Growing up in a public school system, certain expectations easily become everyday norms. This could be something like sharing with other students, turning homework in on time or listening to adults.
All these expectations are known to have good intentions. These “rules” allow children to develop order and understanding at a young age. They provide structure in a setting that allows for a better learning experience.
However, even with the best of intentions, some of these expectations may not be the solution to all of our problems.
I began writing papers for English class as early as 5th grade. One expectation or “rule” that came with every writing assignment was a page minimum. If this wasn’t listed on the rubric, students would always ask, “What is the minimum number of pages needed in order to receive a good grade?”
Teachers would almost always give a response, which included the minimum number of pages with an indication that going over wouldn’t hurt your grade, but being under would cost points.
So, as a young student, what did I do? I always wrote over the page minimum, even if that meant adding fluff to my writing. If the page minimum was a rule, I was going to follow it. Now in college, I still find myself facing the dreaded page minimum and always bsing my way to the requirement.
However, as a public relations student, I have been taught a new technique, a technique, which goes against every norm engrained in my head as a young student.
Be concise. Be short. Be to the point.
Writing is always evolving. With the advent of the Internet, readers need information and they want it quickly. The best way to attract an audience is to write short, sweet and to the point. No fluff, only valuable, necessary information.
So, how did I break myself of the norm? Well, to be honest, I don’t think I have quite perfected this new technique. However, I have started to develop new behaviors, which will help make my writing more concise.
1. Reread, reread, reread.
Look at your writing as many times as possible. Only keep the necessities, eliminate the fluff. By looking at it more than once, your work will become more concise over time.
2. Set flexible page maximums.
Try to think in the opposite direction from what has been normally taught. Convince yourself that your blog post can only be one 350 words and then try to make it happen. However, never compromise your writing integrity. Be flexible, be fair, be reasonable.
3. Practice.
Take every opportunity you can to edit past stories or stories by others. See if you can find a way to be more concise. You will start to notice trends in writing, some specific to yourself, which will help you break old habits.
I’m still working on breaking myself of the page minimum norm, but with these quick fixes, I’ve found myself adapting new techniques that will help me be a better writer in the new age.
All these expectations are known to have good intentions. These “rules” allow children to develop order and understanding at a young age. They provide structure in a setting that allows for a better learning experience.
However, even with the best of intentions, some of these expectations may not be the solution to all of our problems.
I began writing papers for English class as early as 5th grade. One expectation or “rule” that came with every writing assignment was a page minimum. If this wasn’t listed on the rubric, students would always ask, “What is the minimum number of pages needed in order to receive a good grade?”
Teachers would almost always give a response, which included the minimum number of pages with an indication that going over wouldn’t hurt your grade, but being under would cost points.
So, as a young student, what did I do? I always wrote over the page minimum, even if that meant adding fluff to my writing. If the page minimum was a rule, I was going to follow it. Now in college, I still find myself facing the dreaded page minimum and always bsing my way to the requirement.
However, as a public relations student, I have been taught a new technique, a technique, which goes against every norm engrained in my head as a young student.
Be concise. Be short. Be to the point.
Writing is always evolving. With the advent of the Internet, readers need information and they want it quickly. The best way to attract an audience is to write short, sweet and to the point. No fluff, only valuable, necessary information.
So, how did I break myself of the norm? Well, to be honest, I don’t think I have quite perfected this new technique. However, I have started to develop new behaviors, which will help make my writing more concise.
1. Reread, reread, reread.
Look at your writing as many times as possible. Only keep the necessities, eliminate the fluff. By looking at it more than once, your work will become more concise over time.
2. Set flexible page maximums.
Try to think in the opposite direction from what has been normally taught. Convince yourself that your blog post can only be one 350 words and then try to make it happen. However, never compromise your writing integrity. Be flexible, be fair, be reasonable.
3. Practice.
Take every opportunity you can to edit past stories or stories by others. See if you can find a way to be more concise. You will start to notice trends in writing, some specific to yourself, which will help you break old habits.
I’m still working on breaking myself of the page minimum norm, but with these quick fixes, I’ve found myself adapting new techniques that will help me be a better writer in the new age.