Visionary Writing Techniques #010
by John Onorato
We’re all busy, so I’ll keep this short.
There’s a lot of writing advice out there. Some of it works, and some doesn’t. Like with the other articles in this series, though, I’m going to address some fundamentals — address these issues, and watch your effectiveness with the written word soar.
As you know, I’m a professional freelance writer. What follows are several short tips that improved my writing immensely — and they can work for you as well.
Let’s dive in.
1 — “Shorten Your Opening Sentence.”
Is your opening sentence compelling? Check.
Is your opening sentence short? Check.
Is your opening sentence conversational? Check.
Does your opening sentence go on and on and on, seemingly without end, finally collapsing, exhausted, right next to the dustbin of failed sentences that might be run-ons but maybe not?
I reckon you can do the math on that one.
Example: “This is a post that’s going to help you become a better coach.”
This becomes: “I can help you.”
See? Shorter. Punchier. Better all-around.
2 — “I think”
Almost universally, this phrase adds exactly Zero Value to your writing. Delete to make your point stronger.
Saying “I think” is the literary equivalent of adding a question mark to your sentences.
In our daily speech, we say “I think” when we don’t know a thing for sure. But if you’re writing about it, it’s better to give the impression you know what you’re talking about. Hence, drop the “I think.”
Example:
“I think I slept poorly last night.”
This becomes: “I slept poorly last night.”
The latter form sounds more assertive, doesn’t it?
3 — “Running, Jumping, Climbing”
You can also drop words that end in “-ing.” Also known as gerunds (or verbs that function like nouns), the suffix makes the word softer. At the same time, it adds little value. Although proper use of gerunds can lend writing a lyrical quality, generally speaking your writing will read better if you avoid them.
Example:
“The forms we’re seeking are often disappointing and underwhelming.”
This becomes: “The forms we seek often disappoint and underwhelm.”
Notice how the punchier sentence has fewer words? It often works out this way 🙂
4 — “That”
This is a word which makes sense, but around 90% of the time you can omit it. Doing so will instantly make your sentences stronger.
Example:
“You thought that I was sleeping, but I wasn’t.”
This becomes: “You thought I was sleeping. I wasn’t.”
Sure, you can use this word to “pad” your word count, but do you really want to?
5 — “Short paragraphs. Shorter sentences.”
Most sentences you can cut right in half, immediately making them punchier and stronger. Having a two or three word sentence is not a crime.
At the same time, vary the length of your sentences in order to keep interest.
A good rule of thumb is to keep each paragraph to three sentences (or less.)
Remember: Readers LOVE white space.
So. Five tips, five opportunities to make your writing better. Let’s get out there and make the most of our words!
