Engaging Blog Posts
PROGRAM: "IN A WORD"
EPISODE: ENGAGING BLOG POSTS
[5 to 10 SEC OF MUSIC]
[FADE MUSIC]
I’m Mary Beth Schaefer with In a Word, your weekly communication tip.
Today I’ll give you some advice for writing engaging blog posts. Blogging is a popular way to share travel experiences, recipes or thoughtful commentary with family, friends and the world. Blogs are unique writing projects. They vary in length, content and style. But one principle always holds true when writing blog posts. In fact, this principle applies to all writing and speaking projects: Know your audience and purpose.
Are your target readers experts in neuropsychology? Are you telling family members and friends about your travels abroad? Or are you writing to amateur cyclists looking for quick tips on bike repair? Who your audience is will determine the content, tone and style of your blog post, so be sure to identify your readers before you start writing.
Let’s assume that you’re writing about something technical for a general audience. One way to make your writing more accessible and engaging is to put unfamiliar things in familiar terms. For instance, instead of giving the size or weight of a bale of cotton, tell your reader that, according to the National Cotton Council, a bale of cotton could make about 1200 t-shirts.
Also, if you’re introducing technical jargon into your blog post, try giving the definition before the term. Here’s an example: “During an epidemic, it’s important to consider the average number of secondary infections caused by a primary infection—a value known as R0.” That way, readers understand the concept before encountering a term that might be foreign or intimidating.
Make sure the organization of your blog post is logical to your reader, too. One strategy is to use a circular construction. If you begin with a quote, for example, consider revisiting that quote at the end of your post. Or if you begin with an anecdote, you could refer back to it in your conclusion.
Once you’ve written a draft and you’re revising your post, try reading aloud. Listen to hear if your voice comes through in the writing. Establishing a unique voice and style will make your blog more memorable.
And remember: Never lose sight of the audience and purpose of your blog.
This has been "In a Word," a program made possible by the Texas A&M University Writing Center and a production of KAMU FM on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station. For more writing and speaking tips, visit our website at writingcenter.tamu.edu. I’m Mary Beth Schaefer, helping you make every word count.
[5 to 10 SEC OF MUSIC]
EPISODE: ENGAGING BLOG POSTS
[5 to 10 SEC OF MUSIC]
[FADE MUSIC]
I’m Mary Beth Schaefer with In a Word, your weekly communication tip.
Today I’ll give you some advice for writing engaging blog posts. Blogging is a popular way to share travel experiences, recipes or thoughtful commentary with family, friends and the world. Blogs are unique writing projects. They vary in length, content and style. But one principle always holds true when writing blog posts. In fact, this principle applies to all writing and speaking projects: Know your audience and purpose.
Are your target readers experts in neuropsychology? Are you telling family members and friends about your travels abroad? Or are you writing to amateur cyclists looking for quick tips on bike repair? Who your audience is will determine the content, tone and style of your blog post, so be sure to identify your readers before you start writing.
Let’s assume that you’re writing about something technical for a general audience. One way to make your writing more accessible and engaging is to put unfamiliar things in familiar terms. For instance, instead of giving the size or weight of a bale of cotton, tell your reader that, according to the National Cotton Council, a bale of cotton could make about 1200 t-shirts.
Also, if you’re introducing technical jargon into your blog post, try giving the definition before the term. Here’s an example: “During an epidemic, it’s important to consider the average number of secondary infections caused by a primary infection—a value known as R0.” That way, readers understand the concept before encountering a term that might be foreign or intimidating.
Make sure the organization of your blog post is logical to your reader, too. One strategy is to use a circular construction. If you begin with a quote, for example, consider revisiting that quote at the end of your post. Or if you begin with an anecdote, you could refer back to it in your conclusion.
Once you’ve written a draft and you’re revising your post, try reading aloud. Listen to hear if your voice comes through in the writing. Establishing a unique voice and style will make your blog more memorable.
And remember: Never lose sight of the audience and purpose of your blog.
This has been "In a Word," a program made possible by the Texas A&M University Writing Center and a production of KAMU FM on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station. For more writing and speaking tips, visit our website at writingcenter.tamu.edu. I’m Mary Beth Schaefer, helping you make every word count.
[5 to 10 SEC OF MUSIC]