Is it possible to improve your writing instantly? The answer, happily, is �yes.�

While researching a book on famous speeches and essays, I found eight easily correctable mistakes writers often make. Here they are�and how to correct them instantly.

1. UNFOCUSED SUBJECT � Focus on a single theme only. Every sentence and paragraph should reinforce that topic.

2. TOO LONG � Abraham Lincoln crafted his Gettysburg Address in less than 300 words. Unless I�m specifically asked to do otherwise, I try to condense my work to one double-spaced single page (about 250 words).

3. WEAK PREMISE � Can you state the major focus of your message in 20 words or less?

4. NO ATTENTION-GRABBER � The first sentence or two must quickly attract the reader. Two ways to do this: (a) ask a question or (b) reveal a discovery.

5. UNLINKED PARAGRAPHS � Each paragraph should logically lead to the next. One way some writers do this: (a) quickly write several paragraphs on a subject; ((b) prioritize them; (c) present them in descending order from most important to least important; (d) conclude by restating the two or three most important points.

6. PASSIVE VERBS � Passive verbs like is, am, was, and were simply exist. Action verbs run, jump, excite, and motivate.

7. BORE FACTOR � Some research says the average adult attention span is only eight seconds. So it�s important to make your points convincingly, and end your paper powerfully.

8. WEAK ENDING � Exit your report like an experienced stage performer�leave your audience wanting more. Two ways to do this: (a) use a famous quote to reinforce your conclusion, or (b) give details showing the reader where to get more information on the subject. (Examples: your phone, fax, e-mail, etc.)

This article was posted on March 24, 2005