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Monday, December 5, 2016

Apologies for Wasting Your Time

Josh Bernoff's Soundview podcast examines how writers waste words (see below). The average reader spends 36 seconds on an article. I am guilty. 


He suggests fixes. 

  • Shorten...use word limits.
  • Get to the point. (Don't bury the lead)
  • Simplify. 
  • Avoid jargon unless necessary. 
  • Eliminate weasel words.
Clarity:




Avoid passive voice and weasel words (qualifiers and intensifiers).

We seek change via writing:

- Who is the audience?
- What is the objective?
- What do you want from the reader? 
- What will the reader think of you? 

Consider these when outlining. 

I will work not to wasteyour time. 

Here's Bernoff in the public domain...demanding better writing.