“Rudolph made a major contribution to Santa’s success by leading multi-unit marketing initiatives developed through detailed interpretation and tracking of innovative, little people interfaces.”

”Why not say, “Rudolph delivered.”

Granted, both statements are generalities. Write with substance, even if it takes a little more effort. Readers will thank you.

“Rudolph contributed to Santa’s success by delivering just the right present to each child.”

Long story, short: Less IS more.

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Using the last week in November to marshal my ingenuity and perseverance to decide on the season’s gifts, I still felt that time was on my side. One quick e-trip through the events calendar of the Twin Cities, and I found the perfect experience: Black Nativity. Of course, Benny and Baxter wanted to attend. I could imagine them swinging to the gospel music and dance, definitely ruffling a few feathers. No monkey business this time, so they settled for hearing about Holidays Past.

When my now adult children were in their teens, I always found a cultural performance for us to participate in as a family. Usually, it was one-way reception: a play at the Guthrie, Lorie Line, a ballet, an orchestra concert or choral production. We always had a fabulous time. So in that tradition, the Black Nativity was no exception.

Continuing with Holidays Past, I began to remember some of my holiday strategies, like engaging the family in more “giving” experiences. One year we sang Christmas carols in a nursing home. Another year we put on a Christmas play, using Santa Bears. Many years, we cut our Christmas tree, decorating it with popcorn and cranberry chains. The Christmas of 1999 found family and friends visiting stations throughout our home to cut out paper snowflakes, decorate cookies, put a puzzle together, and create messages and special packages for our 2000, turn-of-the-century cylinder. I think I will resurrect that cylinder and lovingly recount its contents with everyone during December, 2009.

But, I digress. Yet, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Taking some time to reminisce, tell favorite stories, and relax in the peace of family and friends. Yes, I have enough time to do what is needed, and I remain unfuffled, er, unruffled.

Long story, short: Focus on what is really important this season, and keep it in your heart year ‘round.

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I always like to “google” topics to see what information, perspectives and practical demonstrations are available. Of course, Wikipedia leads the search with definitions. Continuing to peruse the Google list, I found a site offering an International Creed for Peace (www.internationalcreedforpeace.co.uk ). The Creed has two parts. The first part asserts independence: I am independent. I am free. I am just. The second part asks for an action in response to that independence: I have a duty to choose my beliefs. I have a duty to be alive. I have a duty to respect others.

These parts of the Creed begin as individual thoughts that become actions. What we think and believe, we then become. Part of our duty in respecting others is to do what we can to create peace for them. This may take the conventional form of sharing food and clothing or contributing to a cause. We could get more creative: holding their hands, smiling, listening, telling stories or spending time in conversation. In doing so, we open ourselves, inviting laughter, joy, warm and fuzzy feelings and genuine goodwill. By creating peace each day for someone else, our own peace will grow exponentially.

Long story, short: How will you help someone to experience peace today?

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That all of my senses were touched impacted me. I couldn’t wait to hear the next professional voice, see the facial expressions, and witness how the events of the Christ Child’s birth interfaced with the family’s celebration.

The setting and mood were created with the traditional holiday backdrop and symbols, yet the series of interpretive and seemingly spontaneous actions and reactions made the production memorable.

Long story, short: Memorable communication is a product of talent and passion, appealing to both the head and the heart.

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First, knowing the goal of the communication (stating it up-front) and for whom it is intended is essential. Then it is best to plan an approach to your topic—how you can relay only the information needed, succinctly. If this approach requires additional research, just do it; certainly, check your dates and facts for accuracy. Next, think in “three’s” for the major points. Depending on the style of the communication, you might be able to throw in a personal story. Make sure to end with a “call-to-action,” so that the audience knows what is expected. That’s it.

Now it’s your turn to write.

Long story, short: Give your readers/listeners exactly what they need to act.

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Personal notes are as unique as the people who send them. Some elementary children sent thank-you letters to a western Minnesota ecology center for the wonderful bus field adventure they experienced (www.ecologybus.org). Some of these notes went on to be used as part of a clever fundraising venture.

I often smile at the notes written by young children who can barely print their names: they’re learning the fine art of expression that will forever serve them. My eighty-something mother, who lives in Florida, still writes notes of enjoyment: most recently, about two boxes of Honey Crisp apples. It is the simple things that make a difference.

I also hear from businesses, adult students who have attended my seminars, and friends. I have created a “Feel Good” folder where I keep those notes. It’s never too late to start a collection. Then, should you have a “down day,” refer to the folder and you will experience instant waves of joy and happiness.

Long story, short: Set a goal to write one personal note each week.

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Some things in life are dynamic, and I expect change in these situations: physical growth, challenges, and adventures. In other areas of my life, I appreciate the static things—things that are consistent: high business standards, work ethic, friendships, curiosity. My life is most enriched by experiencing both.

Communication is much the same. Static rules (and even those change; for example, the comma omitted or included in a series before the final “and”) and the dynamic creativity of sentence syntax dance together. And when this happens, people notice. As long as words have meaning (dynamic) and complement (static) one another, there will be a degree of consistency.

Long story, short: Strive to balance the dynamic and static elements of writing.

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Recently, I’ve witnessed the bonus in my travels. As a final step, some boutiques will place an otherwise ordinary item in a delightful bag with colorful tissue and ribbons, making me feel festive. Another time when I’ve asked about the spiciness of a deli food item, my question has been received with a smile and a substantial taste. I feel as if the vendor is working with me, helping me to make a decision. Can’t forget about my CPA. He sends a template to help me organize my tax information–a great way for people like me who really would prefer that others take care of the “numbers.”

My bonus? I offer a free, monthly Writing Roundtable to help business people understand more about timely communications topics and to provide a natural setting for meeting people and networking.

First offer integrity in your business and then do something memorable. It will make you feel good.

Long story, short: Everyone wins!

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An hour later, I found the announcement among the other unopened email, since I usually include myself as a recipient. I opened the email, imagining that I knew nothing about its content.

This is perfect, I thought. The information line indicated a fun story! I lovingly read over the wording, and felt pride of ownership. Suddenly my eyes narrowed at the email address: Oh, no, an errant “w.” Where did that come from? I sighed heavily, feeling a pit in my stomach.

Now I could hope that family and friends would overlook the error and, because many of them already knew the correct email address, just use it. Or, wait to be notified and then feign disbelief that such an error could have happened. Or, I could pull myself together and simply send the dreaded “Oops!” message, correcting the problem.

Understanding ego, which invariably raises its head at just these moments, I felt as if I should have been flogged with a “wet” noodle. I could have read the announcement backwards, most likely catching the error. I didn’t. Focusing on my humanness, I decided to find a different perspective, and write a blog entry. Maybe someone else would not feel alone with this same problem.

Between the “Oops” message and the blog entry, I’m feeling slightly redeemed. Certainly, the heart of the announcement will find its way to fulfillment, and the birthday will be memorable. Yet, I continue to eat that little “w.”

Long story, short: Writers are always at risk.

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Even in a “bad news” letter, one can move the recipient to neutral by ending the letter with what the company can do for the individual. A sales associate may want to tell a customer, “That’s not my job”; however, a simple “I’ll find someone else who can assist you” would be so much more effective.During contract negotiations, when a client has a limited budget, it is always advantageous to say what can be done within that dollar amount, and work from there. There are words and then there are words. Either way, word choice makes a person memorable.

Long story, short: Create a positive encounter.

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