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Don Heymann - Clear & Persuasive Written Communications

Don Heymann

Clear & Persuasive Written Communications

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Use of Language

The Potency of Words. Size Matters.

March 22, 2019 by Don Heymann 2 Comments

Ultimately, it’s not simply the number of words you know, but how you use each one that’s important. Using colorful, descriptive words almost always makes writing more compelling. It’s not about impressing people, improving your professional prospects or building scholarly achievement

Filed Under: Use of Language Tagged With: clear communication, engaging audiences, plain language, writing

Simple and Specific: The Key to Understanding in Your Writing

September 5, 2018 by Don Heymann Leave a Comment

You might think that being too specific in your communications might confuse busy readers or distract audiences but it’s quite the opposite. Using simple language and being appropriately specific in your descriptions have been proven to increase understanding and retention. Here are some examples:

Filed Under: Use of Language Tagged With: business writing, clear communication, creating mental pictures, making ideas sticky

My issue with “issue”? No problem. 

August 2, 2017 by Don Heymann 3 Comments

Problems. Difficulties. Complications. Obstacles. Disputes. Solid words but not used much anymore. Now everything is an “issue,” and I’m so grateful to Carina Chocano who wrote about this brilliantly in the New York Times Magazine (July 23, 2017).

Filed Under: Use of Language Tagged With: clear communication, creating mental pictures, keeping it real, precise language

Frank Bruni Asks a Good Question

April 13, 2017 by Don Heymann 1 Comment

I’ve been thinking about writing a column on this subject for a long time. Then I saw that Frank Bruni of the Times beat me to it, and did so beautifully. I couldn’t have said it better myself, so I won’t try.

Filed Under: Use of Language Tagged With: culture, grammar, high standards, personal voice, precise language

Politically Correct? Or is it Time for a New Vocabulary?

May 22, 2016 by Don Heymann 2 Comments

We all know words have power. Take the vocabulary of incarceration – the stigmatizing way we speak about people who have served time. Studies show that the words we choose – “felon,” “ex-convict” or “ex-offender” – present a significant barrier to reintegration.

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Use of Language Tagged With: engaging audiences, l, personal voice, precise language, trust and transparency

Tech Can Stifle Language Skills? Duh!

January 11, 2016 by Don Heymann 2 Comments

It’s becoming abundantly clear that our technology does not necessarily help us increase our language (and writing) skills or our ability to learn. My fellow writers and communication professionals – and especially parents – should take heed.

Filed Under: Use of Language Tagged With: high standards, learning language, precise language

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About Don

Don Heymann - Communications WriterDon Heymann launched his business in 1985, drawing on his broad communications experience as a writer, consultant, corporate official and agency executive.

Learn more about Don…

Recent Blog Posts

COVID 19 pandemic

The end of marketing as we know it? Lessons from the pandemic

Data is Not the Story. The Story is the Story.

The Potency of Words. Size Matters.

Sometimes It Pays To Be Ignorant.

Simple and Specific: The Key to Understanding in Your Writing

Keeping it real: Writing that’s trustworthy and credible

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