Below:
1. Writing tips from PUAs (pick-up artists)
2. A 2300-year-old persuasion tip
3. Public courses in 2011

Writing tips from PUAs (pick-up artists)

Did you know that, if you're male, you can become a certified Pick-Up Artist (PUA)?

Whether you think it's interesting or idiotic, a recent Sydney Morning Herald article on the phenomenon got me thinking: Could the same principles of charming women also work to charm readers? After all, it's just psychology, right?

With a bit of tweaking, yes:

1. "Smile; it makes you more attractive."
• Your writing IS you. People make snap judgments about you based on your document. So make it look sharp: Consider layout, formatting, graphics and overall presentation.
• Make emails more readable with bullet lists; short, chunky paragraphs; and above all (literally), a clear "summary" subject header.
2. "Be genuine. Women can smell a lie."
• To sound authentic, write (almost) like you speak. Use plain English.
• When persuading, admitting a small fault helps people believe your other claims.
3. "Maintain strong eye contact. It shows confidence."
• Get your eyes off your needs and onto your client's. Listen carefully when they talk about their needs.
4. "Talk about your passions. Bore yourself and you’ll bore her."
• Be passionate about your topic. Choose your attitude. If you're going to spend time writing something, you may as well make it sing! Far from boring people, you'll inspire them (and probably yourself).
• If it really does bore you, DIG. There's gold in them thar hills; you just haven't found it yet. Dig into your reader's mind; what, about your topic, turns them on? Dig into the topic; what interesting angle hasn't been covered yet?
5. "Don’t use money to impress. You’ll just lose respect."
   • Deserve respect. Back up your claims with solid proof. Be specific; e.g., don't tell them that X will save time, give them an idea of how much time.
   • Good design is important, but won't mask bad writing.

What do YOU think are the best ways to charm, engage or persuade readers? Share them on our blog.

P.S. From all at Magneto, have a fantastic Christmas!

Public courses in 2011

Brisbane, Sydney

"Your course is getting rave reviews." St.George Bank

Make 2011 the year you finally conquer one of the most important business skills!

Our most popular writing masterclass is “Get it Write”.

Click "details" below to register your interest now
(these classes sell out).

• Brisbane - 7 April 2011: Details
• Sydney - 14 April 2011: Details

(Prefer an in-house course?)

Magneto Communications Pty Ltd

Phone/fax 1300 658 580

www.magneto.net.au
Got a comment?

Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.

Update your details

Your email is safe with us: We'll never sell, display or give your email address away.
We'll email you purely with information and ideas to give you better writing results.