by Susanne Aronowitz
Associate Dean for Law Career Services
According to
The New York Times best-selling author
Dave Kerpen, if you want to be taken seriously, become a better writer. While most law students spend countless hours in law school perfecting the fine art of drafting analytical memoranda and persuasive briefs, many overlook the importance of mastering their day-to-day communications. Whenever you send an email, write a cover
letter, or update your Facebook status, you shape people’s impressions of you. According to Kerpen,
“if you want to be thought of as a smart thinker, you must become a better writer. If you want to be taken seriously by your manager, colleagues, potential employers, clients and prospects, you must become a better writer.”
His
advice boils down to 5 key
points:
- Take every opportunity to write.
- Read your writing out loud before publishing it.
- Make your writing concise.
- Work on your headline.
- Make it a priority to read good writing. The best way to become a better writer is to become a better reader.
Take a look at my advice on writing
effective
email messages, and Jan Nussbaum's blog article on writing
effective cover letters. Like always, feel free to come consult with an LCS counselor.
