Do you feel successful? I don’t.
Yes, I have moments of euphoria, usually after I’ve written something pretty good – but it’s not long before I decide I’m useless.
So I read about a seminar in “power talking” and “communication skills” with great interest – especially when it said that 80% of people fail at work because they don’t “relate well” to other people …“a clear case of failed communication”.
.
Well, the seminar was cheap, the course leader is practically a genius – “multi skilled as an Occupational Psychologist, Executive Mentor, Presenter and Counsellor” – and the subject is highly relevant.
But the copy put me off. As far as I or anyone else who cares for the English language might be concerned it was indeed a case of failed communication. It had more clichés and jargon in it than a politician’s speech.
I was promised “user-friendly, high-level skills” and “solution-focused communication techniques”. There was obsessive use of expressions based on the word “impact” – “impacts on”, “impactful”, “high-impact” and “positive impact”. And naturally that shop-soiled word “engage” popped up (why not “intrigue” or “interest”?)
If that’s how people who teach communication write, it explains a lot of the mindless tripe we all have to plough though – in documents, on the internet, in meetings: everywhere.
Every day you are trying to get colleagues, bosses, customers – maybe family – to do what you want. Whether you like it or not, life is one long sales pitch – and most of that selling is done in writing.
So how do you avoid boring the hell out of people? How do you write well? It really matters, as two old colleagues, Ken Roman and Joel Raphaelson, revealed in their splendid book “Writing that Works”.
It seems that when the Chief Executives of top U.S. firms were asked what they would most like to change in business, the majority pleaded: “Can someone please teach people to write better?”
Now if you’re wondering where all this has been leading, let me ask you a question.
Would you or your colleagues be interested in three short webinars on how to write better? I have been teaching this for nearly 30 years, and my normal rate is £5,000 per day. But if enough of you are interested I will do them for £39 each.
In my time I’ve written books, scripts, articles, ads, brochures, presentations, speeches, emails, editorials – you name it – and got paid for them all. I’ll tell you what I’ve learned.
The last time I did a seminar on this subject it was for the world’s largest conference organisers. People said the were “inspired”. I can’t guarantee such giddy heights of joy, but I think you’ll find it worth it.
Can you take a second to email me and say if this interests you? Just write saying yes or no to Drayton@draytonbird.com.
Thanks!
Yes I would interested, as long as I could watch the recordings as often as I liked via streaming video. I find downloads to my PC often don't work because their formats are incompatible with my system. Watching streaming video is usually no problem.
Yes to your webinar.
yes
yes
Yes
Yes
Who tries to sell webinars on how to write better, and include the sentence, “People said the were “inspired”?
Wouldn't proofreading your own copy be a start?!?!
You have flattened me, Richard
Drayton,
If I learn how to write better, how will you know that I am an Amahrikan? 😉
Ted Leithart
Nice one, Ted. I don't mind if you spell colouring coloring:-)
I'd be interested, Drayton.
I would be 1,000,000% interested Clayton,it's a Sector that I wish to IMPROVE on and require MENTORING on……. It will also help me with my new Business Launch 'Motivational Networking”
I will drop you an email now my friend….
Best wishes
Maurice
“Keep your DREAMS alive…..”
oppps Drayton….. sorry for the typo…… 🙂
Drayton, I love reading your emails… I actually look forward to seeing them in my inbox, something I can't say about 99.78% of alll other email I receive. But I digress.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, insights, your writing and your knowledge. And YES I am very interested in the webinars… count me in. Russell
I don't think people read your emails just because they are free – they read them because you make sense. Good old fashioned common sense. I am not working in marketing myself, but still find them refreshing and relevent to what I do. Thank you so so much for your emails. You are an inspiration!
That is two messages I have received that made me jump for joy … and as I said in my last but one, I am encouraged to go on. To be honest, I am encouraged to spend a lot more time on this and a lot less time on some other things I do that are no fun at all.
Did you email me, Maurice?
Hi Mr Drayton Bird,
The answer is Yes. Yes. Yes
Sadly I come from a generation where the written word has been replaced with video, corporate speak and even shorter attention spans. I enjoy reading your prose and I would love to be able to truly communicate effectively (Without offending everyone, which is easy to do!)
I have no idea how you survive in a marketing world where the truth can get you fired or demoted, by challenging the HIPPO's. You either have powerful friends, 9 lives or you obviously know what you're talking about. (I love your disclaimer)
I come by way of Perry Marshall, am an extreme fan of Avinash Kaushkik and all others who give meaningful and authentic advice to offer. Thank you for offering Claude Hopkins seminal book on your site.
It is my hope that it is still possible to give clients value, direction without resorting to snake oil. Since you're still in business! I look forward to reading more, as it must be true.
Searchengineman
Thanks, Stan. Perry writes well, as you know. I must thank you for the word HIPPO, but slap your wrist for HIPPO'S. There is no apostrophe in that plural:-)
yes I'd be interested, thanks!
Typo in penultimate paragraph!
But yes to seminar