K. Wordbird Bate  The Writer's Coach

     In today's world, it's increasingly vital that you share your views. Let's talk more about using your writing skill to speak out. Writing is amazingly powerful. Not just The Gettysburg Address or War and Peace, but graffiti, email, letters to the editor, comments, evaluation cards and Thank You notes.  

     Recently I received a wonderful question about this. I believe so many of you relate, next week I'll continue on this topic. Here's part of the message:  

I frequently find myself wanting to write my congressman, the school district, or a public agency. I want to make a difference and write intelligently about a problem...it is so hard to make a good case without criticizing a person in charge or a current situation. How does one turn complaints into productive appeals?

     This writer has written to say she wants to write in a way that has an impact. Ironically, her message is a great example of how to do just that. Hurrah!    

Consider this:

*  Most people have opinions, but never send them in. There is a group who dash off a critical message. Impulsive criticism is "useless" because it doesn't tell a person what you want. If you write an articulate, meaningful view--simply your honest opinion--you take a leadership role that is both commendable and essential.

     This writer sent in a message. She shares exactly what it is she wants. "I want to make a difference...How does one turn complaints into productive appeals?"

*  Most people enjoy or profit from an experience, but they do not say thank you or connect with the people involved. They're not using their power! For instance, their response (or lack of it) can determine if that service continues to exist. Perhaps they couldn't hear in the back; they didn't have a chair; they loved a lecture and they want to know more. But they never say so. What you do, what you say and where you go is like hundreds of daily votes. Do nothing? No vote. No vote? No influence over what happens.

     How has this writer voted? She wrote in. She said my Inspirations matter to her. She is active in the web site process. She says she's part of her community and wants to be even more so. She says exactly what writing answers she has not gotten. 

* Studies show that for every person who speaks out, a great many others who feel exactly the same way, remain silent. That means people who DO speak out represent not only themselves, but also a large, silent group who share their same feelings and opinions. Therefore, when you use your voice, it counts as many voices.

     How has this writer spoken for others? Nearly everyone has a response to news, community, a business, or a personal struggle at home, and they have things to say about that. Many people though, tell me they feel too shy or uncertain, busy or lazy. This writer has voiced the feelings and thoughts of many, many others, for them.

* It's good for you, no matter the response or outcome, to express yourself.  It's good to practice writing; to increase your self-esteem by participating in your world; it's good to go that extra step and make your response articulate and well-presented. It's even good to vent. It's not helpful because it doesn't bring about change. But it does empower you in the sense you express yourself. Like yelling at the TV, it can feel good to vent. Know however, that others have about the same response to your venting as the television does to your yelling. To get a good response, you'll need to use good letter and comment writing skills. We'll talk about those next week.

     I've shared with you here the great impact you have when you speak out. You take a leadership role, you provide needed feedback, you actively vote in your life and community, you speak for a bigger silent group, and you empower yourself as a writer. Whadda deal!

     I hope you write to small and big places, reach out to others, connect with family and community, and create change! One letter and one comment at a time.

Let Yourself Bloom!

© Kimberly Bate                                                                        

Photo by JackJonesfoto