10 tips from the writers of his father David Ogilvy advertising

David Ogilvy

Businessman, copywriter, founder of Ogilvy & Mather, Ogilvy PR advertising agencies.

In 1982, Ogilvy agency sent out to all employees a memo titled "How to Write".

Anyone who thinks well, writes well. Anyone who is confused in my mind, the system area write unintelligible, incomprehensible letters and unintelligible speech.

David Ogilvy

Here are 10 tips that will help you hone your writing skills.

1. Read the book of Joel and Kenneth Roumana Rafaelsona "How to write so that you trust». Read it three times.

2. Write as well as speak, - naturally.

3. Use short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.

4. Never use slang words like "reconceptualization", "demassovizatsiya", "expert". This is a sign of a pompous fool.

5. Never write more than two pages on a single theme.

6. Check the quotes.

7. Never submit letter or a memo on the day of writing. Read the text aloud the next morning - and edit.

8. If this is an important text, ask a colleague to make changes.

9. Before you send a letter, make sure that the recipient will be absolutely clear what you want from it.

10. If you want action, do not write. Go and tell the person that you need.

see also

• How to become a writer: 50 councils recognized masters →
• How to write a sharp novel: the instruction of Stanislaw Lem →
• Habits of successful writers who should take over →