When you set an intention for your day, your day tends to flow a lot better.
It’s the same with writing.
When you set an intention for your writing, your writing tends to flow a lot better.
That’s why before I write anything—an email, newsletter, book chapter, essay, podcast or video script for a client—I always start by setting an intention for the project.
To set my intention, I use a technique that I call Feel. Know. Do.
It’s very simple. Just 3 questions. I ask myself:
What do I want my reader to feel?
What do I want my reader to know?
What do I want my reader to do?
I take a moment of quiet. Sometimes a minute. Sometimes just a few seconds. I breathe. I imagine my future reader. I consider how I want to influence this person’s life, how I could make their day a little better than before. I organize my thoughts. Then, I start writing.
For example, if I’m writing a newsletter to announce a book that I’ve written, my Feel. Know. Do. intention might look like this:
What do I want my reader to feel?
I want them to feel uplifted and encouraged.
What do I want my reader to know?
I want my reader to know that no matter what’s going on in their life or career right now, they will get through it. They are tough. They are stronger than they think. And this trial will make them wiser and smarter and kinder than before.
What do I want my reader to do?
I want them to purchase my book.
Or, if they’re unable to purchase for some reason, that’s okay, and I would love them to listen to the free audiobook or find the book at their local public library.
When I take a moment to figure out my Feel. Know. Do., this gives me a clear plan for the newsletter, essay, or whatever I’m writing.
Instead of diving in without a plan and hoping I will “muddle around” and eventually “figure out the point,” I set a clear intention at the start.
I have taught the Feel. Know. Do. technique to thousands of people in online classes and at writing workshops in 18 cities around the world. It’s a technique that I love deeply and use daily. One of my all-time favorites.
I hope Feel. Know. Do. helps you write your next piece with more confidence.
Whether you’re writing a book or outlining a TEDx Talk or preparing for a conversation with your spouse or boss, Feel. Know. Do. can help you make your point clearly.
Remember these 3 questions:
What do I want my reader to feel?
What do I want my reader to know?
What do I want my reader to do?
Start there. Decide those 3 things before you begin writing. Without “doing” anything else, just with that step alone, your writing will automatically become more clear and purposeful.
Try it and see.
-Alex
PPS. Want to take a writing class with me? The Email Class starts soon. Learn how to write emails and newsletters that people absolutely love reading. This is one of my favorite classes, and it’s offered just once a year. See you there! Sign up before September 1, 2020. :)