Copywriters generally agree we should try to stem the tide of that over-used, meaningless, unspecific abstract word - innovation. But every company still wants it in their headlines. How innovative is that? Read more
Too many brands are trying too hard to make their tone of voice shout louder than the crowd – without considering the potential implications for their relevance, their credibility and, in some cases, their dignity. Read more
To that long list John Cleese mentioned in The Life of Brian, we can add the Five Canons of Rhetoric - or the basis of good writing. But what's been good for two thousand years seems to have fallen by the wayside of late. Read more
Meet Joe. He's a smart guy, with a brain the size of a planet. He's invented the best widget in the world. Read his story. Spoiler: things don't end well for Joe. Read more
If we pocketed £1 for every conversation we've had about how the words hamstrung a project, we'd have enough to throw a pretty big shindig (you'd be invited, of course). But what's causing the headaches, hand-wringing and hair-pulling? And more importantly, what can you do about it? Read more
Blogging isn't just good for your business, it's also good for the blogger. But it can feel like hard work. However, frame it differently, and blogging can feel less of a millstone around your neck and more of a milestone in your personal development. Read more
For universities, attracting the right type of students in the right numbers is an ongoing headache. Here we look at how a little behavioural science can help institutions lead students from interested to engaged to enrolled. And how the words you use can help you do it. Read more
Channel 4 News. I hardly ever watch it. But the other evening, my inability to find the remote led to a few minutes’ viewing of post-election coverage in the US. It told me a few things – but more through its style than its content. Read more
The opening line of any piece of copy is crucial. Here's a simple tip. Read more
Once upon a time, good communication was simple. You wanted an engaging web page, so you wrote as interestingly and concisely as possible what you wanted your reader to know. Then along came Google... Read more