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ngo.media writer Sarah Myers offers some top tips on how to keep your publications creative.

Why Don't You Just Switch Off Your Television Set And Go Out And Do Something Less Boring Instead?

ngo.media's writers (of a certain age...) remember being given this advice, from the popular children's TV show Why Don't You?

Replace "television set" with "computer" and you've got a sound suggestion for today's workplace.

If you're writing or producing publications for your charity be it an annual report, a newsletter or info about a fundraising event it's all too easy to churn out something stale and uninspiring.

Here are some of our tips on how to keep creative:

Visit your services. Regularly

Sitting in the ivory tower of head office asking colleagues for "case studies" won't get you stories with impact. Go out and meet the people who use your charity's services. Talk to staff that run projects and chat to volunteers. Even if this isn't officially part of your job.

Set up photoshoots

If you produce a publication regularly (and you're not blessed with a healthy in-house photolibrary or photography budget) you'll often find yourself scrabbling around for decent images. You know the type of shots you're always looking for, so go out and take them. If you need an image of someone wearing your charity's branded T-shirt or running vest, rope in a colleague to don the outfit at lunchtime. If you're not the most promising photographer then find someone who is, and art direct.

Keep 'em peeled

Read magazines, newspapers and websites not just the obvious ones. Yes, Third Sector is excellent for keeping up to date with the charity world. But if you're looking for a little inspiration, try popular culture and general news sites and blogs. Try Google-ing random key words relating to your charity's work and see what you find.

Cut round the clichés and ditch the jargon

When a cliché or bit of "charity speak" pops into your head, work around it. Ask colleagues to think of an alternative phrase. Check the thesaurus; use Google. Sit on it until you get a better idea. But don't be tempted to bung it in anyway.

Call ngo.media

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