Cognitive overload can be alarming. Too much information can be difficult to process and lead to an unsatisfying experience, whether it is reading an academic paper or an email. The more verbiage you use, the more diluted your point becomes. To increase the impact of your language and arguments, be concise. Here are three tips to help you be more succinct:
1. Eliminate meaningless words.
Ask yourself, “Does this word add meaning to the thought I want to convey?” If you did not include the word in the sentence, would it change the message? If the answer is no, get rid of it. Words like “just,” “very,” “actually or “I think” are empty words in that they usually do not enhance the meaning of your thought. If you are writing a piece from your perspective, saying “I think” is unnecessary because what you are writing is what you think.
When you use words like “or” or “and,” does the language after the conjunction help to communicate your point? If you can communicate your point without providing the reader with too many options, the more concise your writing will be.
2. Ask yourself, “Do I need to write this, or do I want to write this?”
If the next sentence repeats the idea conveyed in the previous sentence, consider eliminating it. Writers sometime use repetition as a technique to emphasize a point. Done well, subsequent sentences add an element not communicated in the previous sentence. Repetition otherwise weakens your argument if not utilized properly.
Repetition is often used to express strong emotions like excitement and anger. If you are thrilled to have secured a job, you don’t need to write a multi-paragraph post. A few tight sentences will be more impactful. If you are furious about a public policy, a diatribe will not get your op-ed published in the newspaper. A few brief paragraphs will sufficiently communicate your point. When you write emotive content, avoid repeating your point.
If you place language within parenthesis, you are indicating to the reader that either the content within the parenthesis is less important or something in the main sentence needs explanation. If the thought is unimportant, eliminate it. If you are using the parenthesis to explain something, try to communicate this more clearly in the main sentence.
3. Ask yourself, “How likely will the other person read this?”
After you have finished drafting, ask yourself if what you wrote is too long. Would you read everything you wrote? If not, don’t expect others to read it. Don’t waste people’s time, including yours. Take out content that is irrelevant or that can be reserved for another time.
Eliminate hollow words, and ask yourself the hard questions: “Do I need to communicate this, or do I want to say this?” and “Is the recipient going to read everything I wrote?” Do everyone a favor and be brief. People will more likely read what you wrote, and you won’t have to write as much.
What tips do you use to be more concise in your writing? Share with me your stories and thoughts.
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2022-02-01 13:30:00Z
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