Make Your Copy More Creative

Engage your readers through description

by Ann Wylie, president, Wylie Communications Inc.

In an age of bulleted lists, good descriptions can entertain readers and involve them in the material.

So writes Carolyn Mulford in "Use your senses to write effective descriptions," an article covering Ann Wylie's techniques published in Writing That Works. Among Ann's tips:

"You won't come up with good descriptions if you never leave your desk. ... Go to the scene and observe."

"Use all your senses. ... If you want to foster nostalgia, focus on smell. Wylie says the smell of hot tea and Wonder bread with margarine toasting in the over transports her back to her grandmother's kitchen."

"Use (metaphors and other comparisons) to describe what you experienced."

"Don't overuse description. ... If descriptions don't illustrate key points, they distract from your message."

Need more techniques for creating a structure that makes your copy easier to read and write? Check out Ann's workshops and learning tools.

About the author

Ann Wylie runs a company called Wylie Communications Inc. Ann works with communicators who want to reach more readers and with organizations that want to get the word out. To learn more about her training, consulting or writing and editing services, call Ann at 816/997-8753 or e-mail her at ann@wyliecomm.com. Get a FREE subscription to Ann's e-mail newsletter at http://www.wyliecomm.com/newsletter_signup.shtml.

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