To write better, write less...

One of the best lessons I ever learned about writing was to write less.

Sure, it is impressive when you read something beautifully written that uses rich, expressive and evocative language. However, in this modern age of little time and shrinking attention spans, simple is much better.

Simple writing is clear and has a greater chance of being noticed, read, understood and remembered. The more complex your message, the greater the chance that only part (often a very small part) will be read and processed by your reader.

Here's some advice to consider the next time you you need to write something:

1. Quickly write what you want to say. (Write it completely and don't edit as you go.)
2. Next, underline your key message. (There only should be one.)
3. Start subtracting many (or all) of the secondary messages. (Take out the fluff.)
4. Keep going until your key message stands alone.
5. Add any supporting sentences that are required, but only if they add to the clarity.
6. Consider removing most, if not all, of your adjectives.
7. Make final adjustments to your message until you are certain that it is clear and memorable.

Simple writing is clear writing. Go for it!

the communication guru

The Rule Of Prominence (It's True - Less is More)

When you really have something important to convey, don't bury the key facts in an avalanche of non-critical facts.

Often, thinking that more info is better, we bury the message we are trying to convey or, at very least, leave the listener searching through mountains of facts for the real nuggets. The next time you have something important to say (personal or business), decide which facts are most critical and focus on those.

This is the rule of prominence. You need to centre your words so that what is most important in your message takes prominence over everything else. Don't leave any doubt about what you are trying to say or what you are asking.

More isn't better; it is confusing. Stay clear and focused and you will create fewer misunderstandings. This holds true when talking to friends, colleagues, senior management and most definitely when talking to children.

Stay clear, stay focused on the key facts only and keep it short. It will make all the difference.

the communication guru