‘Where was I last week instead of at my desk blogging?
In a word, investing.
I was seduced, as I often am, by the siren call of learning. With less these days in the form of discretionary funds to invest, I chose to take an asset even more precious than money – time- and spend some of it at a four day, 8 am – 10 pm, educational event called InvestFest.
Any word that begins with IN and ends in FEST now makes me anxious. Due to my tech bugs and last week’s preventative spraying in my building for bed bugs running rampant in other suites, I summoned courage.
At each of the numerous and lengthy sessions I listened and sometimes wrote furiously. The event had all the expected motivation, inspiration, education and selling from the illuminated stage. Infotainment is descriptive word that covers such an entertaining presentation complete with lights, cameras and action.
While there, the ‘currency’ of the material and ideas I was already teaching in my Business Writing and Communication Courses was affirmed. Only the size, mass crowd energy and the checkbooks at the ready stance of the audience differed from my own class participants.
As writers, we usually execute our daily communications in writing and speaking duties in isolation. Ideally we have control over the soundscape that surrounds us. This event featured people. Lots of them. Standing, shouting, cheering, clapping and buying. Lots of buying.
What is common to both scenarios is the care taken to present the right words. I noted the words and styles most effective in presenting products, service and ideas. What works in business plans and pitches? What will help articulate the power that might help or hinder our success over barriers?
What was true in each category of interest for personal or business success, was the absolute impact words have on us - internally and on our readers and listeners externally.
Consider your words - your choices, combinations, sequence and the images you choose to express the elegance of your thoughts - with clarity and brevity.
Words are powerful.