Post 272: Why it is important to be concise

Post 272: Why it is important to be concise

I am not a concise writer but Will Strunk in his book Elements of Style teaches students the value of concise writing. I remember learning to avoid unnecessary words,  jargon,  colloquialisms, slang, flowery words and cliches as a way to writing more concisely.

A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences..This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail and treat his subject only in outline, bu that every word tell. (Strunk, 1918)

Writing concisely leads to better communication. If you write a long and lengthy email, there is more chance for the person to misunderstand the message especially if you try to overwhelm the reader with too many facts and details all at the same time.

If you keep your emails short, concise and keep each email to one main idea, then you will have less chance of the reader misreading your message.

The shorter you keep your message, the more the reader will be able to focus on your message and understand what you say.  These days, I challenge myself to keep my email to just one sentence, or one question. I figure if I keep my email to just one sentence, no misunderstanding can occur.

Rationales for Clear, Concise Writing

1. Clear, concise writing always supports good communication and learning. (Vai, 49)

2. Using clear concise writing models an accessible style that learners might emulate. (Vai, 49)

3. Less is more.

It is a fact that the human brain can only take in three items at a time. After three items, the human brain fails to retain facts.

4. Enormous blocks of print overwhelm the reader.

5. Readers may be reluctant to read so many blocks of print and may skim your message, it is when readers skim your email that he misses important details of the message and misunderstandings occur.

6.  Keep your sentences clear and short.
Example from Strunk (1979)
Tom is the type of person who likes to eat out with a group of friends.
Better more concise example:
Tom likes to eat out with friends.

7. By avoiding jargon, colloquialisms, you widen the chance people can understand you if you speak in a clear manner.

If you keep your writing concise, people will be able to understand you better. For me, personally, being concise is difficult, but it is a skill I am trying hard to master for better communication and writing skills.