When I was young, I'd rush to get through things. I was good at school, so I didn't have to work all that hard. (Except math - I still suck at math). I was an avid reader so reports and term papers were my jam. I am super outgoing, so presentations caused me no anxiety or fear. I always found ways to be creative or present an alternative view or interesting perspective. I enjoyed the spotlight.
I know this isn't the case for a lot of people. Many people struggle with presenting information to others. This can look different - depending on what you want to do and what you are good at doing!
Here's the good news - there is a bathing suit, hair cut, and communication style for every person out there! You just have to find one that suits you & then embrace what works and let go of the rest.
No matter what style suits you - leaning into the foundation of sentence structure, spelling, grammar rules, and punctuation will help deliver your message effectively. This means the people you are talking to get the actual message you want them to receive.
I know, I know, there are plenty of creative ways to break these rules - all capital letters, communicating like a text thread, skipping punctuation (on purpose) - we see it all the time. And often, it doesn't matter.
However, once in a while it does!
When I was in college, I ran a tech writing workshop for middle schoolers. They came to an engineering summer program, and I was the tech writer/grant writer for the organization putting on the camp. I hoped to share the importance of good writing & effective communication, even in those technical or engineering roles.
Middle schoolers can be a fickle bunch but here are some phrases I shared to help them see how punctuation matters:
These words always sparked a lively debate - and felt a little controversial too. Thus the effectiveness with a bunch of 12-year-olds! But you don't need to be in middle school to appreciate the way meanings change when you remove the structure that our language offers to prevent the confusion that exists in these statements.
These are some fun examples of what can occur - but there are real-life examples every day where what someone meant and what they said did not align in the ears (or eyes) of the recipient.
When landing the message matters here are 4 quick wins to help you get it right:
Polish your spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Cut the clutter - simplify your main points - stick to those points!
Keep sentences short and clear.
Use active voice - keep your message direct and encouraging.
Now go tell it on the mountain - or anywhere else they'll listen!
