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Archives for October 2012

Extend your metaphor

Explore the base Once you come up with an analogy, you can make more of your metaphor by extending it. “If you want to try an extended metaphor, think carefully about your comparison entity,” writes Nancy Kress in Writer’s Digest. "Choose something that is specific and concrete, like a diamond. Then jot down three or more similarities between that and your original … [Read more...] about Extend your metaphor

Don’t ‘engage in the conversation’

More '@' replies = fewer followers How can you expand your reach and influence on Twitter? "Engaging in the conversation" isn't the answer. In a 2011 study, HubSpot viral marketing scientist Dan Zarrella looked at a random selection of more than 130,000 Twitter users. He found that the more often users reply — that is, send a tweet that starts with an @ sign — the fewer … [Read more...] about Don’t ‘engage in the conversation’

Do they see what you see?

Put like things together to avoid online tunnel vision Web visitors don't see things that are right on the screen. Selective attention makes them overlook elements that are outside their focus of interest. Or so says Jakob Nielsen, usability guru and principal of the Nielsen Norman Group. Tunnel vision in action In one study, Nielsen's group tested the website of … [Read more...] about Do they see what you see?

Write it like Winston

Make Churchill your muse Winston Churchill rallied the British, defied the Nazis, and inspired the United States to fight. Some say he saved the Western world with his words. "Never, never, never give up." — Winston Churchill He was captured by the Boers and escaped. He wrote about his military adventures in newspaper articles and books. By 1899, he was one of the highest … [Read more...] about Write it like Winston

Don’t lose your budget dust

Invest your year-end money before it gets swept away 'Tis the season for many of us to use what remains of our 2012 budget … or lose it altogether. Here are five ways to invest your budget dust this year to improve communications for years to come: Schedule 2013 writing workshops today. Lock in 2012 prices for 2013 events and save 5 % when you prepay my speaking … [Read more...] about Don’t lose your budget dust

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Jan. 31, 2025

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