Part Two: The Fletcher’s 4S Method
What is the Fletcher’s 4S Method?
The method is comprised of four simple steps to help ensure that those who use it can achieve their goals and desired outcomes through written communication. It is designed as a cyclical, lifelong development process that can be begun at any step and repeated frequently. It is intended to give those who use itcontrol over the process of writing and lead to increased confidence, motivation and even enjoyment.
In this section of this book, I will show you how to use the following 4-step process to write effectively in any context:
1) Specify: What do I need to write?
2) Structure: How do I write it?
3) Smooth: How can I revise and enhance my writing?
4) Survey: How effective was my writing, and how can I achieve greater outcomes in the future?
In other words, you can approach the steps like this:
Specify | Structure | Smooth | Survey |
I need to create a piece of writing, and I need to know how to get started | I know how my writing should look, I have gathered the information I need, and now I need to start writing it | I have drafted a piece of writing, and I need to edit and revise it | I have completed a piece of writing, and I need to reflect on the process, feedback and outcomes |
As mentioned above, this process is intended to becyclical. What that means is you can start at any step, depending on your needs at the time. If you complete Step 4 and find that your writing has not achieved your desired outcome, you can cycle back to Step 3, or even to earlier steps, and begin again from there.
You do not have to complete all four steps every time you write something. For instance, if you have already completed a piece of writing, you could skip the first two steps and work through Steps 3 and 4 to ensure it will achieve its intended outcomes. As your confidence increases, you will be able to work through the steps more quickly and easily.
If this is your first time using the method and/or if you lack confidence as a writer, it is recommended that you begin at the beginning and work your way through all the steps. It is also recommended that you continue to apply all the steps to each piece of writing you create until you have arrived at your own place of ‘readiness’ (i.e., the point where you feel comfortable skipping steps). The ultimate aim of this method is to give you as much control over your writing process as possible in order to increase your confidence in your abilities and motivation to write.
Now let us explore each of these steps in greater detail.
Step 1: Specify
The first step in the Fletcher’s 4S Method shows you how to define exactly what you need to do. For example, you have been asked to write a report at work. The trouble is, you are unsure of what a report should look like, or what it should include. How is it meant to be formatted? What are the essential sections? What would be the appropriate tone? To make things appear more complex, reports can also differ between industries and workplaces, so you will need to ensure that the report you are creating will be suitable for your specific fiel
