Onwords™
A Bi-Monthly Column Exploring the Power of the Written Word 
 Words play an important role in the way we interact with the world and how people perceive us. Check back frequently to read a series of articles dedicated to the power of the written word. Or subscribe to the free column and have it sent to you by email.
Feel free to contact me with feedback or suggestions for future columns.
Jul/Aug 2007 - Anatomy of an Article, Part Two: Buff Your Body
Why settle for tired, flabby writing? The buff article body you've always wanted can be yours today. All you need to do is Identify, Unify, and Beautify. Three easy steps... amazing results! more
May/Jun 2007 - Anatomy of an Article, Part One: Tips for Titling Your Work
Titles are like faces. They're the first thing we notice, and we form our earliest impressions from what we see there. more
Mar/Apr 2007 - It's Elementary: Three Clues to Good Writing
When I edit my own or other writers' work I look for three things to jump off the page. What is it? Why should I care? How should I proceed? If I have to look hard to find any of these - or worse, if I can't find them at all - there is more work to be done. more
Jan/Feb 2007 - Beyond Branding: What Your Customers Are Really Shopping For
Your brand is identified by a logo or a look, but it is ultimately a perception that rests with your customer. Words are a powerful tool for conveying brand benefits and building a positive consumer perception of your product or service. more
October 2006 - A Preposition is a Perfectly Good Word to End a Sentence With
The rule against ending a sentence with a preposition is one of the first academic restrictions I chafed at. Some sentences just sound better with a preposition in the terminal position. Compare the verbal flourish of "And now... the announcement you've all been waiting for!" with the rule-abiding dullard "And now... the announcement for which you've all been waiting!" more
September 2006 - Written Communication as a Strategic Initiative
Many employees think of meetings and training workshops as stand-alone events rather than focus points on a performance continuum. Strategic written communication is the key to changing that mindset and improving your ROI. Whether you're planning a corporate strategy meeting, a training workshop or a new employee orientation, you can increase the impact of your message with a few well-written pre- and post-event communications. more
August 2006 - 10 Powerful Tips to Keep Your Writing Strong (Part Two)
Welcome back to 10 Powerful One-Liners to Keep Your Writing Strong (Part Two). Here are five more powerful one-liners to inspire you and keep your writing strong. more
July 2006 - 10 Powerful Tips to Keep Your Writing Strong (Part One)
Rudyard Kipling said, "Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." Nothing changes people like words, written well. Here are five powerful one-liners to inspire you and keep your writing strong. more
June 2006 - Words That Sell: Power-Up Your Written Communication
Robert Louis Stevenson said, "Everyone lives by selling something." You sell yourself with a resume or portfolio. You sell your company news with a press release. You sell your ideas and expertise with promotional materials, website content and corporate communications. more
May 2006 - Writing for the Web
Writing for the web is the same as any other type of writing, except that it's different. That is, web readers expect the same quality of writing as print readers do, but they want it presented differently. more
April 2006 - Choose Your Words Carefully
Choosing the right words is essential for crafting professional business communications. Would you be satisfied with almost closing a sale or almost getting a promotion? Do your marketing materials urge customers to almost contact you? Then why settle for the almost right words? more
March 2006 - Put Your Writing On A Diet: Strategies For Leaner Communication
Content editing is a process of addition by subtraction. It's no coincidence that edit and diet are spelled with the same letters. Success in either case requires cutting some things and keeping others. more
February 2006 - Copy Editing in Three and a Half Steps
Copy editing is vital for crafting professional communications. In the second in a series of four articles designed to unleash the power of your written words, I have simplified editing into three and a half easy steps. more
January 2006 - Less is More: Editing Your Business Writing
Everyone edits. Everyone. All the time. Editing is a second look. Editing is as simple as reading email before you send it, to make sure that you included everything you want to say, or as complex as overhauling a book manuscript. more
May 2005 - Permanent Press: Using Press Releases to Keep Your Company in the News
When is your best advertisement not an advertisement? When it's a press release. In the competition for consumer attention, a well-written press release is one of your most important marketing tools. more
April 2005 - Write On! - Key Components of Successful Business Communication
Written communication is often the first impression you make on potential customers, business partners, or employers. Because of its significance to your marketing message, it is one of the most important aspects of your business. more
March 2005 - International Women's Day - A Writer's Reflections
My mother taught me to love words. She was my first librarian. Right before my young eyes she nourished page after page of strange black print into colorful people and irresistible adventures. more
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