Combine Writing, Editing and Design in Your Employee Publication

After more than a decade of working in the corporate environment, I have finally accepted that readers need to be enticed by more than the promise of a good read: They need proof. They want a visual two-second test-drive before they decide whether or not to spend precious minutes on a particular page. This is not to say that corporate readers are not discerning or that sloppy copy reads any better when dressed up with elaborate design. The truth is that in any corporate publication, a great article won't be read if the layout is poor. Similarly, a stunning design falls flat if the content doesn't live up to it.

Dower, Sophia. Communication World Bulletin (2007). Articles>Writing>Editing>Newsletters

How Employee Publications Missed a Chance to Matter

About 20 years ago, employee publication editors everywhere were under assault from consultants like me who were carping about our colleagues' reluctance to move beyond reporting on employee outings, hobbies and similar fluff. On, we urged, to the serious business of directly helping our organizations win!

Nelson, Barry. Communication World Bulletin (2007). Articles>Writing>Workplace>Newsletters

How to Be an In-House Newshound

The only thing harder than having too much news for your in-house newsletter is having too little. The problem is that great stories seldom fall into your lap. Most of the time, you have to go out and dig for them. Here are a few tried and tested suggestions to help you identify great story ideas within your organization.

Dower, Sophia. Communication World Bulletin (2007). Articles>Writing>Newsletters

Use Presentation Copy--Headlines, Decks and More--To Reach Flippers and Skimmers

I'm often amazed at how much energy writers put into perfecting the analogy in the 32nd paragraph of their piece when those same folks toss off a headline in the 17 seconds before happy hour on a Friday night. The sad truth is, most of your readers will never see the 32nd paragraph of your brilliant copy. But many more of them will read the headline.

Wylie, Ann. Communication World Bulletin (2005). Articles>Writing>Newsletters

Where to Find Content for your E-Newsletters, and How to Use It

I am amazed by the number of places you can find content for your newsletter. Some of it takes the form of free articles. Some of it you pay for, and can request any kind of content you like. One way or another, whatever your industry and the focus of your e-newsletter, there are plenty of places to get good content for every issue you send.

Usborne, Nick. Excess Voice (2007). Articles>Business Communication>Writing>Newsletters