When investing in equity, you want to have the largest monetary returns..
Similarly, you would want to write a minimum of words to convey the most and βto the pointβ information in written texts.
Unfortunately, we are so used to having clutter in our writing that it impacts our ability to land impact.
π We need to challenge every word in our document.
π A word should be present only to convey either content or tone.
π The goal is to make it effortless for our reader to understand our ideas.
Use these tips to make your writing effective, crisp, and fluff-free.
1. Drop βZeroβ words and lengthy sentences.
Zero words are those that donβt add any value most of the time.
β βCurrently, we have 40 staff membersβ β> β βWe have 40 staff membersβ
β βDuring the course ofβ¦β β> β βDuringβ¦β
β βAt the conclusion of this talkβ β> β βAfter this talkβ
2. Avoid confusing constructions
β Former and later: Avoid it. The problem is that you have to look back into the sentence you read to match former and later.
β And/or and using β/β in general: Pick one. Itβs confusing when we say βeasier/simplerβ or βLetβs say Joe and/or Nick would do it." Do you mean easier and simpler, easier or simpler, or both? Would Joe and Nick do it together or would one of them do the task?
β Mid-Sentence Parentheses: If useful, move the sentence towards the end. Parentheses in the middle create diverging ideas.
3. Use the best possible shorter words.
Cut β-tionβ, β-mentβ, β-anceβ, β-ingβ, βthisβ like words, and other weak verbs.
β βHe made a statement that he was dropping out of the raceβ β> β βHe stated that he is quitting the raceβ
β βThe process for reviewing documents is flawed. It doesnβt meet out needsβ β> β βOur process for document review fails to meet our needsβ
β βThe report missed one key number. The department didnβt report error. This led to poor decisionsβ. What does this refer to? β> A better line is β βThis inaccurate number led to poor decisions.β
4. Active and passive voices done right. Missing Actor is also valuable
Nike:
Active voice: βJust do it!β β
Passive voice: βIt needs to be doneβ β
Missing the actor, a person or thing, when writing is also acceptable for legal writings:
βNo admittance is permitted without authorization." β
Thatβs it for today. If you are wondering βWhatβs a Reflection Short?β Read here.
References
Interesting Reads
What the world's #1 YouTuber can teach you about being a badass software engineer by
How I Almost Didn't Become A Staff Engineer by
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π Hey there, I am Gourav. I write about Engineering, Productivity, Thought Leadership, and the Mysteries of the mind!
Use the below links if you want to connect with me.
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Nice post Gourav. Crisper and more actionable than my post from the same week!