Authentically Written

Blog articles about communications, marketing, advertising and more.

Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

The compliment I almost ignored

Years ago, some former coworkers gave me the moniker “National Word Ambassador,” partly in jest but partly because the right words come to me so naturally.

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

For the love of clarity

Anyone remember the 1990s movie Philadelphia starring Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks? Throughout two-hour film …

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

The conversations we need more of

As a society, we have become accustomed to move as quickly as possible. We binge-watch entire TV series to get to the ending. We skip the commercials. We listen to audiobooks at double speed. We buy the express pass so we can skip the line. We’re always rushing toward the outcome.

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

Understanding begins with listening

I know I still have many miles to go in this career, but when I look back on the past 25 years and even beyond that, I realize my communication career started began taking shape long before I took a single course, wrote a single article, or facilitated a single workshop. 

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

“Just Be Yourself” isn’t the whole story

Being yourself doesn't mean sharing every thought, experience, and detail of your life. It means understanding which parts of your story are most relevant to the people you want to serve.

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

Before you push forward, pause

A new year often brings a sense of renewal. It's a time when we establish fresh goals and new strategies. Yet somewhere between January's enthusiasm and December's finish line, it's easy to become consumed with the work and stop evaluating whether the message still aligns with the mission. 

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

Juneteenth: A story of American freedom

In just a few days, the United States will observe Juneteenth. Juneteenth is more than a date on the calendar, it's a defining part of American history.

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

Beyond the scroll

We live in a world where attention has become currency — literally and figuratively. In the U.S., TikTok has more than 90 million users who spend nearly an hour on the platform every single day.

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

Where stillness shapes the story

At the end of the day, I simply love words. It's been a lifelong affair that began with reading, and I feel incredibly fortunate to pair that passion with my livelihood.

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

The stories we inherit

Well, if you didn't hear and see it enough yesterday, I'm going to say it one more time: ℋ𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 ℳℴ𝓉𝒽ℯ𝓇'𝓈 𝒟𝒶𝓎! Honestly, can we ever say it enough for all that the mothers and mother figures in our lives do for us?

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

The courage to write what’s real

Earlier this year, during one of my book club meetings, the author joined us to discuss the book and her writing process. She’s a prolific best-selling author, and something she offered as advice to other writers has stuck with me ever since: Don’t be …

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

The lessons that shape me

I consider myself a lifelong student, not only because I was diligent throughout my primary and undergraduate education, or because …

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Melyssa P. Edwards Melyssa P. Edwards

Start before you feel ready

One of the most meaningful lessons I've learned in the midst of the changes going on in my life right now is you don't have to feel ready to begin a new thing. As someone with a strong A-type personality, I naturally want all the boxes to be checked and logistics in order before I take a leap …

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