Clear Thinking

• To write well, you must begin by thinking well. It is almost impossible to clearly express a well-reasoned argument or vividly describe a scene or idea if what you are trying to express is not clear in your mind. The process of developing a clear piece of writing helps you to develop and clarify your ideas. Even if you never intend to show the writing to someone else, journaling about ideas can help you find insight.
  
  

Good First Impressions

• Whether in an email, a college application essay or a cover letter for a job opportunity, your writing is the first thing about you certain people will see. Presenting yourself through writing that looks sloppy or has poor spelling, grammar or structure will immediately give many prospective contacts, colleges and employers a poor impression. Conversely, the ability to present yourself in confident, eye-catching and concise prose will start you off on the right foot in these situations.
  
  

Build Credibility

• Effective writing also helps you build credibility in existing organizational and personal relationships. Email, for example, is a notoriously difficult medium through which to communicate important messages, but strong writing skills can help you keep from giving offense or miscommunicating. In the workplace and in academic settings, the quality of your writing will have a direct effect on others' perceptions of your competence and contribution, and your performance may even be directly measured by the writing you produce, as in annual reports and school papers.
  
  

Spreading Good Ideas

• Being able to communicate your ideas effectively in writing also increases your influence by making it easier to present your ideas to many people over long distances or long periods of time. Unlike a conversation, which will affect only nearby listeners and only in proportion to their ability to remember what you said, writing creates a lasting record of your ideas that is easy to send around the world, transfer verbatim from person to person and preserve for many years into the future.