10 Writing Tips from the Father of Advertising, David Ogilvy

Writing well is not an innate talent; it is a skill that can and should be learned.

David Ogilvy

Businessman, copywriter, and founder of renowned advertising agencies Ogilvy & Mather and Ogilvy PR.

"The person who thinks well writes well. The person whose thoughts are confused writes unclear memos, unclear letters, and unclear speeches."

— David Ogilvy

Here are 10 valuable tips to sharpen your writing skills:

1. Read Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson's book How to Write to Get Trusted—read it three times.
2. Write as you speak—naturally and clearly.
3. Use short words, short sentences, and short paragraphs.
4. Avoid jargon such as "reconceptualization," "demassification," or "expertly." These make you sound pompous.
5. Never write more than two pages on a single topic.
6. Always verify your quotes.
7. Never send a letter or memo on the day you write it. Read it aloud the next morning and edit.
8. If the text is important, ask a colleague to review and suggest edits.
9. Before sending, ensure the recipient clearly understands what you want from them.
10. If you need action, don’t just write—go and tell the person directly what you need.

Related Reads

• How to Become a Writer: 50 Tips from Renowned Masters
• How to Write a Thrilling Novel: Guidance from Stanisław Lem
• Habits of Successful Writers Worth Adopting

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