Writing Is A Lost Art | Daneesha Tillman | TEDxUCincinnatiSalon

TL;DR

Writing is a powerful tool of communication that can open doors, create opportunities, and transform lives.

Transcript

[Applause] the late great Nelsa Mandela once said the best way to change the world is to use education growing up I was taught that education and freedom were married together to be considered the Black American dream that if you were not educated as a black American you are not truly free I come from a long line of literacy Learners resiliency amb... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎓 Education and freedom are interconnected, particularly for marginalized communities seeking upward mobility.
• 🫠 The speaker's great grandmother's emphasis on reading and discussing current events fostered a love for learning, critical thinking, and effective communication skills.
• 🤗 Strong writing skills can compensate for other shortcomings and open doors of opportunity.
• ✍️ Writing is a valuable skill in various professional contexts, regardless of the specific field.
• 😑 Writing enhances communication skills and facilitates effective expression of ideas.
• 🥺 Continuous learning and improvement in writing skills can lead to personal and professional growth.
• ✍️ Resources such as grammarly, online courses, mentorships, and classes can help individuals improve their writing abilities.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is writing considered a lost art?

Writing is seen as a lost art because many individuals lack basic writing skills, such as proper grammar and coherent organization. This is often due to a lack of emphasis on writing education and the prevalence of technology that encourages short-form communication.

Q: How did the speaker's great grandmother inspire the importance of reading and writing?

The speaker's great grandmother, known as HK Granny, created a nurturing environment for discussing current events and regularly engaged in activities that promoted literacy, such as reading newspapers, solving puzzles, and teaching herself to play the piano. Her actions encouraged the speaker's love for learning and strengthened their writing skills.

Q: What impact did the speaker's writing skills have on their graduate school acceptance?

Despite a GPA below the program's requirement, the speaker's well-crafted essays and personal statements showcased their passion, determination, and unique circumstances. The admissions committee recognized the quality of their writing and granted them a provisional acceptance based on their exceptional communication skills.

Q: Why does writing matter in various fields beyond academia?

Writing is an essential form of communication in almost every aspect of life. Whether it is writing emails, social media posts, grant proposals, or hiring letters, strong writing skills are crucial for effectively conveying ideas, persuading audiences, and achieving success.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Education and freedom are intertwined, particularly for Black Americans, as shown through the generations of the speaker's family who prioritized learning.

• The speaker's great grandmother served as a lifelong learner and emphasized the importance of reading and discussing current events, instilling a curiosity and love for learning in the speaker.

• The speaker recounts their own journey as a lifelong learner, particularly in their role in college admissions where they realized the significance of strong writing skills and the impact it has on students' opportunities.