In my art and business world, the role of writing as an expression of thought, is important – if not vital. Clear technicial writing fills one part of my day and expressive calligraphic writing fills the other.
The role of writing cannot be understated in a world where impressions of you count for more than what content or context you deliver. Writing like you are texting is tacky. Abbreviations should be used with care. You want to be seen as smarter than a 5th grader in most contexts and venues.
This nugget of truth hit home to me this morning:
“Poor spelling, incorrect grammar, lousy writing and poor oral presentation are all signs of illiteracy.”
So says Nick Corcodilos, author of the “Making Sen$e” column for PBS Newshour online.
He continues: “I don’t care what field you work in, how much you earn, or whether you’re a production worker or a vice president. The way you use language reveals who you are, how you think, and how you work. And that will affect your career profoundly. You can pretend otherwise, but you can also walk around buck-naked believing you’re invisible because you’ve got your eyes closed.”
Source: PBS Newshour, Making Sen$e, July 8, 2014
“Ask the Headhunter: The sign of ignorance all employers hold against you” by Nick Corcodilos
Our mark making – whether by pen, keyboard or foam brush on a driveway, all show our state of mind, thought process and ability to be understood by others. At the end of the day, if we are not understood, we are ignored, pushed to the side or treated as “less than” and that is no place to be or remain.
So use all the words, whole sentences and the grammar checkers. But use your heart and soul too to create living text that has meaning to you and your audience. Sometime you use a pen, a brush, a keyboard – but always use your kindness. That sparkle will stay with your reader.