<p>“Ohe pen is mightier than the sword,” wrote a philosopher centuries back, emphasizing the power of written communication. The ability to communicate does not begin and end with mere oral communication. For an average man, communication is mostly limited to casual banter and fails to make foray into the written genre.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Yet, written communication could not be more relevant in today’s technology-driven and shrunken world. The real trouble arises when the pendulum swings to written communication. For unlike in oral communication, written communication demands formal language, conformity to recognised patterns and some level of proficiency in the rudiments of the language. The difficulties involved are deterrents to developing skills in written communication. Even so, getting the hang of effectively articulating thoughts and ideas is a forte that can unlock the door to a world of greater understanding.<br /><br />Writing most often does not get the prominence it ought to in a common man’s schedule. Learning and acquiring knowledge from volumes of tomes are limited to the profound subjects of math, science and social studies. Language and its many functions, including writing skills, thus pale in comparison to the importance of other subjects.<br /><br />This bias acts as a deterrent in the development of effective writing. When writing thus is not given the due significance it deserves, this skill cannot be improved upon. Just as in any other art, with writing too, only practice can make a man perfect. Failure to hone skills in writing coupled with the general apathy, act as a huge gap in getting proficient in the art of written communication.<br /><br />Again unlike other subjects, writing involves a creative bent. Creativity is often perceived as something that is reserved for a select few. Spending time in this creative area of writing is seldom exercised, resulting in the common man’s inertia to kick start his adventures into the realm of writing.<br /><br />If all these factors are not reasons enough to procrastinate to dive into the world of words, new age communication is a stumbling block in excelling at the written language. SMS language, prevalence of short and laconic comments on social media, combined with the long forgotten art of writing letters and post cards through the snail mail, augment the discouraging scenario of poor progress in written communication.<br /><br />The importance of written communication should primarily be discerned and appreciated. Writing exercises should be undertaken on a regular basis. Many tutors advise writing daily, at least a couple of paragraphs on any topic of interest. This not only helps focus the mind, but also acts as a powerful drill that will sharpen writing skills. This exercise stimulates the mind to think as well. It aids reflection, fosters ideas and acts as a catalyst in the flow of creative juices, culminating in a literacy cocktail that can be an unforgettable learning experience.<br /><br />It must also be understood that reading and writing are two sides of the same coin. Whether it is fiction or non-fiction, reading enhances vocabulary, opens doors to better writing styles and is an effective method of self-study that one can undertake in the pursuit of becoming proficient in writing. Maintaining a special book for vocabulary, creating a scrap book for quotations and sundry observations and having an exclusive book for jotting ideas and themes as they flash in the mind are all easy and yet foolproof methods adopted by some of the world’s greatest writers, that is available to any amateur writer as well.<br /><br />Finally removing from the mind the mistaken notion that writing is only the privilege of a few and can never be acquired and excelled at, will obliterate the bias that is a stumbling block in entering the world of writing. Starting small and taking baby steps will lead to giant results over time. Writing letters to the editor, contributing small thoughts and anecdotes to dailies and journals that welcome such contributions and making writing a hobby and habit are all collectively a one way ticket to mastering this art of expressing opinions and ideas.<br /><br />Benefits<br /><br />Manifold are the benefits of learning to put in writing the many thought processes as they occur in our mind. Written communication is an exceptional tool available in mass media. It reaches far and wide and is authentic as well. It gives credibility and mass appeal, making communication logical and formal. It brings dignity and worth to both the writer and the reader. And most importantly, it is the hallmark of a learned and respectable society which flourishes.<br /></p>
<p>“Ohe pen is mightier than the sword,” wrote a philosopher centuries back, emphasizing the power of written communication. The ability to communicate does not begin and end with mere oral communication. For an average man, communication is mostly limited to casual banter and fails to make foray into the written genre.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Yet, written communication could not be more relevant in today’s technology-driven and shrunken world. The real trouble arises when the pendulum swings to written communication. For unlike in oral communication, written communication demands formal language, conformity to recognised patterns and some level of proficiency in the rudiments of the language. The difficulties involved are deterrents to developing skills in written communication. Even so, getting the hang of effectively articulating thoughts and ideas is a forte that can unlock the door to a world of greater understanding.<br /><br />Writing most often does not get the prominence it ought to in a common man’s schedule. Learning and acquiring knowledge from volumes of tomes are limited to the profound subjects of math, science and social studies. Language and its many functions, including writing skills, thus pale in comparison to the importance of other subjects.<br /><br />This bias acts as a deterrent in the development of effective writing. When writing thus is not given the due significance it deserves, this skill cannot be improved upon. Just as in any other art, with writing too, only practice can make a man perfect. Failure to hone skills in writing coupled with the general apathy, act as a huge gap in getting proficient in the art of written communication.<br /><br />Again unlike other subjects, writing involves a creative bent. Creativity is often perceived as something that is reserved for a select few. Spending time in this creative area of writing is seldom exercised, resulting in the common man’s inertia to kick start his adventures into the realm of writing.<br /><br />If all these factors are not reasons enough to procrastinate to dive into the world of words, new age communication is a stumbling block in excelling at the written language. SMS language, prevalence of short and laconic comments on social media, combined with the long forgotten art of writing letters and post cards through the snail mail, augment the discouraging scenario of poor progress in written communication.<br /><br />The importance of written communication should primarily be discerned and appreciated. Writing exercises should be undertaken on a regular basis. Many tutors advise writing daily, at least a couple of paragraphs on any topic of interest. This not only helps focus the mind, but also acts as a powerful drill that will sharpen writing skills. This exercise stimulates the mind to think as well. It aids reflection, fosters ideas and acts as a catalyst in the flow of creative juices, culminating in a literacy cocktail that can be an unforgettable learning experience.<br /><br />It must also be understood that reading and writing are two sides of the same coin. Whether it is fiction or non-fiction, reading enhances vocabulary, opens doors to better writing styles and is an effective method of self-study that one can undertake in the pursuit of becoming proficient in writing. Maintaining a special book for vocabulary, creating a scrap book for quotations and sundry observations and having an exclusive book for jotting ideas and themes as they flash in the mind are all easy and yet foolproof methods adopted by some of the world’s greatest writers, that is available to any amateur writer as well.<br /><br />Finally removing from the mind the mistaken notion that writing is only the privilege of a few and can never be acquired and excelled at, will obliterate the bias that is a stumbling block in entering the world of writing. Starting small and taking baby steps will lead to giant results over time. Writing letters to the editor, contributing small thoughts and anecdotes to dailies and journals that welcome such contributions and making writing a hobby and habit are all collectively a one way ticket to mastering this art of expressing opinions and ideas.<br /><br />Benefits<br /><br />Manifold are the benefits of learning to put in writing the many thought processes as they occur in our mind. Written communication is an exceptional tool available in mass media. It reaches far and wide and is authentic as well. It gives credibility and mass appeal, making communication logical and formal. It brings dignity and worth to both the writer and the reader. And most importantly, it is the hallmark of a learned and respectable society which flourishes.<br /></p>
