Bill Taylor’s opening remarks in the video set the tone for what is he going to say. The video is about making your words memorable, and he begins with an attention-grabbing start. He starts out by talking about how a lot of people are overworked and tired, which I am sure something a lot of those who watched the video can relate to. I think that starting out a piece of writing by being relatable to the audience makes a vast difference in the way you are perceived by the reader or listener. To be memorable a writer has to set themselves apart. In my opinion, the opening lines of a memo or speech are the most important I feel they set the tone for what is about to come. When the tone is set early, it makes me analyze everything said.

I myself am guilty of not giving someone my full attention if am not engaged by what they have to say. If a writer or speaker can make me feel excited or be interested in the topic, I will absorb what they have to say.

From a writer’s perspective, reading aloud not only helps me be sure the piece flows well but also helps me to catch grammatical errors as well. I feel that proofreading aloud is an important part of quality writing. Bill Taylor talks about using data or stories to make writing memorable. When I read something that is research or technical based, data always sticks out to me. If the writer uses a data point that makes me think or surprises me, there is a much better chance I will remember the writing. In personal writing, good stories always draw me in. A good story makes will make me feel like I was there in that particular moment.