The Three Quickest (and Easiest) Ways to Improve Your Writing
by Debra Koontz Traverso
Copyright 2002-2008 Debra Koontz Traverso.
All rights reserved in all media.
The content of this article may be forwarded in full without special permission provided it is used for not-for-profit purposes and full attribution and copyright notice are given. For all other purposes, contact Debra Koontz Traverso at Debra@DebraTraverso.com
Want to improve your writing? Then set your goal to be to express, not to impress. To get
you started, try these three easy tips:
1. Be brief
Robert Southey said, "If you would be pungent, be brief; for it is as with words as with
sunbeams. The more they are condensed, the deeper they burn."
And oh, as writers, how we do want our words to burn — into the souls of our readers.
Unfortunately, we often think that the more words we give, the greater that burn will be.
Fact is, just the opposite is true — tightly written, colorful, descriptive, and pared-down
prose will burn into readers' hearts and minds more quickly than rambling, redundant and
unnecessary text. Why? Several reasons: The shorter your writing, the better chance it has
of being read. And, people enjoy prolific people: saying the same thing with fewer words
as opposed to many words brands you as prolific, not the fact that you know a thousand
multi-syllabic words. And finally, it's easier to remember three pithy words than it is
10 that wander about.
The concept that "less is more" may have started in architecture but could not be more
appropriate in our writing.
2. Be clear
Be aware that many words carry both connotative and denotative meanings, which can mean
subtle, yet significant differences between what you meant to say and how readers interpret
your meaning. As the following delightful poem points out, your positive denotative words
may carry with them some negative connotative interpretations. What words might you be
using that confuse your readers?
Call a woman a kitten, but never a cat;
You can call her a mouse, cannot call her a rat;
Call a woman a chick, but never a hen;
Or you surely will not be her caller again.
You can call her a duck, cannot call her a goose;
You can call her a deer, but never a moose;
You can call her a lamb, but never a sheep;
Economic she likes, but you can't call her cheap.
(Note: And by the way, this is one of those millions of little ditties that skip around
cyberland without accompanying attribution or contact information. If anyone can verify
the author/origin of this poem, please let me know as I would love to give appropriate credit.)
3. Be a storyteller
If you want to grab attention, then tell a story. Whether you're writing a brochure to
sell leather, a Web site to discuss water-proof rain gear, or a book about a famous
podiatrist, tell a story rather than merely listing rote facts, such as the features
of the boots that a foot doctor would recommend.
Instead, tell readers how these same boots were worn, thanks to a trusted doctor's
recommendation, by a weary bush pilot in sub-zero Alaskan weather and how they saved
him from certain frostbite after his plane crashed in the remote northern-most portion
of the state.
Stories grab and hold attention. And, they intrigue readers to keep reading until the
story's happy — or bittersweet — end.
Bottom Line: If you write to express rather than to impress, then your writing
will automatically be more impressive.
Debra Koontz Traverso, M.A., is a creative and commercial writer, public
speaker and consultant, having published several books and hundreds of
articles. She also serves as a guest instructor at Harvard University and as
adjunct faculty at her local community college. She can be reached at Debra@DebraTraverso.com.
Copyright 2002-2008 Debra Koontz Traverso.
All rights reserved in all media.
The content of this article may be forwarded in full without special permission provided it is used for not-for-profit purposes and full attribution and copyright notice are given. For all other purposes, contact Debra Koontz Traverso at Debra@DebraTraverso.com
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