Introduction: The A-Z of writing
Two decades ago I wrote a book called The Invisible Grail. It was about writing better stories in and for organisations, because stories matter, they… Read More »Introduction: The A-Z of writing
John Simmons
John is a Director and Programme Facilitator at Invisible Grail. Through his books and consultancy, John is widely considered the leading exponent of more expressive words as an essential element of communication for brands and organisations.
Chapter twenty-five: Y-z
You have been with me on this point-to-point exploration for something like 25 steps now. So you know that we’re nearing the end. And you’ve… Read More »Chapter twenty-five: Y-z
Chapter twenty-four: X-y
Xerxes is a favourite name from my childhood reading. My imagination was stirred by tales of the ancient world. Perhaps that’s why I quite like… Read More »Chapter twenty-four: X-y
Chapter twenty-three: W-x
‘What’s in a name?’ goes the familiar quotation from Romeo and Juliet. Obviously quite a lot, as a name is the basis for our identities… Read More »Chapter twenty-three: W-x
Chapter twenty-two: V-w
We demand individuality and memorability from our quotations.” Very few of you will have failed to notice that I like to use quotations. I like… Read More »Chapter twenty-two: V-w
Chapter twenty-one: U – v
The trouble with words is you never know whose mouths they’ve been in“Dennis Potter Usually adverts come one at a time and are soon forgotten.… Read More »Chapter twenty-one: U – v
Chapter twenty: T-u
Talking in someone else’s voice – is it ventriloquism? Impressionism? If so, a kind of impressionism that has nothing to do with Monet. Ironically, since… Read More »Chapter twenty: T-u
Chapter nineteen: S-t
Short words suit swift actions…But it can be a boring, monotonous diet for those having to take these words in.” Short simple words are the… Read More »Chapter nineteen: S-t
Chapter eighteen: R-s
The sound of your words will tell you a lot – a stumble might point out the word you’re not sure about, a pause for… Read More »Chapter eighteen: R-s
Chapter seventeen: Q-r
Questions can be very useful in helping you get started on a piece of writing. Why should this be so? Aren’t questions inevitably a sign… Read More »Chapter seventeen: Q-r
Chapter sixteen: P-q
Punctuation is the cause of many problems. Some people get irritated by it because they see it as pedantry. Do they they do. It’s not… Read More »Chapter sixteen: P-q
Chapter fifteen: O-p
Once I selected poems for all the members of the company where I was working. I invited them to live with the poem, reading it… Read More »Chapter fifteen: O-p