This morning's Daily Writing Habits newsletter was about the difference between writing CLEARLY and COMPLICATED-LY.
Here's a brief explanation 👇
dailywritinghabits.substack.com/p/write-at-a-5…
Here's a brief explanation 👇
dailywritinghabits.substack.com/p/write-at-a-5…
99% of readers don't care whether your writing is written at a 5th grade or 8th grade or collegiate level.
What they care about is that they can UNDERSTAND you.
Clarity is all that matters.
What they care about is that they can UNDERSTAND you.
Clarity is all that matters.
Aspiring writers waste a lot of energy trying to "sound" professional, or "sound" intelligent.
The end result is their writing comes across as the opposite.
The reader can FEEL you are trying too hard.
And they end up confused as to what you're actually trying to say.
The end result is their writing comes across as the opposite.
The reader can FEEL you are trying too hard.
And they end up confused as to what you're actually trying to say.
Instead, you're far better off writing in simple language, first.
THEN, if you want to trade out adjectives and "elevate" your vocabulary/tone, go for it.
That's a style choice—not a clarity choice.
THEN, if you want to trade out adjectives and "elevate" your vocabulary/tone, go for it.
That's a style choice—not a clarity choice.
But if you can't say what you're trying to say using simple language, then you're definitely not going to be able to say it using "elevated language."
So, don't start there.
Write for a 5th-grade audience, first.
If your message is coming through clearly, elevate from there.
So, don't start there.
Write for a 5th-grade audience, first.
If your message is coming through clearly, elevate from there.
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