the craft at an early age.

Nowadays, I am doing a whole bunch of unlearning.

 

In the real world, people care more about the voice of your writing than grammar, punctuation and sytax.

Read that above line again.

Digesting that line will determine if you enjoy writing and do it with the right intent or not.

 

Writing isn’t about showing how robotic you can sound.

Instead, writing is about expressing your internal world in word format.

 

How to Practice Writing Better

 

Look around you…

There are opportunities to write all around:

  • Texting.
  • Emailing.
  • Pinging.
  • Writing a blog, etc.

 

These activities can be done with a simple formula.

Write, read, and write some more.

 

The practice is simple.

And the benefits compound over time.

 

Writing is one of those skillsets where the deadwood continues to fall off.

Before, it was taking 50 words to communicate an idea.

Nowadays, it takes 16.

 

Both creating & editing are part of the writing process.

‘I just want to write! Editing is something I can outsource.’

No, my friend. That would be a big mistake. Especially in the early stages.

 

Where Great Writing Happens

 

When you ask yourself, ‘are writing skills important?’

You may be tempted to center your mind only on the writing part.

But do not undermine the importance of editing.

 

Editing is when you polish up.

Rearrange paragraphs, delete sentences, add words, etc.

 

There is the rough draft.

Then there is editing the rough draft.

 

Separate creating from editing.

When you create, write like no one is watching.

But with editing, assume the world will see your work.

 

My editing process goes from general to specific.

After I write my rough draft, I do a first read.

 

In the first read, I see a bunch of red lines staring at me!

Need to fix the spelling and grammar that Grammarly is showing me lol.

 

For the next editing rep, I’m mentally reading the document.

Does it sound like me?

Cool.

Is it simple?

Cool.

Do I understand the main point that is being conveyed?

Cool.

 

Every now and then, I’ll discover a kink.

This is where I’m mentally reading the piece and I feel a kink (physical tension) in my heart.

That’s when I think:

‘No, there’s definitely a better way to say that sentence.’

Fix the kink and proceed.

Each read I do, each time the kinks melt away.

 

Eventually, I’ll read through the document, and everything flows beautifully.

 

Avoid Over Editing

 

Are writing skills important?

Yes.

Are editing skills important?

Yes.

Is learning how to avoid OVER editing important?

YES!!!!

 

Avoid over-editing.

‘How do I know when I’m over-editing?’

When you’re trying to be too professional.

 

Being too professional happens when you lose sight of the north star.

The star is to write like you talk to the best of your abilities.

 

I love mentally reading my writing because I can internally hear my voice.

It’s like my writing is talking to me & advising me like a friend would.

 

As a beginner, I recommend reading your writing out loud.

This gives you a grasp of your cadence, writing voice & word usage.

The more advanced you get, the more you can mentally read your work.

 

Tell Stories and Practice your Writing Skills

 

If you’re someone who looks down on writing skills (like I used to) I encourage you to still give writing a chance.

Just leave the door open on writing and that will change your perspective in no time.

 

It doesn’t matter which part of the world you are in, writing is ingrained in the culture.

  • You’ll have to write in formal settings like work.
  • You’ll have to write in informal settings like Facebook messages.

 

If you can perceive the science to this highly creative act, then your appreciation for writing will BOOM.

 

Do you want to learn the art and science of creative writing?

Then be sure to check out:

 

This book will teach you:

-The history of creative writing.

-How to write like you talk.

-Effective editing strategies.

-How to leverage edutainment to build engagement.

-Plus, a bonus section on creative writing challenges to turn you into an idea machine!

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

 

– ArmaniTalks 🎙️🔥

 

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