Simplify Your Writing for Better Understanding and Clarity
While in college, recall that when you had to write a paper, the first question was usually, who many pages does it have to be? You worried about filling up the pages by writing as many words as possible. While that approach may work in the academic arena, in the workplace, you should strive to simplify your writing for better understanding and better clarity. The goal should be to communicate in as few words as possible. The key to effective writing in the workplace is being clear and concise. Unless you are writing a fictional novel, keep it short and sweet.
Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address using just 286 words, and the Declaration of Independence has 1,332 words. Yet, some folks in the workplace write a dissertation when a simple short memo or email (we used to call them memos) will do. And think about it, which would you rather read, a clear and concise memo or a convoluted two page explanation containing way too much info and not getting to the point. Chances are you probably won’t even finish reading the document, what a drag!
So, whenever you write, your objective should be communicating in as few words as possible while still conveying your thoughts. It takes practice and conscious effort.
Try rewriting a recent memo with fewer words, even one fewer is better. Take baby steps and soon you will begin to automatically edit your writing as you go.