Clear Writing Critical to Make Your Point and Keep Your Readers Reading
The writer’s challenge is to explain something complex in a simple sentence. Writers fail by cluttering sentences with too much information, too many words and too many commas.
Gary Kinder, a lawyer-turned-writer and founder of WordRake, routinely offers advice on clear writing and good grammar. He has a gentle touch, noting that even writing giants like Ernest Hemingway can get lost in a forest of words:
“No one can say, on seeing a fighting bull in the corrals, whether that bull will be brave in the ring although, usually, the quieter the bull is, the less nervous he seems, the calmer he is, the more chance that he will turn out brave.” – Death in the Afternoon
Kinder is the equivalent of a writing guide. His presentations and blog posts show the path to tell stories and convey information so an audience reaches the intended destination. He also shows how stories can veer into a ditch of chaos.
He insists saying something simply is not antithetical to saying something worthwhile.
Clear Writing = Hard Work
Clear writing is not a natural trait. It’s not routinely part of elementary, secondary or collegiate language curricula, even though clear writing reflects clear thinking, a valuable trait in just about every occupation.
Kinder offers a practical reason for simple sentences. “If we have one job as writers, it is to keep our readers moving forward,” he wrote in a recent WordRake blog. “No matter how convoluted, complicated and confusing our writing sometimes needs to be, we shouldn’t make it even more convoluted, complicated and confusing by jamming one of our thoughts into the middle of one of our other thoughts.”
Some push back on his advice, saying the point is more important than sentence structure. That’s a false equivalence. If the sentence structure isn’t clear, the point can be muddy. Worse, it can confound readers and cause them to turn the page or swipe to another screen.
Creativity and Craftsmanship
Writing coaches encourage people to pour out their thoughts on paper or computer screens. However, that’s just half of good advice. The creative flow of thoughts needs to go through the crucible of craftsman-like editing to make words and sentences convey what you mean as clearly and precisely as possible. Typically, editing for simplicity and clarity takes far longer than creative output – and isn’t always as much fun.
Clear writing is an acquired taste for most writers because it demands discipline, concentration and a reader-friendly mindset. Professional writers understand – or should understand – they are writing for their audiences, not their diaries. Whether writing press releases, spy novels or scientific papers, clarity should always be the first priority to help readers get from Point A to the finish line.
Pride can be a roadblock to clear writing. Don’t be afraid to savage your own writing or seek other views. Ask an AI assistant to rewrite a sentence or paragraph. Do the same with a co-worker or gentle editor. They can offer instructive perspective on how else you could convey your meaning, perhaps with more impact and clarity than what you wrote.
Don’t fall for the excuse that simple sentences can’t convey complex thoughts. Some of the most memorable quotes are simple sentences.
“The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” – Dolly Parton
“The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are going.” – Oliver Wendall Holmes Jr.
To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.” – Reba McEntire
Consider Delete Key as a Badge of Honor
In an interview about his work as writing coach, Kinder advised, “You want to write like a human that is so clear, so concise, that anybody could understand it.”
“Creativity requires failure. That’s what the whole creative process is. It’s just a series of failures,” Kinder explained “Each time, you get closer to something good, you just want to write down whatever pops into your head and realize that it’s not going to be good. It’s not supposed to be good. It cannot be good if you’re doing it right.”
One of the greatest acts of courage by a writer is hitting the delete key over and over, plunging excess words and unnecessary phrases into editorial oblivion. The bravery to delete obstacles to understanding should be every writer’s badge of honor and their everyday practice. No sentence should be immune.
Overcoming Writer’s Block
Kinder offers simple advice about writer’s block – just start writing. Get something written that you can edit, organize and edit some more, taking as much time as needed to make the writing clear and cogent.
Some additional advice based on personal experience – if you don’t have something to say, don’t try writing it down. You can’t edit gibberish. Wait until thoughts cross your mind that can be turned into something meaningful to share. Then follow Kinder’s advice – write, organize and edit until you achieve clarity.
Useful Writing Tips
To improve clarity and readability, use active verbs, avoid jargon and be concise. Check your grammar and look up definitions of words to ensure you are using them correctly. Doublecheck facts and sources. Don’t repeat yourself, delete filler words and empty phrases and refrain from colloquial expressions that baffle younger audiences.
Most of all, know your subject matter and understand your audience. Try to find some joy in the writing experience. If you need help, call us.
