3 Ways to Inspire People with Your Writing
2 3 Writer’s Craft Techniques that Inspire People:
1. Focus on the positive.
Note how differently you feel when reading each of the examples below. Which type of message are you using in your work?
As a therapist, I help people struggling to get unstuck.
As a therapist, I guide people to live from the innate power of leadership within.
2. Avoid words that possess a second meaning which is more negative than the one you intend.
Many words in English have multiple denotations or connotations. Even if it is clear from the context which meaning you are using, readers will still think of the other meaning as well, and that will influence how they feel. In the following example, think about how just a single word change alters how the statement makes you feel, even though both words are used to mean the same thing, important.
Our policy work is critical for protecting the rights of foster children.
Our policy work is vital for protecting the rights of foster children.
3. Focus on how much difference the littlest change will make.
This will keep people feeling good about the progress that can be made, rather than looking ahead and becoming disheartened by how much farther there is to go. The following examples use this technique in 2 ways: to better elucidate impact and to encourage people to take small steps toward change right now.
Most of our constituents will never become independent adults, but with work and patience, some are able to perform low-wage jobs like bagging groceries.
When one of our students is able to maintain a simple job like bagging groceries, her life is transformed by the empowering pleasure of contributing her own income to help support her family.
Quitting smoking is a long, difficult process that takes a great deal of self-discipline.
Quitting smoking is a process of small steps; if you smoke a pack a day, your first goal might be to smoke just half a cigarette less.
These techniques will elicit feelings of optimism and personal strength in your readers… and it’s amazing what people can accomplish when we feel strong and optimistic.
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Leonore Alaniz
yes, I have practiced choosing words that express one idea in a constructive context. Way-showing positive speech patterns is a great service. The patterns trickle down into the attitudes and behavior patterns of society over time .
Erica
Absolutely, Leonore!