Why Writing Less is More: The Wisdom of a Few Words
By Michael StelznerOne hour of endless talking is about 25 pages of transcribed content.
How do I know this?
I teach a lot of one-hour classes. When the transcripts arrive I’m facing reams of pages.
Why should you care?
As a writer, you’re faced with an endless supply of content.
The challenge is boiling down concepts into brief, yet relevant paragraphs.
It is ALWAYS more work to write with fewer words. But the rewards are great.
Consider the following example:
The wordy option (I sourced this from a recent news story):
Some 3,000 gold miners were trapped a mile underground Wednesday when falling pipe damaged the elevator, but the company began rescuing workers through a smaller shaft and estimated it would take 10 hours to get them all out. There were no injuries and there was no immediate danger to any of the workers in Harmony Gold Mining Co.’s Elandsrand Mine, company and union officials said.
My reduced option:
Stranded a mile underground, nearly 3,000 gold miners are safely being evacuated via a small shaft. Their ordeal began when a a falling pipe caused an elevator to malfunction.
When you eliminate excess words, your readers will stick with you longer. The result: your words are read and just maybe you’ll establish a loyal following.
Do you find it difficult to say or write in fewer words? Have you mastered this skill? If so, share your secrets.
P.S. I spent about 40 minutes writing and refining this article for your eyes.
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