Better

Business
Writing
M.A.C.J.
Writing a Text
• Proactive focus on the text’s purpose and the readers’ needs;
• Ease of access into the message is paramount;
• Writing well saves time, money and energy;
• Respect for the reader.
The “How to”
• Coined by Betty Sue Flowers is a term named M.A.C.J.;
• A finished text is the composite of different roles namely:
• Madman;
• Architect;
• Carpenter;
• Judge.
The Madman
• Let’s start hoarding ideas and information;
• Can’t wait for perfect;
• The key is to not look at the bigger picture;
• Keep track of gathered intelligence;

Outcome: Source Material

The Architect
• Gather data;
• Organize;
• Go back and forth a few times;
• Put each idea and/or message in three complete sentences.

Outcome: Bare-bone Structure

The Carpenter
• Write like there is no tomorrow: without bounds and reservations;
• Time yourself;
• No editing policy.

Outcome: The First Draft

The Judge
• Let’s get back to the roots and explore some more;
• Go through the text multiple times;
• Ask for feedback.

Look proactively to improve:

• Accuracy of the citations;
• Tonal Cohesion;
• Transition etc.

Outcome: Final Text

MACJ Process: A Recap
MADMAN ARCHITECT CARPENTER JUDGE
Fetching and gathering Outlining; Write with no second thoughts; Review;
relevant information;

Don’t wait for inspiration; Evaluate data and filter; Don’t write and review at once; Feedback from non-
specialized personnel;

Avoid getting frustrated by 1 idea = 3 sentences; Try to do it at a stretch; Corrective measurements.

focusing on gathering data;
Thank You