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Don't Use Four Words When One Will Do

7/4/2015

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When I edit materials for others, it’s striking how frequently words can be cut from a sentence to improve how it reads.   One word could take the place of four.  None of us are immune to over-writing.  It’s easy to pick apart my own columns and blogs and observe, “How the heck did I let that go out the door?”

For example, take the opening sentence of this blog.  We could change it to a simple declarative statement:  “Cut words from your sentences to improve how they read.”  Neither the longer nor the shorter version is perfect.  One gets to the point more quickly.  The other gives a bit more background for a better feel about the subject matter.

Look back at what you write and see if you can remove 4, 5 or even 6 words from a sentence and find one that substitutes.  It’s a great exercise.

It forces you to hone in on your message.  It makes you get to the point.  It adds clarity.

Next time you put out a memo or a letter to your customers or you’re sending an important email to the leadership team, take five minutes and pick your two longest sentences.  Set a goal to shorten both of them.  Then dig into it.  Find the unnecessary words and cut, cut, cut.   Then read it aloud to yourself.  It will make you smile.


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