Why it’s better to be concise
SHAKING THE TREE #48
My writing used to be fat, fluffy, and wordy.
My narratives used to ramble.
In recent years though I’ve learned to get to the point.
Here’s why: concise writing = more effective communication.
Duh!
Yet for years, I didn’t understand this simple concept.
Or couldn’t accept it.
Concise writing:
leaves no room for ambiguity or confusion, making it easier for readers to understand your message. When you use fewer words, your main points stand out, and your message becomes more accessible.
respects your readers' time and keeps them engaged. They are more likely to stay focused on your content and absorb the information you're presenting.
saves time for both the writer and the reader. You don't waste your words on unnecessary details, and your readers can quickly grasp the information they need.
conveys a sense of confidence and expertise in your subject matter. It shows that you've thought through your message and can express it clearly.
allows you to emphasize key points and make them memorable. Whether you're writing a persuasive argument or telling a compelling story, brevity can be a powerful tool.
shows respect for your audience. You acknowledge that their time and attention are valuable, and you strive to provide them with the most important information in the most efficient way.
My key principles of concise writing include:
1. Eliminating redundancy: Remove unnecessary words that don’t contribute to the core message.
2. Using strong verbs: Replace weak verbs with specific, action-oriented ones to make your writing more engaging.
3. Avoiding jargon: Keep things simple and accessible, avoiding technical or specialized terms.
4. Being specific: Provide concrete details and examples to illustrate your points, making your writing more vivid.
5. Organizing my thoughts: Use a logical structure and transitions to guide readers from one point to the next.
6. Editing ruthlessly: Review and revise your work to remove any fluff.
7. Staying on topic: Cut anything that doesn’t contribute to the main idea of your piece.
8. Using short sentences: Break long, complex sentences into shorter, more digestible ones.
9. Trimming adjectives and adverbs: Overuse of modifiers can make your writing cumbersome; use them sparingly.
10. Prioritizing clarity: Above all, ensure that your message is crystal clear and easily understood.
By opting for concise writing—particularly in academic papers, business communication, journalism, and in online content—you’ll communicate more in less time, so you’ll train readers into seeing you as someone who gets to the point.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … The power of AI writing systems.