This week begins a three-podcast push for practice improvements in the new year. We start with improving your written and speaking skills. Why? Because communicating well is a sign of respect for your audience and saying that you take what you do seriously. From emails to your service menu, from public presentations to your elevator pitch, how you write and speak is a reflection of your practice and your brand. Nine writing tips and three verbal tips follow!   This episode sponsored by   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com   Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com   Host bio:   Darren Buford is editor-in-chief of Massage & Bodywork magazine and senior director of communications for ABMP.   Recap   Written: Have an editing buddy. Write like you speak. Buy Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style Listen to Grammar Girl  Buy a dictionary Kill your darlings. Do not plagiarize! Read great stuff: The New Yorker Garden and Gun The Atlantic Harvard Business Review Journal.   Verbal: Listen more, speak less. Perfect your elevator speech. Join Toastmasters