Spiritual Bookshelf Episode 21 : How to Boost Your Writing Skills ?

Hey there, everyone! Hope you had a great week! I’m Philips, and today we’re diving into something super practical: How to level up your writing skills. Writing might sound like just another task, but trust me—it’s a game-changer for work, life, and even how you think. So, let’s get into it!

Studies show we spend 70–80% of our waking hours communicating. About half of that is listening, 25–30% is speaking, and 10–15% is reading or writing. But here’s the kicker: McKinsey says office workers spend nearly a third of their day—about 2.6 hours—on emails alone. Add in texts, chats, and posts, and written communication is probably over half of what we do at work. Writing isn’t just putting words on a page; it’s about logic, emotion, and persuasion. Whether it’s a report, a proposal, a quick text, or a social media post, good writing shows who you are and makes you stand out.

Now, with AI tools like ChatGPT out there, some might think, “Why bother learning to write? AI can do it for me!” But here’s the deal: AI can help, sure, but it can’t capture you—your experiences, your values, your voice. Plus, you still need to tweak and polish what AI spits out, and that takes a knack for language and clear thinking.

Writing also sharpens how you speak. It forces you to organize your thoughts with a clear beginning, middle, and end. You dig into the “why” and “how” of your ideas, which makes you better at explaining things out loud, too. Ever notice how great leaders or authors often have killer writing and speaking skills? That’s no coincidence—writing builds influence.

So, how do you get better at it? Here are some simple, doable tips to practice:

1.Write a little every day. Doesn’t have to be a novel—just 100 words. Try a gratitude journal or jot down a quick thought or observation. Make writing a habit.

2.Read great writing. Blogs, books, articles—whatever’s well-written. Pay attention to how they structure sentences and flow. Imitate their style to build your own rhythm.

3.Revise, revise, revise. Don’t just write and forget. Go back and cut fluffy words, sharpen vague bits. Stephen King says to write your first draft fast, then trim 10% when you edit. Less is more.

4.Get feedback or read it aloud. Share your work with a friend or record yourself reading it. You’ll catch clunky spots fast. I do this for every episode—recording and re-listening always sparks ideas to tweak.

Now, let’s talk about a fantastic book: The Pyramid Principle by Barbara Minto, a McKinsey consultant. It’s a must-read if you want to write clearly and persuasively. The core idea? Start with your main point, then back it up with reasons, like a pyramid—solid and structured.

Here’s a quick breakdown of five key takeaways from the book, with a bit of my own spin:

1.Start with the end in mind. 

2.Build a pyramid.

3.Keep it clear, no repeats. 

4.Make your logic shine. 

5.Nail it in one line. 

.......

Alright, we’re wrapping up! Hope you’re feeling inspired to flex those writing muscles. Try those five tips: start with the point, build a pyramid, keep it clear, stay logical, and say it sharp. If you liked this episode, hit subscribe and share it with someone who could use a writing boost.

Here’s a little wisdom to close: a great speech sticks with you for a day, but powerful writing—like a proverb—can stay forever. Think of this one: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Your words matter, so start small—maybe three things you’re grateful for today—and watch your writing grow clearer, stronger, and more you.

Thanks for tuning in! Stay happy, stay curious, and I’ll catch you next time. Peace!