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This time of year is usually speechwriting season for me, and 2013 has been no exception. I really enjoy every step of the speechwriting process including the very last step, the icing on the cake: formatting. Once I’m completely happy with a speech (and so is my client and the nonprofit leader delivering the remarks), it’s time to format the document in a way that supports smooth and successful delivery.
Today I presented a webinar on nonprofit copywriting with Artez Interactive on Seven deadly nonprofit copywriting sins – and how not to commit them. I was totally thrilled to be invited to present and am especially pleased at the number of nonprofits in attendance – showing how important writing great nonprofit copy really is!
I promised to share a number of links and resources with participants, so here they are.
Although it’s my specialty, copywriting is rarely something that just happens magically for me. Even a professional copywriter has to grapple with that annoying interval between an idea or assignment, and the words flowing into a document.
Though it can happen, I rarely just sit down and write. In fact, I have a bit of a process and routine I go through in order to distill the ideas and information I have on hand, get into the mindset for writing and actually start producing content.
Having previously shared my Ten Essential Steps for Successful Speech Writing, I’d like to elaborate on step #4: interviewing your speaker. Asking these four simple questions will help to make your interview as fruitful as possible…
One of the most valuable steps I build into timelines for any writing project is ‘walk away’ time. It is so important to me that I have time to walk away from a close-to-final draft.
I’ve written before about communicating benefits to your audience, but there is another, very specific way of keeping your audience at the centre of your content.
I feel like I’m seeing three (period-separated) word taglines everywhere I turn. I don’t know if they are making a comeback, are gaining popularity, or have just been a prevalent (and boring) staple for years, but I can’t seem to escape them lately.
Longer is not necessarily better. Formal doesn’t mean readable. So loosen up a little and give your copy a break!
Many non-profit organizations forget to tell their audience what’s in it for them. Effective copy depends on communicating benefits. Time spent brainstorming a features and benefits list is time well spent.