Are you tired of writing that feels like you’re wading through mud? Do you struggle to get your message across clearly and effectively? This episode tackles the common pitfalls of unclear communication, drawing on the timeless wisdom of "Writing That Works," to help you craft writing that is both impactful and easy to understand. We’ll explore how to avoid “mumbling” in your writing and get straight to the point, just like Churchill when he said, “The news from France is bad”.
This episode is packed with actionable strategies to transform your writing, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and the use of plain English. We’ll delve into practical techniques such as:
- Organizing your thoughts clearly before you even begin to write, using outlines to guide both your writing process and your reader.
- Using short paragraphs and sentences, as practiced by The Wall Street Journal, to enhance readability and comprehension.
- Choosing active voice over passive to add energy and a personal touch to your writing, moving away from phrases like "It is recommended" to "We recommend".
- Selecting precise words and avoiding vague adjectives and adverbs. Instead of writing "reasonably unexpected," be specific: "Few of us expected this outcome".
- Eliminating jargon and business buzzwords, opting for down-to-earth language. Instead of "resource constrained," say "not enough people".
- Being specific by providing concrete details instead of relying on generalities.
- Choosing the right word by knowing the subtle differences between words that are commonly confused such as "affect" and "effect," "imply" and "infer", and "principal" and "principle".
- Striving for perfection by ensuring there are no typos, misspellings, or errors in numbers or dates, because slipshod writing suggests slipshod thinking.
- Cutting out unnecessary words and phrases. Instead of writing "at this point in time," just say "now".
- Using current standard English, following the principle of "established usage offends nobody".
- Avoiding legal and bureaucratic language, opting instead for clear, straightforward communication.
- Considering what your reader doesn’t know and defining any abbreviations or technical terms you use.
- Using punctuation carefully as it functions like road signs, helping your reader to navigate your sentences.
- Understating rather than overstating, because exaggeration can damage credibility.
- Writing so that you cannot be misunderstood, avoiding ambiguity and breaking up complex sentences into simpler ones.
- Using plain English, even when discussing technical subjects. As the SEC recommends, "LOSE THE BIG WORDS".
We'll draw inspiration from examples of clear communication, from the simple language of Shakespeare to the direct style of Who Moved My Cheese?, and explore how the most complex ideas can be conveyed using straightforward language. Learn to write naturally, as if you were talking to your reader face-to-face. Remember the advice: “Write it as if you were sending it to someone you know—say, your grandparents”.
By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with the tools to write with confidence and clarity, ensuring that your message is not only heard but also understood. Say goodbye to confusing jargon and hello to writing that truly works.
Source: Writing That Works; How to Communicate Effectively (2000) by Kenneth Roman, Joel Raphaelson
