Rushed jobs are usually poor jobs. Unfortunately, working to deadlines can feel a bit like sprinting to the finish line. As time runs out we can be faced with an unhappy choice between quality and speed.
The good news is that writing well doesn’t have to mean writing slowly. It is often possible to improve the quality of your writing whilst at the same time improving your productivity.
Here’s how:
- It’s only words
Even business writers get precious about their writing. Sometimes rather too precious. So, why not consider just how important your document is to your organisation? If it’s the flagship of your marketing collateral, or an executive summary for a ‘must-win’ bid, then it’s definitely worth spending a little longer to make sure it’s perfect. Equally, if it’s not as crucial, give your document the appropriate amount of time it needs and no more. - Stick to your deadline
Once you’ve worked out how long you should spend on your document, fix a time when you will stop working on it – and stick to it. - Angle grinding
Einstein said: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough“. Naturally, we agree. So, work out what you want to say and why you want to say it. If you can’t sum it up in a single sentence you’re not ready to start writing. This tip alone can save a great deal of unproductive reworking at a later stage. - More of the iron fist
If you find yourself writing a sentence that somehow just doesn’t feel right, stop wasting time and move on. You can always go back to it later. - Last is not least
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the sooner you start writing, the sooner you’ll finish. Under normal circumstances nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, concentrate your initial efforts on working out what you’re going to write (messaging) and planning how to express it (structuring). This will eliminate any time-wasting problems before they occur.
Read more about productivity and how to break down a document:
Our unique Structured Writing Method, taught in all our writing courses, helps you to write documents that are right first time, every time, and to do it more efficiently too. Find out how to transform the way your business writes here.
The Structured Writing Method is at the heart of all the work we do. We use this method to give you exceptional quality – and great value – editorial consultancy and services. Find out how we can transform your marketing content here.