by Chip Tudor | Aug 17, 2007 | Blog
For a particular writing assignment I enlisted the support of an associate. I had worked with her before so I knew she was both skilled and professional. However, during the project I realized we had a different perspective that undermined our ability to work together. My focus was on the customer. Hers was on the project. I wanted the customer to be satisfied with the end product and I was willing to bend over backward to accomplish that. She wanted to complete the project in a timely fashion and get paid.
Her approach was perfectly legitimate. And so was mine. But the difference affected our collaboration. I had to insist on work she hadn’t anticipated and didn’t want to do. Ultimately, we completed the project. The customer was satisfied but not thrilled. And I was going for thrilled. I learned through this the importance of shared values. My ideal is to collaborate with associates that share my perspective. However, it’s my responsibility to determine this. It doesn’t mean I can’t or won’t work with a project-oriented person. But when that’s the case, defining the scope of the project and clear communication of expectations becomes more important.
ABOUT CHIP TUDOR
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.
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by Chip Tudor | Aug 1, 2007 | Blog
When writing for print material, I usually focus on copy and don’t concern myself with the visual aspect. That’s because I know a skilled graphic designer will take my content and build a visual theme around it. Writing video scripts however, is a different matter. The very power behind video comes from the fact that it IS visual. Words and pictures must work together, which means my job is to write visually.
The generally accepted standard for a corporate video script is a two-column format—visual on the left and text on the right. Ideally, the copy supports and enhances the visual. It shouldn’t describe what the audience can see for itself. In other words, if the visual on the left shows a woman wearing a red dress, the copy need not refer to “the woman in the red dress.” Instead, it should convey information related to what the woman in the red dress is doing, thinking or feeling. This lets you communicate more than one message—an advantage of video that should be exploited.
In fact, when writing video scripts, I usually start by specifically asking clients what visuals they feel are important to include. It might involve advanced technology, a certain process, or state-of-the art facilities—even emotions. Once I’ve assembled a list of visuals, then I begin to write the script.
ABOUT CHIP TUDOR
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.
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by Chip Tudor | Jul 24, 2007 | Blog
I am most impressed by writing that makes a point clearly, succinctly and in language that is appropriate to the audience. If you’re writing an article that’s targeted to plumbers, it’s okay to use terminology common to the industry with little or no explanation. It’s safe to assume that professional plumbers understand trade jargon. But if you’re writing about plumbing to a guy like me who thinks a wrench is a woman of questionable character, you may need to dumb down your word usage. Add a little humor to it—even better. It helps me laugh off my incompetence in home improvement.
For example, I understand very basic plumbing concepts like rusty pipes. Suggesting there’s a potential for disharmony when using rusty pipes in the shower makes me feel especially intelligent because I get the joke.
I’m not opposed to using challenging terminology. I think it’s good for the writer and the reader. Just don’t over do it so much I have to hold a dictionary in my lap to understand what you’re saying. It makes me think you’re trying to impress me with your extensive vocabulary more than you’re trying to communicate to me. And communicating is what you’re supposed to be doing. Do that…add a touch of humor…and I’ll be impressed.
ABOUT CHIP TUDOR
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.
Join My E-mail List
And I’ll send you my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. You’ll learn how to punch up your presentations with humor.
