After years of creating key messages, proof points–even articulations–I’m finding myself beginning to adopt a new style of writing. Twitter is to blame.
You see my writing has been getting shorter and shorter. Some might say this is a good thing. In fact, I’ve been told if your entire email message can’t be seen in the screen of a blackberry, it’s too long. My emails, my headlines, my day-to-day correspondence has been getting shorter and shorter. I think it’s because my writing is getting tighter, but I think it’s because the Twitter limit has taken its effect.
If you’ve ever tried to effectively communicate on Twitter, you’ll agree with me that traditional messages just don’t fit. If the message don’t Tweet, You must delete. The best ideas don’t always fit and so you have to be creative and find different ways to say what you want.
The results. Getting down to the heart of your message. Speaking like a human. And speaking clearly.
The 140 character communicator is not a proud soul. It’s a troubled one, but hopefully an effective one.
2 responses so far ↓
Meghan Butler // July 1, 2009 at 8:20 am
Amen, brotha. AMEN. I preach the 140 gospel throughout my co. Some peeps SERIOUSLY need to know for verbal skills. A nebulous idea oft requiring baby steps, unfortch.
Michelle McManus // July 24, 2009 at 10:08 am
That was beautiful, Matt.