Michelle Cutler, a storytelling coach and screenwriter, and host, Steve Harper, discuss the importance of effective communication and storytelling when presenting to potential business clients. She emphasizes the need for a clear, concise message, especially in critical moments like submitting college applications. Cutler introduces her service LAST LOOK which provides an objective review of an essay before final submission, ensuring the content is polished and impactful. She highlights the significance of every word, proper grammar, and the use of metaphors. Cutler shares personal experiences and stresses the importance of authenticity and engagement in storytelling. She offers her expertise to help students and professionals present their best work.
In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication is paramount. Every word we choose carries weight, especially in high-stakes scenarios like college applications or business proposals. The significance of concise and meaningful language cannot be overstated.
Navigating the College Application Process
Many parents find themselves navigating the challenging waters of college applications with their children. One such parent is Steve Harper, who recently shared his experiences with the process. He highlighted how his son, now studying cybersecurity, is learning the importance of self-expression even in technical fields. The college application journey involves more than just grades; it’s about telling a compelling story.
The process of crafting application essays can be overwhelming. The pressure to convey the right message within strict word limits can lead to stress and uncertainty. Michelle Cutler, an experienced writer and tutor, emphasizes that every word counts. She recalls a project where she had to create a 30-second radio commercial. With such limited time, each word had to be chosen carefully to convey the client’s value, demonstrating that fluff has no place if you want to hold someone’s attention.
A Personal Journey to Clarity
Michelle’s own experience with writing was shaped by her application to graduate school. Balancing work and school while trying to perfect her application essays was no easy task. After countless drafts and mounting stress, she sought help from the Writing Center at Hunter College. It was during this session that everything clicked. An outside perspective helped her refine her narrative, proving that sometimes it’s hard to see the story through the trees when you’re too close to it.
Helping Others Find Their Voice
Recognizing her expertise, Michelle shifted her focus toward helping students navigate their college application essays. She understands that parents often feel ill-equipped to assist their children in this process. Recently, she was contacted by a student seeking guidance for her college application. Michelle’s goal was to boost her confidence and refine her essay by making it more specific and engaging. For instance, if a student mentions their brother’s favorite books, Michelle encourages them to delve deeper into which books and why. These specific details enrich the narrative, drawing readers in.
The Role of Specificity
Michelle emphasizes that specificity is key in storytelling. When a student expresses anxiety about a family gathering, she encourages them to explore the reasons behind those feelings. Is it due to the size of the family or past tensions? These specifics transform general statements into compelling narratives that resonate more deeply with admissions committees.
Having an outside reader review one’s work is invaluable, particularly for high school students facing the pressures of college applications. Michelle reflects on her experience as a tutor for adult writers and how it dawned on her that she could significantly help high school students as well. By providing that external perspective, she can help students articulate their stories in ways that even the smartest parents might miss.
Finding Confidence and Clarity
The process of refining a piece of writing can feel symbiotic. The words on the page become intricately connected to the story they tell. With just 600 words, it’s possible to convey a powerful narrative that takes the reader on a journey.
In her conversations with students, Michelle stresses the importance of giving every piece of writing a last look—whether it’s an email, text, or application essay. This final review is crucial for ensuring that every word plays its part effectively.
Conclusion
The importance of clarity and authenticity in writing cannot be overstated. Whether navigating college applications, business proposals, or personal narratives, the right words can ease the writing process and pave the way for future opportunities. Michelle Cutler’s services aim to help anyone feeling overwhelmed by the writing process—whether they need last-minute assistance or a strategic session for future projects.
In the realm of writing, remember that every word matters. Take the time to craft your narrative thoughtfully, and it could open doors you never thought possible.