31The Written Word
IT’S A SOURCE OF AMAZEMENT and some amusement that many articulate people are reduced to blubbering incompetents when required to put their thoughts down in a written form.
Some people are intimidated by a blank piece of paper or computer screen. Let’s examine why this feeling of panic overtakes individuals who otherwise appear to be competent and confident.
First, we have the test syndrome. Some people panic when taking examinations. All they have is that blank sheet of paper and the material inside their head. Now they must translate that information onto paper. Their “test score” depends on what is scratched on that threatening blank sheet.
A second reason people may not feel confident about using the written word is that ...
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