You should not be in any doubt that you can indeed write a great message inside a greeting card.
It all lies in trusting in your ability to write something that connects with the person you are to give it to.
It is more important to think about the 'why' than the 'what'.
You are not writing an epic paragraph.
Somewhere between a few sentences and a signature is fine for most occasions.
And it does not have to be too challenging either.
If your card is really important and you are concerned to get it right - then practice first by showing it to someone else whose opinion you respect.
When you know how your message is received make a note of the following: Read their face for a reaction (good and bad).
Did your message or mark go down well, or was it found wanting? What can you learn about what you wrote - or did not? What could you improve on next time? Listen to what they have to say about your efforts and take some time out to listen to what other people might write.
You want your message to say what you really mean.
What you write and how you write it will to some extent depend on the relationship you have with the recipient.
Personally, I love giving cards - paper cards and email cards.
I give them away, plan them, create them, send them off and give them with love.
For me the whole process is one of joy - and fun.
It is fun to choose and it is fun to make.
Writing the message is only part of the deal.
If you have done the hard work in choosing them, you should be thinking about the one you are to give it to.
As you choose your card you might be thinking of: - What they would like? - hat they would think of the card you choose.
- What the message says - and does not.
- What you could add.
- How you might say it/write it.
- What words you will use.
- Where to write it on the card.
What kind of writing instrument (pen and ink) you will use.
Reflecting on the whole process of thinking about, buying and then writing your message will make the whole card writing and giving process one of joy - rather than stress.
Card giving is one of our socially acceptable activities.
Cards are there at all our major life events.
They console, commiserate, cajole, and celebrate - amongst others.
If you start to think about the person you want your message to go to, more than what you say, then you will be inspired to write the right thing! - Think less of yourself and more them.
- Think more of the message rather than the words - Think more of the future rather than the present - Think how the words will be read and understood - Think more of why rather than how - Think less of 'what if I do', and more 'if I do not' We are all much more capable at writing our thoughts that we think.
Our own words say it so much better than a shop card with a printed greeting.
If you HAVE to buy one of these then do add your own message.
Better still, use a blank card and fill it with your words - and your handwriting.
Handwriting brings with it an emotional response that will talk from the card forever.
The memory of you - and what you mean to the one you give it to, will forever be part of the card.
It will be part of their future memories of receiving the card.
So once you have got the message right, get the writing part right too.
- Write it nicely - in a nice pen - Think about the writing instrument you use and how it will take to the paper - Not all papers take the same inks properly.
- Can you check it somewhere unobtrusively? - Perhaps you want to try out a new pen or a different writing style.
- Try a calligraphic pen and see how angles can alter your handwriting So there you have it.
Once you have got the card choose your message carefully, write it nicely and give it with love.
Everyone of these actions will give the card so much more feeling.
It will help you to write your greeting with more sincerity and to give it with genuine care and affection.
As in all social skills, it is one to be learned.
Card giving really can bring out the best in us.
So be in no doubt.
You will never have to worry about what to write in a card again!
It all lies in trusting in your ability to write something that connects with the person you are to give it to.
It is more important to think about the 'why' than the 'what'.
You are not writing an epic paragraph.
Somewhere between a few sentences and a signature is fine for most occasions.
And it does not have to be too challenging either.
If your card is really important and you are concerned to get it right - then practice first by showing it to someone else whose opinion you respect.
When you know how your message is received make a note of the following: Read their face for a reaction (good and bad).
Did your message or mark go down well, or was it found wanting? What can you learn about what you wrote - or did not? What could you improve on next time? Listen to what they have to say about your efforts and take some time out to listen to what other people might write.
You want your message to say what you really mean.
What you write and how you write it will to some extent depend on the relationship you have with the recipient.
Personally, I love giving cards - paper cards and email cards.
I give them away, plan them, create them, send them off and give them with love.
For me the whole process is one of joy - and fun.
It is fun to choose and it is fun to make.
Writing the message is only part of the deal.
If you have done the hard work in choosing them, you should be thinking about the one you are to give it to.
As you choose your card you might be thinking of: - What they would like? - hat they would think of the card you choose.
- What the message says - and does not.
- What you could add.
- How you might say it/write it.
- What words you will use.
- Where to write it on the card.
What kind of writing instrument (pen and ink) you will use.
Reflecting on the whole process of thinking about, buying and then writing your message will make the whole card writing and giving process one of joy - rather than stress.
Card giving is one of our socially acceptable activities.
Cards are there at all our major life events.
They console, commiserate, cajole, and celebrate - amongst others.
If you start to think about the person you want your message to go to, more than what you say, then you will be inspired to write the right thing! - Think less of yourself and more them.
- Think more of the message rather than the words - Think more of the future rather than the present - Think how the words will be read and understood - Think more of why rather than how - Think less of 'what if I do', and more 'if I do not' We are all much more capable at writing our thoughts that we think.
Our own words say it so much better than a shop card with a printed greeting.
If you HAVE to buy one of these then do add your own message.
Better still, use a blank card and fill it with your words - and your handwriting.
Handwriting brings with it an emotional response that will talk from the card forever.
The memory of you - and what you mean to the one you give it to, will forever be part of the card.
It will be part of their future memories of receiving the card.
So once you have got the message right, get the writing part right too.
- Write it nicely - in a nice pen - Think about the writing instrument you use and how it will take to the paper - Not all papers take the same inks properly.
- Can you check it somewhere unobtrusively? - Perhaps you want to try out a new pen or a different writing style.
- Try a calligraphic pen and see how angles can alter your handwriting So there you have it.
Once you have got the card choose your message carefully, write it nicely and give it with love.
Everyone of these actions will give the card so much more feeling.
It will help you to write your greeting with more sincerity and to give it with genuine care and affection.
As in all social skills, it is one to be learned.
Card giving really can bring out the best in us.
So be in no doubt.
You will never have to worry about what to write in a card again!
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