Writing with clarity
A summary of the best writing from the October conversation on what it means to write with clarity.
Clearing the way to start writing with clarity
I don’t want to shift from encouraging people to sing from the rooftops to coaching them ‘how’ to write. But I don’t think that’s where I’ll be going with this. Of course we can learn how to cut, chop, nurture and prune our writing. Of course we can learn from the style guides how to let our message shine through. But there’s no tension, really, between clear writing and authentic writing because singing our own song will help us to be clear about the right words to use – and chopping out the excess words can help us get clear on what we really want to say.
(From Clearing the way to start writing with clarity)
And what you said...
When I think of clarity in writing I immediately think of a push and pull with comprehension, and the result on learning. There is the Hawaiian foreignness of much that I do in “different language” stretching existing paradigms, where the coach in me can sometimes be quite deliberate in wanting a reader to work a little harder, and engage in the mental gymnastics. Yet if I do not give them enough I will discourage them or tempt disinterest, and it is a balance I consider with nearly every post I write.
(Rosa Say at Managing with Aloha Coaching)
Starting to write with clarity
There are things we need to clear away before we can start to write with clarity. Maybe some things we need to do - like slowing down or acknowledging any latent fears - and some things that we might need to change - like our perspective. So that we can be clear on our own point before we start to write.
(From Starting to write with clarity - audio show)
When to stop pouring
I suppose my question is whether we always do the same thing as writers. Do we stop and ask ourselves what’s the right amount, the right mix, the right blend for this container? Or do we just keep pouring and hope for the best?
(From When to stop pouring)
And what you said...
And it starts with the very first question: "For whom am I writing this?" The answer to that question give you the shape of the container, and possibly even the refreshment that goes in it.
The next question, "Why am I writing this?" will give you the size of the container. Finally, "What will I say?" tells you how much to put in the container.Gee, this analogy is making me thirsty! :-)
(From Robert Hruzek at the Middle Zone)
Clarity: the power of one
"I started wondering about ways that clarity can help us write with confidence on big and important issues like the environment....[Exploring] the power of one to tell a clear and compelling message:
one perspective, one person's words, one reader, one intention, one idea."
(From Clarity: the power of one - audio show)
20 ways to cut your words and help to save the planet
"Paper is a key resource for business. But the focus tends to be on purchasing recycled paper, recycling the paper you’ve used, and using paper more wisely – things like printing on both sides of the sheet.
I’ve yet to see much written about going one back the supply chain: reducing the number of words that we’re putting on the paper in the first place.
Reducing waste makes much better economic sense than recycling it. Reducing the waste from your words is also good for your writing, for the people who are reading it – and for your reputation at work."
(From: 20 ways to cut your words and help to save the planet)
And what you said...
I try to let something sit overnight before printing anything (or posting) because invariably I can reduce the amount of words. I think not only will this save paper but also save our poor little information overloaded brains! :-)
(From Aruni at Entrpremusings)
9 steps to clear business writing: guest post by Brad Shorr
"Be brief. Shakespeare said, "Brevity is the soul of wit." Blaise Pascal said, "I have made this letter longer than usual, only because I have not had the time to make it shorter." Brad says, "When in doubt, leave it out." Chipping away the excess makes your point as clear and memorable as an ice sculpture."
From: 9 steps to clear business writing - guest post by Brad Shorr at Word Sell Inc
And what you said...
I like point 7 (use a sounding board). I think it's fair to say that you can be your own sounding board, too, if no one else is around. By reading the piece out load you can see where it jars, where the rhythm doesn't flow and where it doesn't make sense.
(From Emma Bird at HowToItaly)
Getting clear on your point
"Focus on the reader: shift your focus from your words to the reader that you’re writing for and think about what you’re going to say from their perspective. What do they already know? What do they need to know? What’s the clearest and easiest way to get them there?"
From Getting clear on your point
Clear bullet points
"the importance of parallelism in bullet points. Yep, parallelism.
- The same part of speech
- The same sense and meaning
- The same grammatical form"
And what you said...
I think parallelism is a ton of fun when done well. It's a great way to create a rhythm or a mood in a piece.
(From Rebecca Thomas of Rebecca Thomas Designs)
More on clear bullet points
"I wanted to write something about bullet points and clarity because they help us to:
- break up our text
- signpost our words
- emphasise strong verbs"
From Bullet points: how not to write a "how to" guide
And what you said:
Bullet points are enormously effective for explaining product/service benefits to a customer. But to make bullet points work, you have to clearly think out and distinguish each particular benefit, and then express each one in the fewest possible words. It can be a laborious process, but the end result is a summary that sticks in the customer's mind and yours!
(From Brad Shorr at Word Sell Inc)
Clear visual impact
"The look of the page is the first thing your reader is going to see, long before they settle down to the actual content. And a clear layout will help your reader to:
- find their way through your words
- pick up your point quickly and easily
- read without visual distractions
- enjoy the experience - and come back for more
Thinking about visual impact requires us to shift perspective - from what the words say to how they look."
From Forget your words and look at the page
And what you said:
"in this day of quick-attention spans and skimming/scanning readership - as writers we must make our words easy to digest and remember."
(From Mike Sansone at Converstations)
Clear writing for rapport
"Clear writing can help us to establish rapport with our readers - pacing their experience, helping them to navigate their way through our words and creating a clear, uncluttered pathway that takes them straight to our point."
From A clear path through your words
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Joanna Young, The Confident Writing Coach
Because our words count
Welcome to Confident Business Writing: tips, advice and courses from me, Joanna Young, 