And, thanks to a recent PRSA webinar with Ann Wylie of Wylie Communications titled How to Write Moving Quotes and Memorable Quips, I now know how to take the sap out of anything I write – except maybe love letters, where anything goes.

Some tips from the pros:

• Do be original
• Do play on words
• Do use metaphors and/or anecdotes
• Do write something that would get YOUR attention
• Don’t write jargon
• Don’t use acronyms
• Don’t blabber
• Don’t overpromise
• Don’t lie
• Do watch the sarcasm
• Do paint a picture with words
• Do be playful but respectful
• Don’t use LAW – lame-ass words

After the webinar, I asked some of my new co-workers for additional ideas as well:

• Do personalize and customize
• Not all quotes are created equal
• Do determine the target audience
• Do Ask others for input
• Don’t overhype
• Do offer something “new” rather than retreading information already presented in lead sentence

To my fellow communicators – what other tips can you offer to help eliminate the sap from quotes and other writings?