The late David Ogilvy was the founder of ad agency Ogilvy & Mather and wrote the book “Confessions of an Advertising Man.” It’s a great read and contains many tips that should be compulsory reading for all of us in business. Here is what he said on how to write well:

“The better you write, the higher you will go in Ogilvy & Mather. People who think well, write well.

Good writing is not a natural gift. You have to learn to write well.

Here are 10 hints:

1. Read the Roman-Raphaelson book on writing. Read it three times.
2. Write the way you talk. Naturally.
3. Use short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.
4. Never use jargon words like reconceptualize, demassification, attitudinally, judgmentally. They are the hallmark of a pretentious arse.
5. Never write more than two pages on any subject.

6. Check your quotations.
7. Never send a letter or a memo on the day you write it. Read it aloud the next morning — and then edit it.
8. If it is something important, get a colleague to improve it.
9. Before you send your letter or memo, make sure it is crystal clear what you want the recipient to do.
10. If you want ACTION, don’t write. Go and tell the guy what you want.”

In this interview years ago on Letterman to promote another of his books he reveals some of his thinking.