Write with everyday language, be succinct and clear, and get to the point.
When it comes to your writing, whether it is creative or business, we can tell people a lot without saying too much.
One way we keep our writing simple is by using everyday language. I love my thesaurus, but if I have to look up a synonym because I don’t know what it means, then I shouldn’t use it. Similarly, we want to make sure in our writing we use words that people understand. We leave out “corporate speak” or jargon, and cut to the chase.
For example, typical jargon: “We need to drill down and leverage our low-hanging fruit because it’s a game changer. Let’s bring synergy to the table.”
If you’re in corporate, you probably know what all that means. But the majority do not, even internally. Say what you mean.
“We need to investigate this idea to gain control over the project. The results will increase employee efficiency and sales. Working together will help accomplish this goal.” That’s what the jargon means. But…
How about this: “Let’s work together to boost employee morale and make our company strong. Here’s our focus…”
Write simply to appeal to your audience.
Creative writing made simple
Writing creatively can allow more leeway for description. But even then, if we write too much detail, the reader could be lost. Or bored.
Simple writing is more than reducing words, which helps. Using the right words, being succinct, being clear, means that your reader gets the point quickly.
For example: “After years of training for the Olympics, overcoming obstacles with family and his own self-doubt, and even the occasional fight with his predators, the fox was ready. He combed his nutmeg-colored fur before the event, peered into the mirror, and smiled. Yup, today’s the day. From afar, he spotted the golden retriever napping under the warm sun…”
You get the idea where this is leading: “The quick, brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.”
Especially when we write creative content for our brand and business, applying for a grant, even writing a letter to a donor, do we need to get to the point. Even novels are more interesting when the sentences stop short of dragging on.
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