How to make your writing resonate right now

Writers have a chance to be heroes right now.

Your words can soothe, galvanize, crystallize, inspire, educate, encourage and empower. They can also confuse, frustrate and mislead, so it’s crucial to use your publishing powers for good during this grim season. Here are five guidelines to follow:

Be forward-thinking. It’s important to relay what’s happened and to cover the current situation, but give priority to what’s on the horizon. Start discussing what your return to the office might look like.

Even if certain logistics are impossible to suss out right now, it’s crucial to reassure employees that there is a plan in place and that the company is prepared for a multitude of contingencies.

Be realistic. As you cast the vision of what’s next for your employees, avoid the temptation to over-promise (lest you under-deliver or have to backtrack).

Now’s not the time for false promises of what may or may not transpire. Be realistic in your writing, and stay grounded in facts. Dubious speculation will surely lead to companywide aggravation.