We’ve all been there. You take a new job, begin a new class, or join a new organization. You are excited for the fresh start, perhaps eager to get into the mission of the organization…
Browsing Category Humanities
Three Important Words about Writing
I want to reflect on three writing-related principles, one of which is more technical, and two of which are more about the writer’s disposition. I stress these three principles in my ENGL 1322 course, which…
The Bass Notes are Calling
I have recently joined a band. Up until this point, my musical contributions were two or three Sundays a month as part of my church’s praise team. It has been a nice way to engage…
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In terms of getting your message across quickly, that’s true. Here are three rules to developing your skills in representing data visually. Know your data. You…
Colorful Language
Perhaps the most important element of language style is the ability to use figures of speech in order to turn a memorable phrase. A figure of speech varies from the ordinary meaning of words to…
Shoving Aside Writer’s Block
In a prior post, I offered tips about ways to improve your writing process. Numerous students have told me the tips benefitted their growth as writers. Now I want to turn to writer’s block. To…
Why Write?: Part 2
What God’s speaking of creation into being really means is not symbolic. It is the only non-symbolic language in existence. When God utters, pronounces, speaks—choose your word—the word and the thing are one; they are…
Why Write?: Part 1
No one is born a good writer. No matter how many times you have heard (or said), “You’re naturally good at English,” or, “You’re not good at English,” it’s not true. Everyone can learn to…
5 Tips to Improve Listening
Most of us spend more time listening than we do talking. Listening is a learned skill. Since it is a learned behavior it is something that can be improved upon. Whether you are a student…
How to Write Anything
During high school, you might have written short responses and essays. Now going into college and in your careers, and even in your daily life as an adult, you will be writing many other genres…
How to Proofread Like a Pro
When I was working on my master’s degree in English, I reached a point where I had finished my coursework but needed to find a job to help pay the bills while I wrote my…