Writing: Is It All About the Message?

John Ploetz

1 Dec, 2014

For some people writing is a natural, necessary outlet. For others the act of writing is worse than getting a root canal. Basically, writing is just another way for people to communicate. So why do some people choose to write, while others avoid it at all costs? There are numerous other ways for people to communicate that are less time consuming. Some would say it’s a lot easier to physically find your audience and deliver your message verbally to them. Others would say that rather than writing it down, it’s just easier to save the energy and keep your thoughts to yourself. What is it about writing that appeals to certain people? In most instances, why a person writes is really a blend of a number of different reasons. Maybe it’s worth discussing for a moment why people choose writing as their way to communicate.

1. First and foremost, writing is about delivering a message. Writing is one of many options, people use to deliver a message. Sure there are other mediums available to deliver a message. But writing provides a simple format to create a message of substance that people can see, review, hold, and ponder.

2. Writing is a creative outlet. Writing allows a thought process to be transferred from one’s mind. Writing is a creative endeavor. It is an art form that results in the writer presenting his or her thoughts in a fixed medium, written words on a piece of paper.

3. Writing is a tangible way to communicate. Writing gives an audience a tangible multidimensional message, one they can hold onto , look at, and take in when they have time.

4. Writing allows a person to distance oneself from criticism. Written words eliminate verbal criticism that can otherwise occur when one is in the physical presence of others.

5. Writing allows a person to control interaction with an audience. Written rather than verbal presentation of a message, allows a writer to limit interaction with ones audience. The writer sets and controls the time and place for the message delivery.

6. Writing limits debate. Words on a page are fixed for all to see; there is nothing to debate nothing to change. The writer can choose not to be present when the message is delivered.

7. Writing is all about creating a finished product. Verbal dialogue is always a work in progress. Written words are a finished, finite project. Something written has a beginning, middle, and an end.

8. Writing meets the writer’s need for closure. Unlike verbal dialogue, when words are put down in writing, it’s complete. The writer strives for completeness. A writer likes to see a task completed, rather than the uncertain outcome brought on by verbal interaction.

9. Writing minimizes questions and challenges. Writers aren’t required to defend their position. If a writer has carefully crafted his or her words, then the words put down on paper speak for themselves. Nothing more is needed to defend the words.

10. Writing sidesteps the noise. A writer presents a message to an audience on that audience’s own terms. Writers provide a message in a unique format; one that allows the audience to receive it when they have the time to focus and take in the message.

Sure writing is initially about delivering a message. But in choosing writing as a medium for communicating a person also reveals much about who they are. Next time you write something, think about why you write. Maybe you want to avoid the closeness brought on by verbal dialogue, or you like the process of crafting a piece of written art. In the end, hopefully you’ll understand what it is about the act of writing that gives you enjoyment.

Make Holiday Stress Disappear

John Ploetz

24 Nov, 2014

Historically holidays tend to stress me out. Likewise, I’m sure that they stress out many of you as well. What is it about them that makes them so stressful. Why do we always fall for the sales pitches in the ads on TV and the scenes marketed to us in the storefront displays: that everyone is happier during the holidays; that our lives are better during the holidays; and that we need to be thankful during the holidays for everything we have and everything we’ve accomplished during the year. But why, why should the holidays be different than any other time of the year. Maybe we need to work at keeping the holidays in perspective.

1. The holidays are just one part of the year. The holidays shouldn’t make us act of feel any differently than any other time of the year. The holidays are simply one small celebration in a much larger time cycle. Think of the holidays as just another part of that yearly cycle.

2. Be realistic about your holiday expectations. Limit your expectations. Don’t try to strive for an ideal holiday season; strive for a realistic holiday season. Don’t place unrealistic expectations on the holiday season. Approach the holidays with a realistic view of what will occur.

3. Remove self imposed pressure. Don’t be overly harsh on yourself and what you need to accomplish during the holidays. No matter what you do or don’t do the holidays will still come and go. You don’t need to add pressure on yourself by trying to get an unreasonable number of things done in a short period of time.

4. Take time to reflect. It’s not about what you buy or what you get done, it’s about who you thank and what you have to be thankful for.

