ACADEMIC AND BUSINESS WRITING TIPS

Las Vegas, NV – May 2019

Happy 2020! Happy New Year! Happy New Decade! Happy New Year!

Welcome back to another fun filled year of discovery in the wonders of the world of writing. Our focus today is organization.

Let’s talk about going to a party.

What is the first thing you do when you go to a party? Ideally, you knock on the door and ring the bell to announce yourself. The host/hostess opens the door and you both exchange hellos.

“Hi Henry. How are you? Welcome to the party! Happy New Year! So glad you could come!”

“Hello Sam and Maria. Thank you so much for inviting us to your party! Happy New Year to you!”

Perhaps you might exchange hugs or handshakes, and a bit more chit chat before the host/hostess invites you in and tells you where everything is.

“Come on in. The drinks at in the Den; the food is in the kitchen. Helpful yourself and please make yourself at home. Jack is in the study? (Remember Jack?) I’m sure he would love to catch up!”

Think about this process for a moment. It is the same for writing. You have to prepare your reader (guest) for what to expect in your writing (at the party). In your first paragraph of your writing (whether an essay, an email, or the great American Novel), you need to prepare your reader with your writing objectives for your introduction. Say hello. Welcome them to your writing. Tell them where the beverages and the food is, THEN walk in the door and start mingling.

You wouldn’t walk past the host/hostess without saying hello, right? Don’t walk by your reader without providing an introduction and welcoming them to the party and telling them that you’re glad they’re here and what they can expect.

Enjoy the party! Happy new year and welcome to an exciting new year of writing tips and life lessons!

My best,

Dr. Cheryl Lentz
The Academic Entrepreneur TM