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.
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.