5. Make holidays a time to slow down not speed up. Why pack additional stressful things into your schedule. Instead, choose to do something during the holidays that you really enjoy: going to a relaxing movie, taking in a play, going to the art museum, driving around looking at light displays, or sitting at home with a good book.

6. Manage your time. Keep in mind that you don’t miss out on holiday fun, just because you don’t take in every get together and party. You’re the only one that needs to set your schedule. Don’t force yourself to take in more events than you can handle. Limit what you do and who you see.

7. No regrets. Realize that you can’t catch up with everyone and everything. Don’t try to cram a full year’s worth of activities in a few weeks. The holidays shouldn’t be a time for changing who you are and what you do. If you want to make changes in your life, do it during the rest of the year.

8. Lose the guilt. Guilt creates stress. Whatever you didn’t accomplish or didn’t do during the year, don’t let it spill into the holidays. Don’t dwell on things not done, instead enjoy the moment the holidays can offer.

9. Don’t let relatives define your holidays. Relatives shouldn’t define whether or not you will enjoy the holidays. Visiting with relatives doesn’t need to be stressful. Limit interaction with relatives. Don’t overdue the time you spend with relatives. You can choose which relatives you want to spend time with.

10. Take a moment to praise yourself. Take time to thank yourself and think about what you’ve actually accomplished during the year. Yes you have had quite a year, good and bad, but mostly good.

You actually control your own stress level during the holidays. This year make it a stress free holiday season to remember. Set realistic goals and don’t let others define your holidays. Instead of rushing and regretting, make your holidays a time to relax and reflect.

Why Worry About Being Politically Correct?

John Ploetz

14 Nov, 2014

The words “politically correct” pop up frequently these days. Many people say the term was created by political conservatives. So is it a term that only applies to political campaigns? No it’s a concept that has broader applications. It’s really a state of awareness; walking a fine line between saying what you believe and saying what others want to hear. The difficulty arises in not going too far so that your true message is watered down to the point you no longer stand up for what you believe in.

What does it really mean to be politically correct? Is it about saying the right things at the right time? Is it about always being diplomatic depending on the immediate audience you are engaging? Or is it about choosing your words wisely? Maybe the litmus test for being politically correct is whether or not your words are “cringe worthy” or not; but cringe worthy by who’s standard. In reality whenever we speak we probably are offending someone. It’s just the nature of the beast. So then how do we maintain political correctness? Maybe it’s about being aware when we speak, especially when we decide to head into uncharted territory, discussing an unfamiliar topic with an unfamiliar audience. Why even worry about being politically correct. Staying politically correct is about:

1. Always choosing your words wisely. Before speaking take a moment to think about the words you use. For example, using masculine pronouns while speaking to a women’s group could be a big turn off to the group.

2. Doing your homework on your audience. Know who your audience is and where their perspective is coming from; know what their likes and dislikes are; what topics they want to discuss; and what topics they want to avoid.

3. Using fewer words is better than using more. If you are unsure of the words to use. Use fewer words. Avoid using words with multiple meaning. Simple language is the best when first interacting with a group.

4. Not letting concerns about political correctness water down your message. You still need to get your message across. People respect a person who lets them know where they stand, whether they agree with that person’s message or not. People can see through people that use political correctness as a shield.

5. Not being self centric. Try to look at things from a 365 degree view to assess how others might view your ideas or words. Only when people understand how their views might differ with others can they understand how to interact with others and begin to find common ground.

6. Striving to avoid words that will offend your audience. Choose generic words when possible. People aren’t always going to let you know that your words have offended them. But the divide between you and them created by those words may be difficult if not impossible to bridge. Always be prepared to clarify what you’ve said to avoid misunderstandings.

7. Relying on your instincts. Interacting with people is a constantly changing event. Let your instincts lead you in the right direction. If something doesn’t feel right, take a moment to change course. You don’t need to change your viewpoints or message, but you can present yourself to others how you would want to have them interact with you.

Being politically correct is all about awareness; thinking before you speak; and still staying true to delivering the message you want to deliver. Yes it involves walking a narrow line sometimes, but well positioned steps keep you from being politically awkward.