It’s easy to think of language as straightforward: we know what the words mean, so we think we understand the message. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Properly understanding words – making them make sense – isn’t just about recognising vocabulary. It’s about understanding that what they say and what they mean are not always […]
Category: Writing Planning
Why Your Writing Gets Misunderstood (And How to Make It Clearer)
Understanding your audience is one of the most important — and most overlooked — writing skills. Whether you’re writing a report, a website, or a social post, meaning doesn’t sit neatly in your words. It’s shaped by how your reader interprets them. Let’s imagine you got two political pamphlets in your letterbox this morning — […]
Perfection Doesn’t Make Writing Make Sense — Clarity Does
You’re looking at your draft, ready to edit. Recognise any of these thoughts? I just want to sound more intelligent. I need to polish this. It sounds too simple. If you are hearing these voices, you’re not alone – they’re familiar to many writers. The trouble is, they’re often leading you astray. Attempts to sound […]
The Pre-Planning Stage of Writing: How Ideas Form Before the Page
From fragments and impressions to clear, confident writing You’re facing up to a piece of writing – any piece – but your overwhelming thought is “I don’t know what I want to say yet.” You probably do, but it’s still tucked away in the recesses of your brain, between shopping lists and that work email […]