manortor: [EzineArticles] 100 Words Every Expert Author Should Know Part II

100 Words Every Expert Author Should Know Part II

To "Know" vs. To "Use"

In our previous post, we featured a list of 100 words compiled by the EzineArticles Editorial Team.

The Origins of the List

Only some of the words were inspired by our Editors' love for the English language (such as "ballyhoo"). A majority of the words were inspired by writing terminology (such as "simile") as well as several words new writers are recommended to learn (such as "precipitous") prior to their advancement into writing professions.

Should you use all of these words in your articles?

Of Course Not!

While it could be done, you would be hard pressed to use the word "homonym" in an article discussing gastric bypass surgery or the importance of drain cleaning equipment.

Our recommendation with this list was to get to know these words and even use them to "spice up" your writing when the occasion arose. In our excitement to share the list with you, we neglected to clarify the following - how this list benefits you and your readers:

Expanding your grasp of the English language will help you create a stronger message to communicate to various audiences.
Understanding how to apply the various writing terms will help you improve your writing style.

You're the Expert

You are the authority in your niche and the language you use is a reflection of your credibility. With practice and time, you've discovered the keys to writing a message that both reaches your audience and reflects your credibility as an Expert Author. You know better than anyone what words are the right words for your target audience based on your experience in what converts prospective audiences into customers or followers.

What you also know is to use discretion in order to convey your message memorably while avoiding turning your informative article into a gaudy display of arrogance. Based on your feedback, you've asserted that the 100 words recommended by our Editors are not fit for your audience. However, these words may be of use to you if you've wanted to hone your own writing skills.

Understanding these words doesn't give you a badge of elitism - that won't get your articles read. Knowing these words will help you broaden your writing skills to better apply your message. For example: Knowing the meaning of "irony" will help you avoid misusing the phrase. Understanding the "metaphor" behind "a penny earned is a penny saved" may help you convey your message. Writing in your audience's "vernacular" will help you connect with your audience.

Word Usage Best Practices

Always - we repeat - always write for your audience. Topics, style, language, demographics, etc. - these are all factors you should consider in your writing style.
Use their words unless your audience shares the same technical language and background as you. Simple and short is always better.
If instructing in your article, keep it short. No one ever said paragraphs MUST be 4-5 sentences to be effective. Shorter paragraphs work well and can be easily digested.
Cut the fluff. Be clear. Wordy is not better. It's confusing.

Will you use plain, simple words the majority of the time in your writing? Yes. Knowing when and where to place more specific language is the art of writing and engaging your audience. Write what you know, but never stop expanding on what you do know.

We thoroughly enjoyed everyone's comments! Thank you all for weighing in on the topic and if you're new to this topic, please click here to visit the original post.