Finding your voice
Changing a writing style
One of the dilemmas facing many organisations is how to adapt their style of writing for the web.
Studies now prove that if you write in a friendly, comparatively informal and human style, you are more likely to engage web visitors and achieve the results you want.
Of course there's a lot more to successful web writing than just that, but feedback from readers welcomes a more personal approach.
Changing a writing style can cause furious debate between modernists and traditionalists.
Outside the communications department many people believe the only style that can be taken seriously is formal 'corporate speak'. This may have been part of the company culture for years. They fear that any changes will simply 'dumb down' the message.
An organisation's writing style tells the outside world a lot about it and can strongly affect its bottom line. It's essential that staff at all levels appreciate why a particular style is being adopted and show commitment to using it.
Next: Keeping up with the times
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Published : 01/10/2005
