30 Oct 09 How to Build a List of Writing Prompts

In the last blog post, I discussed about what is writing prompt and how to use it. I hope that discussion gave you some confidence to fight with the big monster we call writer’s block. In this post, I will tell you how to build a list of writing prompts to help you in time of need. Yes, I know I told you yesterday that anything can work as writing prompt as long as it helps you get out of “staring at blank page” syndrome. And I am also aware that you cannot include every kind of writing prompt in your list. Nevertheless, a list with writing prompt will help you a great deal when confronting the monster. That is why you need to build a list of writing prompts.

4 ways to build the writing prompt list

Know yourself. Ask questions about your religious beliefs, your political opinion, your view of your community, and your stance on the social and economic issues confronting your community. Ask questions about your views on your community, culture, government’s policy, medical policy, etc. The idea behind this exercise is to look inside yourself and find what you are and what you believe in.
See the world around you. A good writer is one who observes his surroundings. One who remains absorbed in oneself all the time can be anything but a writer. See how people around you interact, how they react in certain condition. What are their inhibitions, what they are afraid of doing, how strongly they cling to their belief, and what makes them stay together.
Notice the nature. Have you seen that little green-colored insect that stays on the flower? Have you seen what the shape of the cloud was today? The point is to get close to nature and observe its beauty. It has motivated many and will not fail to motivate you as well.
Take to people. Ask as many questions as you want. Get as close to people near you as you can. Know about them. Ask about their daily life, their fears, their hopes, their dreams, their ambitions, their aspirations, etc., and you will get enough material to write upon.

There are many more things that can help you build your own list, but the things that I have talked about here will help you regardless of the genre you write in.

Tags: Ambitions, Aspirations, Belief, Close To Nature, Community Culture, Confidence, Dreams, Economic Issues, Exercise, Fears, Flower, Inhibitions, Insect, Medical Policy, Monster, People, Religious Beliefs, Shape, Surroundings, Time Of Need

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15 Sep 09 Make Your Elevator Speech Count

Have to make a quick “elevator speech” but you want to really make an impact? Well, typically it’s almost an art form to really establish a connection in that short amount of time. Really it’s a master art to take a 60 second presentation and make an impact. But here’s a good list of do’s and don’ts for that quick presentation that should at least help you make that desired impact. Just make sure you practice, practice, practice before delivering any presentation.

-Make sure your speech shows your confidence. Flow as if it’s only conversation, but show your command of the presentation that you are making. By making this feel like conversation but showing your command, you gain more positive attention.

-Don’t make a speech where your audience is left asking, but why do I care? You only have a short amount of time, but make sure you instill a good understanding of your points. Make sure why your presentation matters to them, comes across.

-Familiarize yourself with your speech so that you know your facts in and out. The worst thing you could possibly do in that short amount of time, is rambling. Don’t fumble for words, or your speech will suffer as a result.

-This is more of an informal presentation, so do be friendly. The elevator speech is more of an informal presentation, but don’t lose your professionalism in the process.

-Try to stick to more listener friendly language, explaining things simply and completely. Rather than going for big vivid descriptions, as you just don’t have the time for a speech like that.

-Finally, try to project your passion and belief for what you are presenting. If you don’t have any, find some or your speech will fail. A good aura stemming from a belief in which you’re talking about will radiate on your audience. So make sure you believe in what you are saying.

Tags: Amount Of Time, Art Form, Audience, Belief, Confidence, Elevator Speech, Fumble, Good Understanding, Informal Presentation, Master Art, Passion, Practice Practice Practice, Professionalism, Vivid Descriptions

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30 Oct 09 How to Build a List of Writing Prompts

4 ways to build the writing prompt list

15 Sep 09 Make Your Elevator Speech Count

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