Rob Ashton

Rob Ashton is the founder of Emphasis and posts mainly about writing and the brain – a topic he’s been researching for seven years. You can read more of his work in Writing Matters – our weekly bulletin of career-building writing advice backed by science.

Longest paragraph in print goes on display

If you’re struggling to read the latest lengthy management report, it could be worse. Take a look at this. It’s the original manuscript scroll for Jack Kerouac’s seminal novel, On the Road, which goes on display in Europe for the first time at Birmingham’s Barber...

Do not be alarmed

Imagine you've got to write a set of instructions for a total stranger; no, millions of total strangers. It's a huge audience, made up of people from all walks of life. So it's going to be impossible to cater for individual needs. You'll have to write it so that...

Give me the facts, not the excuses

We’re lucky here in Emphasis Towers. Five minutes from Brighton beach and five minutes from the station, we really have got the best of both worlds. The beach is great. It’s close enough to go for a lunchtime dip on those rare days when the thermometer...

How to write to your clients – The Lawyer

How to write to your clients – The Lawyer

Lawyers are not renowned for their punchy prose. But clients do not have time to be baffled by confusing terminology and verbosity; nor do they appreciate poorly structured arguments and overtechnical explanations. What they want is clear and succinct advice. Whether...