Expression and Organization

EXPRESSION AND ORGANIZATION

It's one thing to know what to write, it's another thing to express it in a way that your audience doesn't misunderstand your message or get confused after reading.

The way you express a thought determines its impact and effect on the audience. It's just like singing a popular song, there's a way you will that same song it will be appealing and interesting that people will forget it's a regular song or if someone else sings it, they will be like, it's a popular song. It boils down to style and presentation. Different persons can write on the same topic but being unique makes the difference, expression.

As a writer, you must find your style to present your thought. No matter how good your thought or idea is, if you don't present them well it might be uninteresting to read. Make your writing so interesting and irresistible. Think of ways and choices of words that will keep the readers glued.

Organise your thought such that you know what is to come before another. Similar points should be written together not writing, A, B then back to A again. Your thought should be able to follow a systematic progression.

You might not figure this out when writing, it is advised to pour out your thought first. Don't bother if it's the last part, middle or beginning. The first action is to write. When you don't know how or where to start, start from somewhere and write.

After writing, go back and read it, as you are reading, remove the unnecessary detail or statement that are not coherent with your message, rewrite some of the sentences and change the words. Shorten longer sentences using more concise words. Correct spellings and errors. This is called (Rewriting/revising). If you do this as you are writing, it will slow you down, It is best done after your draft (writing).

Reading through and making corrections you will be able to observe which paragraph should come first, last or in the middle. You can copy, cut and paste them in the place appropriate. It's not compulsory that the beginning of your right up must be the beginning, a phrase from the middle could be appealing as an opening statement. Feel free to cut and place it at the beginning.

Mind your language when expressing your thought. I read some articles, and I see writers insulting their audience what is that for? Let's say I want to write on the importance of reading. Check this out.

1. If you are not reading then you are stupid and you will remain a fool because you won't grow.

Versus

2. Did you know that reading can make you wiser than you can ever imagine? If you are not reading, you're slowing down your growth process.

Can you see how the same ideas were presented? In the first example, those words are uncalled for, the second example is far more preferable. As a writer, you must look for words to express your thought without sounding extremely harsh, mean or disrespectful.

Control your emotions, even if you are angry, you can present your thoughts in ways that your message gets understood without sending a wrong feeling.

That's why someone can say all manner of harsh words in the comment section, if you don't agree with a person you can objectively point out your fact without denting the credibility of the writer. Every writer writes from their experience and perspective, so you can't completely overrule their perspective, rather, you present your thought constructively so that someone can read and pick sense if you have a better idea.

Although there are some write up that might involve some kind of words, the like as sarcasm. But even at that, be constructively sarcastic. Your choice of words tells a lot about who you are and how people will rate you. Writing with a negative tune will not take you far.

You can choose to express in a serious, friendly, funny, persuasive, or motivating pattern it depends on you.

Ensure your message does not contradict. You can't be saying, don't eat early in your write up and at the same time saying breakfast is the most important meal because it strengthens your brain to carry out the day's activities. Now, what do you want your readers to believe?

You should think of ways to connect your thoughts so that the audience understands perfectly your perspectives. Words like; However, more so, nevertheless, notwithstanding etc can be used in connecting thoughts. Know when to use them.

Use fewer abbreviations. (U, ur, 2, kw, dnt, 4rm etc) stop using it to chat so that you won't make the mistake when writing. Abbreviations make your writing unprofessional. I used to be lord of abbreviations but we were warned not to use them in exams if you are a student take note. Type in full.

Also, don't beat about the bush when writing, I've read articles on topics that I still ask myself what is the topic...laughs!

For instance, if you want to write about how to stop getting angry, someone should read your work and be able to know how to stop getting angry, not that after reading it to the end in their mind they will still be asking, how to stop getting angry? Then what did the writer write? I've experienced this asunder times. Focus on your topic when writing, your words should address the subject.

For story writing, it is best to show more instead of telling. For instance, you want to write that Gilgal is in love...

So instead of saying, Gilgal is in love, it's best to show it. How do you show?

Look for ways in which someone in love would act, and describe the feeling or action instead of just saying it. Check this out.

1. Gilgal is standing in the kitchen, she has been thinking for some days, that she is in love with the senator's son.

Or

2. Standing in the kitchen, a smile crawled into Gilgal's cheek. She's been grinning to herself for some days now, lost in thoughts. There's no doubt the senator's son has captured her heart.

Okay back to our gist, from both examples which do you think it's more interesting to read? The second.

To be able to do this effectively, study how people act at a certain point and look for words that describe them instead of just saying them. If someone is angry how do they behave? Frown (glare, scowl), thunder or cuss out, anger flicker across their eyes.

A happy person will scream, dance, etc

A frightened person will experience, a racing heart, cold shivers down their spine, dry lips, stuttering, stiff posture, misty or teary-eyed etc

A surprised person will be dumbstruck or open-mouthed, wide-eyed, speechless, etc.

More reasons your dictionary has to be your friend, read it always and learn more words. The more you read people's work the better you know how to present your thoughts.

To be continued...

Ask Questions if you have, meanwhile, I have one,

Talking about abbreviations, how do you say 'lolz' when chatting?

I recently started using; laughs, now I'm laughing, smiling, I'm blushing etc

How else can you show you are laughing without using emoji or Lolz?