Guest commentator: Sarah Miller, Senior Account Executive, Content Marketing, Scribewise

As writer and bestselling author Ann Handley says, “Everybody writes.” And it’s true—we’re all writers.

Sometimes we write small things, like a text to a friend. Other times we write bigger things, like a client email or a speech for a work presentation.

Whether writing professionally or not, the act of writing can feel daunting. Maybe it’s because we don’t feel like we’re the best writers, or maybe we know all too well just how much words matter when trying to communicate effectively.

For the past few years, I’ve been working as a content writer, interviewing subject matter experts, ghostwriting thought leadership articles, or crafting LinkedIn posts for executives.

Writing regularly has taught me so much—how to express myself, organize my thoughts, construct convincing arguments, and self-edit. It’s also taught me to listen better and pay attention to my audience, specifically who I’m communicating to and what they care about.

I believe writing can teach you a great deal about how to be an effective communicator, a skill most of us need regardless of our profession. So, here are a few tips on how to become a better writer and how to apply those lessons to other aspects of your life.

Write a ‘Crappy’ First Draft

When it comes to writing, getting started is often the most challenging part. If I’m facing a huge writing assignment, writer’s block tends to kick in immediately. Even with an idea in mind, I often get stuck trying to find the perfect words for the very first sentence.

One of the first lessons I learned as a writer is to just dive right in and write a crappy first draft. Instead of holding out for the perfect words, just start typing whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t need to be polished; it just needs to be something. You might even start in the middle or at the end of whatever you’re writing (I usually save the opening paragraph for last, anyway). Once you start typing, you’d be surprised by how easily your ideas flow.

This approach not only makes writing easier but also helps break down the type of perfectionism that gets in the way of good ideas, allowing for more creative thinking without the pressure to produce something perfect (or even “good”). This theory applies to all forms of communication—while words matter, being bold and trying your best to express yourself is what truly matters.

Focus on Your Audience and Their Place in Your ‘Story’

Have you ever read something and thought, “Why should I care?” Considering your reader’s perspective is crucial before writing—or saying—anything.

When I write for B2B clients, for instance, I always think about what matters to their audience. What do they want to know more about? What challenges are they facing? What would resonate with them?

Ultimately, they want to be at the center of the narrative, to feel like the ‘hero’ of your story. By practicing empathy and stepping into your audience’s shoes to understand their perspective, you can initiate more candid, honest, and effective conversations.

Say More With Less

Time is one of our most valuable resources. Just like you want your audience (be that your friend, coworker, boss, etc.) to resonate with your ‘story,’ you also want to respect their time.

In the book Smart Brevity, authors and founders of Axios and Politico discuss the “power of saying more with less.” Essentially, the more concise and precise you are, the clearer and more refined your message becomes, making you a more effective communicator and leader.

Is communicating all about efficiency and speed? No, not always. But in a world where people are often too busy, clear and quick communication allows us to engage our audience faster, build trust, and leave a lasting impression.