Written communication is very important. With face-to-face interaction, there are many non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, pacing, gestures, and other communication elements.  In written communication, these are missing. This makes more room for error in written texts, whether they be letters, emails, web sites, or even phone messages. In order to make sure we effectively communicate what we intend, we must give careful attention to what and how we write.

Check out the online sources and principles below, then select the specific types of writing you are interested in from the Tutorial>Writing menu above.

50 Tools that can improve your writing:
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/07/50-tools-that-can-improve-your-writing.html

The Writing Process: Online resources from Purdue University
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/1/

Writing and Interviewing Principles

Interviewing

• Be prepared. Do research ahead of time.
• Show up early. Don’t be late.
• Write out your questions ahead of time.
• Help the person feel relaxed and comfortable.
• Get the correct spellings of names and titles.
• Ask open-ended questions (that can’t be answered with a yes or no). Think about whether you got the answer you need, or if you need to ask it again, or ask follow-up questions.
• Be a good listener (Don’t be thinking of your next question!).
• Take notes and/or record the interview with permission.

Writing

• Read good writing
• Read about writing / reporting
• Practice
• Be aware of your audience
• Get attention early and hold it
• Use descriptive language
• Don’t write sentences that don’t say anything
• Write in a style appropriate for the medium
• Write clear and concise sentences organized by paragraphs.
• Use good grammar.
• Use quotations for anything you get from another source. Give proper attribution/citation.
• Do not plagiarize!
• Always have your piece proof read and spell checked (What did you mean? Do you have typos? Do you paragraphs need to be re-ordered?)