Writing is important...here is why!

Strategic communications is a very broad term for an even broader industry spanning across all job types in the public and private sectors. There are so many skills communicators need to understand and use effectively to best communicate their message to the masses, and they seem to grow exponentially with the advent of new technologies and media.

While reading Arik Hanson’s blog post about these skills some comments stuck with me about how finding good writers is tough. It got me thinking about how the development of new technology and media is definitely exciting for the industry, but it can be distracting for the individual. It’s quite understandable how learning new social media or developing video editing skills can take away from refining other more rudimentary skills, namely writing.  

Writing is a skill that more than deserves its own attention, as it forms the backbone of all strategic communications efforts. It’s the foundation. 

It’s how you create more memorable ads in a society plagued with advertisement overload. It’s what makes your news release stand out in a sea of monotonous ramblings. 

But more importantly, how do you begin every strategic communication plan? By writing it down.

It’s not about using the biggest words you can find (cue a classic Calvin and Hobbes scene). It’s about making your writing so natural and efficient it flows as well as the reader’s own thoughts. While I’ve never met this perfectly talented mystery writer, it gets my point across. 

Not continuing to develop your writing skills is like a basketball player who quits practicing his free throws in favor of the three point shot. His made three pointers would certainly rise, but he would miss easy shots he’s supposed to make and frustrate his coach.  

Translated to writing terms, this equals inconsistency in your finished product.

This isn’t a knock on the developing media systems and new technologies. It’s just easy to forget about the importance of writing. Here’s your reminder: Write. Read everything you can. And write some more. 

Cody Strickland

University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment