Tami Nantz

Have you ever found yourself needing to convince someone of your point of view? Sure you have! Whether it’s drafting a business proposal, writing a persuasive essay, or simply trying to explain to your family why pizza is perfectly acceptable for breakfast, persuasive writing is a skill that can open doors. It’s more than just presenting an opinion—it’s about crafting your message in a way that truly resonates with your audience. In this simple guide, I’ll walk you through some straightforward techniques to help you make a convincing case, no matter who you’re talking to. And that’s the first step—knowing your audience.

When you describe your family’s summer vacation to a friend, you share details like beautiful weather, crystal-clear water, stunning sunsets, and your kids’ laughter. This vivid description transports your friend to the moment, making them feel like they were there. Effective writing does the same—it’s about immersing your reader in the experience, not just stating facts.

This piece breaks down the essential steps of editing and revising, guiding you to transform rough drafts into polished, impactful work. Whether you’re working on a school essay, an important email, or a personal project, you’ll find practical advice to refine your words and make them shine. Discover the difference between revising and editing, and see how a fresh perspective can take your writing to the next level.

Picture yourself at your annual office Christmas party. Chances are, you wouldn’t chat with your CEO the same way you’d share a laugh with your closest friend over eggnog, right? Writing works the same way. The way you craft your message should shift depending on who’s on the receiving end. Whether you’re sending out a business report, penning a heartfelt letter to your mom, or putting together a lesson plan, understanding your audience is the secret sauce to getting your point across effectively. But how do you know what works best for each type of reader?

You’ve got what you believe is a great idea for a nonfiction book. Your research is done, creativity is flowing, and you’re as ready as you’ll ever be to start writing. But there’s one little problem—you know you need to put some sort of plan in place before you begin, and you’re no fan of outlining.

“Show, don’t tell” is the golden rule of storytelling. Get it right, and you’ll have readers eagerly coming back for more. Fail to strike the right balance, and your story will feel overly descriptive, slow-paced, and detached.

There’s no way around it…if you want to write a story that pulls in readers, you must include compelling characters. They need to feel believable, mysterious, and relatable. But that’s difficult to pull off—one reason most stories are unpublishable. 

If you’re confused about the difference between “voice” and “tone” in writing, you aren’t alone. Many writers conflate the two. Whether you’re writing a novel, a blog post, an article, a poem, or a term paper, it’s important to know the difference so you can communicate with readers in a way that resonates.