Get Straight to the Point
Every time you write or present something in business, you’re aiming to convey a message. You want your audience to understand, act on, or feel something. However, many business communicators struggle to get their point across effectively. They often bury their main message in too many words, making it hard for their audience to grasp.
Why Smaller is Better
Think about it: your readers, just like you, are bombarded with information constantly. They’re multitasking, and studies show that they decide within seconds whether to engage with an email or not. To cut through this information overload, your messages need to be concise and to the point.
Consider Harry Houdini’s escape acts. He knew that the longer the rope used to bind him, the easier it was for him to break free. Similarly, in writing, the more words you use, the easier it is for your message to get lost.
Writing Less, Saying More
So, how can you ensure your message doesn’t get lost in the noise? One key strategy is ruthless editing. Write freely in your first draft, then go back and cut out anything that doesn’t directly contribute to your main point.
Look for opportunities to trim down your writing. Often, there are unnecessary words that can be eliminated without losing meaning. For example, consider the phrase “Free Tanning – Inquire Within.” The words “inquire within” are redundant; if it’s a tanning salon offering free tanning, where else would you inquire?
Another trick is to write like you talk. This might sound simple, but it takes practice. Writing in a conversational style can make your message more engaging and easier to understand.
However, this informal style might not be suitable for all business contexts. While it works well for online content and consumer-focused materials, it may not be appropriate for technical documents or proposals.
In the end, writing concisely isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort. By getting straight to the point, you increase the likelihood that your audience will understand and act on your message.
