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The Write Stuff October 2011 Volume 7 Issue 10

Let’s Get Personal

I’m not going “Dr. Phil” on you. My focus this month is on writing with personalization in mind.

Unless you’re drafting a white paper or similar report, the items you write in a business context are likely done with the intent of convincing someone to take action, i.e., buy a product or service, support your opinion, or make an investment or donation. As a result, you must “grab” people with your verbiage, appealing to them on a personal level. Here are a few tips to help you do that:

  • Refrain from using “one” to refer to a vague group of people; use “you” instead:

Impersonal: How can one make intelligent decisions about the future?

Personal: How can you make intelligent decisions about the future?

  • Also use “you” instead of phrases like “our clients”:

Impersonal: We focus on helping our clients be more successful.

Personal: We focus on helping you be more successful.

  • Craft every communication, even e-mails, to make readers feel like they alone are being addressed:

Impersonal: All of you are invited to our client appreciation party.

Personal: You’re invited to our client appreciation party.

You should see a common thread in the impersonal examples: there’s nothing “wrong” with them…but they leave a decidedly different impression than the personal examples. You’ll be more likely to generate the actions you desire if you communicate in a more personal way.

Could your company use an in-house editor? I’m the next best thing…and far more affordable. Learn more at adriennemoch.com or contact me at adrienne@adriennemoch.com or (619) 291-4645.

Published On: May 25th, 2017 / Categories: 2011 /