One of my favourite writing tips is to ‘write dirty’.

No, it’s not what you’re thinking. Get your mind out of the gutter. Honestly.

It’s simply advice not to self-edit too soon.

Here’s what I mean. When my clients try put their business or personal brand, service, idea (or anything in fact) into words, they tend to try to wordsmith from the start.

‘Hang on…I think we mean optimistic rather than enthusiastic?’

‘Or maybe passionate is better?’

‘Hmmm, I prefer positive…’

And inevitably there follows a painful, circuitous discussion about which word is best.

But it’s pointless because their underlying thinking is still in flux.

So, I encourage my clients to ‘write dirty’ i.e. don’t get hung up on precise words at first, but just start writing to capture your thinking as a first step. This allows you the freedom to explore different concepts and approaches.

Once you’re clear on your ideas, then you can fine tune with specific words.

Could this advice help you with your next proposal, profile, presentation or project?