Whether you love it or hate it, writing is one of those essential skills that everyone should learn to use.  The good news is that practice makes perfect, even when it comes to writing! It’s important to hone in on this skill in order to better yourself and your career, especially those of you who are in the communications field like myself.  Here are the top five reasons why writing is a vital skill:

1. It’s used everywhere.

It might just be a quick email to your boss.  Or it might be that weekly memo you’ve been avoiding.  It could be a last minute birthday wish on your high school friend’s Facebook page.  Either way, writing is used everywhere at all times.  Since we’re surrounded by it, we should learn to love it!

2. Sound more intelligent.

I once heard someone say that perception is 90 percent reality. Regardless if the statistic is accurate, the metaphor is spot-on for writing. If there are errors throughout your resume, there’s a very low chance of you getting the job – even if you possess the most resounding qualifications.  Put simply, writing well makes you sound more intelligent, which boasts credibility for your story, pitch or whatever you’re trying to say.  Not to mention, writing well consistently establishes your tone in the workplace!

3. Journalists will thank you.

As communications professionals, media relations is a huge aspect of our job here at The Focus Group! Knowing AP Style means less editing for the journalists who want to use the press releases we write. Brevity and consistency also lend a hand to our journalist friends!

4. Get what you want.

Writing is a connector between you and ___________.  Wait… don’t take a Sharpie to your computer screen! What I mean is that writing can help you get what you want.  If you’re selling a product, an idea or just about anything else, you can do so by strategically and carefully crafting your words.

5. Let your voice be heard through your writing.

We live in a day and age where we can be connected at all times.  With that being said, we have the ability to voice our opinions on our political, social, and worldly views via social media.  If we use certain hashtags (for example, #LoveWins), we’re able to have an open dialogue with others who are writing about the same topics.  When you’re generating your own posts and replying to others’, you want to be well understood and grammatically correct. Don’t let your message lose it’s voice through terrible grammar!

In our creative world, writing comes in all shapes and sizes! What is your go-to style? Formal? Creative? Narrative? Let us know in the comments below!