How to write feedback to make a connection

One of the things I love the most about working as a writing coach is providing feedback on people’s written work. I love delving deep inside their words, getting a feel for their rhythm, tone, style, their patterns of speech. I love figuring out how their words could be even clearer and punchier, how cutting away some of the verbal clutter or restructuring the text can create an instant, powerful impact. And I love working out how to construct my own feedback to the person who’s invited me in to their writing space to share their thoughts, their feelings and their words.