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0/ Good, concise writing is more than just writing. It’s art in its purest form. It’s expressing your thoughts like no other. It’s being YOU – and being you is powerful.
Here’s how to write less and say more...
[A THREAD]
Here’s how to write less and say more...
[A THREAD]
1/ Stick to your point like the bark to a tree
As a writer, focus is your weapon. It gives you the mental strength to think in one single direction. And helps you stay relevant to your topic at each step.
Don't make a point for the heck of it. Do it only when required.
As a writer, focus is your weapon. It gives you the mental strength to think in one single direction. And helps you stay relevant to your topic at each step.
Don't make a point for the heck of it. Do it only when required.
2/ Quit wasting words
Your words are precious, and so is your reader’s time. The more words you waste, the more time your reader loses.
So the next time you feel the urge to use words like “very”, “really” and “actually”, think again. You can do without them.
Your words are precious, and so is your reader’s time. The more words you waste, the more time your reader loses.
So the next time you feel the urge to use words like “very”, “really” and “actually”, think again. You can do without them.
3/ Write like you are talking to a “new” friend
The reason being simple – you are naturally more careful about what you say when talking to a new friend.
You choose your words wisely. You try to not make a bad impression. Above all, you speak concisely.
The reason being simple – you are naturally more careful about what you say when talking to a new friend.
You choose your words wisely. You try to not make a bad impression. Above all, you speak concisely.
4/ Say “no” to passive voice
Using active voice instead of passive voice makes a big difference.
Active voice example: Millions of people use Twitter.
Passive voice example: Twitter is used by millions of people.
Sentences written in an active voice are more concise & direct.
Using active voice instead of passive voice makes a big difference.
Active voice example: Millions of people use Twitter.
Passive voice example: Twitter is used by millions of people.
Sentences written in an active voice are more concise & direct.
5/ Be more precise
Replace your weak words with stronger ones. Because they make your writing more insightful and to the point.
Instead of saying, “The day was filled with exciting activities”, say, “The day was eventful”.
Explore your vocabulary and dig out the best words.
Replace your weak words with stronger ones. Because they make your writing more insightful and to the point.
Instead of saying, “The day was filled with exciting activities”, say, “The day was eventful”.
Explore your vocabulary and dig out the best words.
6/ Balance clarity with brevity
Don’t sacrifice clarity to achieve brevity. Have a strong balance between the two.
It’s a mistake to assume your reader knows everything. They can read your writing, not your mind. So take them by hand and spell it out for them.
Don’t sacrifice clarity to achieve brevity. Have a strong balance between the two.
It’s a mistake to assume your reader knows everything. They can read your writing, not your mind. So take them by hand and spell it out for them.
7/ Avoid falling in love with your words
Always treat your words like replaceable commodities. They’re only good if they add meaning to your writing. If not, feel free to remove or replace them.
Always treat your words like replaceable commodities. They’re only good if they add meaning to your writing. If not, feel free to remove or replace them.
8/ Be a writer first, then an editor
Writing is best done in a state of flow. Where you put your thoughts and ideas on paper in their raw form. The moment you stop to edit, this flow breaks.
Understand that what you write is not set in stone. You can always improve it later on.
Writing is best done in a state of flow. Where you put your thoughts and ideas on paper in their raw form. The moment you stop to edit, this flow breaks.
Understand that what you write is not set in stone. You can always improve it later on.
9/ Don’t sound like a broken record
Repeating yourself over and over again makes your writing look boring and clumsy.
Instead of writing the same thing several times, say it once and say it meaningfully. Create a smooth reader experience, not a confusing one.
Repeating yourself over and over again makes your writing look boring and clumsy.
Instead of writing the same thing several times, say it once and say it meaningfully. Create a smooth reader experience, not a confusing one.
10/ Use short, punchy sentences
Long, wordy sentences add bulk to your writing and trigger your reader’s “ignore-o-meter”.
Cultivate the habit of using short sentences. They’re fun to write, easier to read and help you convey your thoughts more clearly.
Long, wordy sentences add bulk to your writing and trigger your reader’s “ignore-o-meter”.
Cultivate the habit of using short sentences. They’re fun to write, easier to read and help you convey your thoughts more clearly.
What next? Practice till your fingers bleed!
It’s okay if you make little sense at first. It’s alright if you’re slow. It’s fine if you can’t get your creative juices flowing.
The point is to start writing like there’s no tomorrow. Then edit ruthlessly. You know, be merciless.
It’s okay if you make little sense at first. It’s alright if you’re slow. It’s fine if you can’t get your creative juices flowing.
The point is to start writing like there’s no tomorrow. Then edit ruthlessly. You know, be merciless.
