3. ¿What is it?
When writing, it is important to keep your messages
concise. What does concise mean? “go straight to the
point”. As a reader, we don’t need to have to wade
through a four line sentence in order to figure out what
you mean.
Concise writing is respectful of the reader’s time.
4. If you want me to meet you for lunch, send me an e-mail
that says:
“Lily, would you like to meet me for dinner today at
night?”
This first example tells me exactly what the writer
wants, and I don’t have to request further clarification
to answer the request.
5. “Lily, I am getting hungry. I was wondering if you
were hungry too. When people are hungry, that is
a sign that they need to eat. Since we might both
be hungry, I was perhaps wondering if you might
care to join me for a meal in the near future?”
The second example is long and hard to follow. I refer
to this as a blah, blah, blah message. The writer doesn’t
just come out and ask the question. Maybe I will have
to seek further clarification in order to answer.
6. When you write an e-mail request, stop and read it
before you press send. Ask yourself the following
questions:
Is my request direct and to the point?
Are there extra words in the request?
Is there a more direct way to phrase the request?
Can the reader answer the question without having to
request clarification?
7.
8. Vague generalities
Generalization is:
broad statement without specific detail.
an extension of the concept to less-specific criteria.
a foundational element of logic and human reasoning.
Vague generalities are general statements which are not
detailed. (obvious statements)
E.g.
All animals that have feathers are birds.
9. Idle words
In speaking , we allow ourselves many extra words.
This habit often carries over into writing. As you edit,
test each word to see whether you can eliminate it. If
the meaning of the sentence does not change, leave it
out.
Automatic and other wordy phrases: phrases that
contribute nothing to a discussion. They appear at the
beginnings of sentences. If you find a wordy phrase,
remove it and reread the passage.
10. Wordy Phrase Concise wording
At this point in time Now,then
Do to the fact that because
In spite of the fact that Even though
In case if
in any case anyway
In the final analysis finally
Communicate to/with tell
11. Useless modifiers: such us obviously, absolutely,
fortunately, hopefully, really and totally .They make a
sentence sound forceful.
12. Redundancy
Public spealerks are often advised “Tell them what
you’re going to say; say it; then tell them whatyou said.”
In speaking ,repetition helps listeners understand.
When you write, try to make your point once,
concisely.
Needless repetition is called Redundancy.
13. Redundant phrases
First ever
Full and complete
Past history
Red in color
Final result
Personal opinion
Each and every
14.
15. Elliptical constructions
Some special clauses in English, in which certain words
are omitted. They help avoid unneeded repetition.
Mary couldn’t complete the course, but I don’t know
why (she couldn’t complete the course).
Mike has two children, and Joe has five (Joe has five
children).
16.
17. Euphemism
An inoffensive word or phrase that is replacing one
considered harsh or indelicate. Our conversations are
full of euphemisms,specially when we are talking
about money, death and sex.
My grandmother passed away last week (died)
The newspaper said the president was tired and
emotional. (drunk)
18. What it Says What it Means
Adult entertainment Pornography
Batting for the other side Homosexual
Between jobs Unemployed
Bun in the oven Pregnant
Comfort women Prostitute
Disinformation Lie
Do your business Defecate
Full bodied Obese
Indisposed Sick
19. Conclusion
To help the reader understand what you write, make your
writing direct (expressing ideas plainly) and concise
(using few unnecessary words). It will help you avoid
being imprecise and wordy.
20. Exercises
At this point in time we can't ascertain
the reason as to why the screen door
was left open.
